Meet The Illustrator: Darya Beklemesheva

Name: Darya Beklemesheva

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. 

I suppose I have an eclectic style. Perhaps you can call it "decorative realism."

What items are an essential part of your creative space? 

Since I create my illustrations manually, I need several things for my work: paints (watercolour, acrylic, gouache), various brushes and rollers to create textures; paper, scissors and glue.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium? 

I'm working in a collage technique. I've tried many different techniques (watercolours, different types of printing techniques, lino cut), but my favourite technique is still collage.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.At the moment, the artists I am inspired with are Victoria Semykina, Phoebe Wahl, Olga Ezova-Denisova.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why? 

I believe that we were very lucky to live in an era of great freedom in art in general and in illustration in particular. We have an opportunity to choose from a very large number of styles, techniques and directions that are close to us. Therefore, it is our time that is of the greatest value to me.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? 

My love of book illustration originated from childhood. My family always appreciated good children's books with quality illustrations. When I was little, in Russia there was a fairly strong illustrative school. Such masters as Charushin, Konashevich, Diodorov undoubtedly influenced the choice of my profession.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process? 

I think that I love the whole process of working on an illustration from inventing to scanning and final processing in Photoshop. But the most wonderful moment is, of course, when the illustration is completed and you understand that it worked out as planned.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

For beginners, I would advise you to believe in your strengths, constantly learning and development, set new goals for yourself (since there is no limit to perfection) and go after your dream.

Darya began to draw from early childhood. She drew the first book when she was 8 years old. Darya graduated from art college and university at the faculty of graphics in book graphics discipline and still continues to study in various courses and intensives. She works with various publishers in Russia and abroad.

For more information, please visit Darya's website or follow her on instagram.