Illustrations for Fruity Bingo

I have really only done one commission, and that was for Fruity Bingo, a gaming site for gay men. But I’m hoping to have more clients.

When they first asked me, I was very hesitant. But in hindsight, I’m glad that I let myself be persuaded. Since I don’t work with colour or technology, my task was to create the characters for the site’s playing cards that were to appear in the online video poker games. They helped me with the rest. On the other hand, neither Rembrandt nor Andy Warhol created their paintings themselves.



Every colour has a theme: construction workers, leather, sailors and cowboys. Every king, queen and jack has his/her own personality and pose. The queens were the hardest to create.



To date, my work for Fruity Bingo has resulted in five video poker games: Jacks or Better, Pride Poker, Bonus Poker, Aces and Faces and Tens or Better. I see my work as a celebration of the world that was opened up to me at the end of the 1970s.

How Leif became Leif of Sweden
Since one of the guys who was involved in the project at the design agency also was called Leif, they jokingly began to refer to me as Leif of Sweden. First I thought it was kind of silly. But since I’m a huge fan of Tom of Finland I began to feel happy and honoured. One of the guys even suggested they call the games ”Leif of Sweden’s Video Poker” and I couldn’t help but find it funny.

As the work progressed, so did my confidence, and I started to consider a web page of my own. I do want to be visible, but at the same time I don’t. That’s when they came up with their next smart idea. ”Why don’t you continue working as Leif of Sweden”? they asked. So I’d like to thank them for helping me make this web site. The games can be played at www.fruitybingo.com

The cards are for those who appreciate male beauty.