Derya is an award winning creative artist and illustrator specialising in digital & traditional art. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile and Fashion Design. Derya has had the honour of working with world renowned fashion companies and is one of the top, most sought after selling illustrators in the microstock market with thousands of vector and 3D illustrations available worldwide. She works as a freelance artist and has created her own personal brand of colouring books, each page designed with love using her one-of-a-kind, signature illustration style. Derya takes pleasure in experiencing how people from all over the world bring to life each of her illustrations with their own amazing creativity and colour schemes.
How long have you been illustrating and what made you start?
I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil. It's something that came naturally to me, and I always knew I wanted to pursue it as a career. So when it came time to choose what I wanted to do with my life, there was no question in my mind – I would go to the best art university and become an artist. So after graduating high school, I took aptitude tests and ended up getting a high degree from there. This jumpstarted my career; during that time, I won many competitions.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I'm always grateful for my imagination, which is my greatest source of inspiration. I love to incorporate elements of nature, history or people into my illustrations. I never plan the details of my illustrations before I start creating them the results are always a surprise to me. I simply enjoy the process of creating!
Where is your favourite place to illustrate?
My cozy little studio in my home.
What are your illustrating/colouring material essentials?
I enjoy working with both traditional and digital mediums. Sometimes I like to combine the two. I especially enjoy using mixed media when colouring my illustrations.
What’s the piece of work that you’re most proud of or enjoyed doing the most?
Well, this question is hard to answer. I take pride in all of my illustrations that I create for people to colour. It's fascinating to see how people from all over the world interpret my work with their own colours.
Colouring and art are all about expression and having fun! Don't worry about how your work will turn out, or if the colours are perfect. Just enjoy the process and always stay connected to your inner child - the source of your creativity!
