Today we’d like to introduce you to Alla Karasik.

Hi Alla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Art has always been a part of my life, but my creative path has taken a few twists and turns along the way. I initially pursued a career in fashion design because of my love for fashion and streetwear. This led me to mastering CAD design, and as my career grew, freehand drawing and creating art just for fun took a backseat.
However, in 2018, more as a stress relief I began to color in adult color books. That reminded me how much I loved to draw, I felt a strong pull to return to drawing—this time without any digital tools, just pure hand-drawn creativity. I started creating silly characters with fun, expressive faces, which reignited my passion for art. That’s when my character O was born, becoming the heart of my work. Through O, I explore themes of curiosity, self-reflection, and the magic of everyday life.
Since then, I’ve been growing Alla K Art with a focus on paintings, art prints, apparel, and stickers that bring joy and inspiration. I’ve showcased my work in galleries, participated in exhibitions, and have been fortunate to connect with a supportive artist community in New York and beyond. Every step of this journey has been magic reaffirmed my belief in the power of art to connect, uplift, and inspire.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has helped shape my journey. Although I have tried my hand in many forms of art, I had never learned how to paint and was quite intimidated by the thought of bringing O from a digital creation into a painting. I was so used to working digitally in my fashion career that transitioning to traditional painting felt like stepping into unknown territory. There was a learning curve, and at times, I doubted whether I could translate O’s energy and expression onto a canvas the way I envisioned.

Beyond the technical challenges, navigating the art world itself has been overwhelming. It moves so fast, and I wasn’t sure where O fit into it all. Figuring out how to introduce O to the world—what spaces made sense, what opportunities to pursue, and how to bring my vision to the right audience—was a struggle. There’s no clear roadmap, and in the beginning, it felt like I was just throwing things out there, trying to see what would stick.

But over time, I started trusting the process. I connected with other artists, sought out exhibitions, and kept pushing forward despite the uncertainty. Every experience, whether a success or a learning moment, has helped me gain clarity and confidence in O’s place in the art world. It’s still a journey, but I’ve learned that as long as I stay true to my vision and keep creating, O will find the right audience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

My work revolves around O, a character I created who embodies curiosity, emotion, and a sense of wonder. Although O is a character, she doesn’t really fit into the classic “character art” category—she’s not a comic book figure or a fantasy character. The way I depict her in my artwork is quite different from most traditional character art. O can be anything from a fashion symbol to the essence of a full-scale emotional story. She exists in a space where art, symbolism, and storytelling merge, making her a unique character.
What I am most proud of is exactly the thing that made it difficult in the beginning—O is a chameleon. She can be and portray many emotions, shifting between lighthearted and deeply introspective themes. This fluidity allows me to explore different ideas, emotions, and artistic styles without being confined to a single genre. She adapts to different contexts while maintaining her core essence, my favorite part of the art journey is telling stories with and through O.
I specialize in blending traditional and digital mediums to create artwork that sparks thought, curiosity, and connection. My work incorporates elements of nature, esoteric symbols, and emotional storytelling, all centered around O. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create art—I create experiences and narratives that invite people to see a bit of themselves in O. At the end of the day, my goal is to continue pushing boundaries with O and to keep expanding my own skills through creating her, we are evolving together.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to trust your creative instincts and follow where they lead you. When an idea strikes, just go with it—you never know where it might take you. O was created in a spontaneous moment when I remembered something nostalgic from my childhood. I didn’t overthink it; I just followed that thread, and it led me to an entirely new artistic journey. Some of the best ideas come when you least expect them, so allow yourself to explore without hesitation.

Another important lesson is to create what you love. When you stay true to what excites and inspires you, it will take you on the most magical journey. Your passion will shine through in your work, and that authenticity is what will ultimately connect with people.

Don’t be afraid to play and take risks—that’s how you discover your unique voice and style. Experimentation is a crucial part of growth. Some things will work, some won’t, but every step teaches you something valuable. Embrace the process, and don’t let the fear of “getting it wrong” hold you back.

And finally, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that community is everything. Reach out to people, make friends in the area you’re creating in, and build genuine connections. The art world (or any creative field) can feel overwhelming, but having a network of like-minded individuals makes all the difference. Support, inspiration, and opportunities often come from the relationships you nurture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://allakart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allak_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071471057727