RAPID FIRE: ANASTASIYA KUNETS

“...the main resource you need to get is diligence. Here I can cite a quotation of a French author Roger Martin du Gard:
‘Talent is fireworks without effort: for a moment it blinds, and then nothing remains’.”

Anastasiya Kunets is influenced by classical art and literature. She produces her elegant and striking work using a mixture of traditional and digital techniques. We spoke with Anastasiya about her influences and techniques and she shares her thoughts on the importance of diligence within her creative practice. You can view more of Anastasiya’s work in Pictoria Volume.1, The Best Contemporary Illustrators Worldwide.

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi! My name is Anastasiya Kunets, I am a graphic artist and illustrator.

How would you describe your work?

It’s a mix of classic and modern art.

How do you go about creating your artwork? Do you prefer to work digitally or with traditional media?

I’m very inspired by classical art so in my artworks I combine traditional drawing techniques (when I start with paper and pencil or watercolor painting) and Photoshop effects. It seems to me that mixing something traditional, classical with some modern approaches toward the art makes it possible to receive a unique result.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently I’m working on several projects at the same time: the first one is a project of fashion illustrations for a jewellery brand, and the second one is my personal project of artwork based on works by Dante. As you see I cannot do without classical plots :)

Who or what are the top five inspirations for your work?

For me there is no particular source to found inspiration for my artworks because I think art nowadays is a way to communicate with audience: the way to transmit your thoughts and opinions and the way to get the response as a viewers’ reaction. So if I chose my top five inspirations it would be: everything that occurs around in the world and locally, the people I meet, the stuff that I read, the artists and their artworks which are ideals for me.

What's one resource every artist, illustrator or designer should know about?

Working in creative area assumes a lot of efforts which is not so obvious to everyone. So the main resource you need to get is diligence. Here I can cite a quotation of a French author Roger Martin du Gard: ‘Talent is fireworks without effort: for a moment it blinds, and then nothing remains’.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned during your time working in the creative industries?

I’ve got three :) 1) Don’t stop learning. 2) Don’t be afraid to be a novice in something. 3) Be honest and be yourself in your artworks.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Every time when I send my artworks to some exhibitions or I present my work to a client I am really nervous: what would be the reaction? what would be the critics’ opinion? would they like the work I’ve done?… but as I said previously the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and to do a high quality, excellent and unforgettable artwork :)

What are your professional goals for the next year?

To develop and raise further, to share my art with larger number of people. To find new stories to develop and to enjoy my work! This is the most important :)