How long have you been illustrating and what made you start?
Hi! My name is Elena, I live in St. Petersburg in Russia with my husband and my son who was born in June 2021. I am 32 years old and already 5 years as a painter. I've been drawing all my life, but I didn't think drawing would become my profession. At one point I decided I wanted to draw more and make a living as an illustrator. So I started looking for commissions. My first customers came from Instagram. At first I drew portraits, and then I realized that I liked to draw cute girls and animals more.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I really love beautiful children's books, I love to see other artists' illustrations. I'm also inspired by cozy things - drinking hot coffee, wrapping myself in a warm scarf, looking at the fire, listening to the rain, and the like.
Where is your favourite place to illustrate?
This is my workspace at home. I have a big white desk, a comfy chair, a whiteboard with pictures, lots of pencils and drawing tools. It's nice, comfortable and cozy for me.
What are your illustrating/colouring material essentials?
I draw on paper with rulers, watercolours, and Faber Castell, Derwent, and Koh-i-Noor coloured pencils. I also draw on my computer and iPad. My favourite programs are Paint Tool Sai, Adobe Photoshop and Procreate.
What’s the piece of work that you’re most proud of or enjoyed doing the most?
One of my favorite jobs is a raccoon wizard in the woods. Something about this illustration hooked me, it's one of my favourites. And I'm also a little proud every time I see that I've gotten a little bit better at drawing.
It's important to see your skills grow. It's important to notice your progress, even if it's very small. Nothing will work out only if you do nothing. If you are going through a rough patch in your life, remember - it will pass. Be patient. And better yet, take coloured pencils and colour it. I wish you success!
