Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Merzlaya

Hi Anastasia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am a children’s illustrator from Norway. It took a long time to pursue an artistic path, but now I’m glad I can work as an artist professionally.

I enjoyed drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Even in kindergarten, I preferred art over other children’s activities. I was always doodling little critters on all loose pieces of paper that I could find, corners of my grandparents’ newspapers and even wallpaper in our house. Each animal had a unique name and a little story, and sometimes I even came up with a short poem about them.

Later, in school, I was still passionate about art, but homework was often standing in my way. I’d really wish I could visit an art school after classes, or even study at an art university, but unfortunately, we couldn’t afford it. Instead, I pursued an academic career in science, physics to be precise. But I can’t say I regret it: it not only exercised my brain to think of creative solutions but also gave me lots of opportunities to interact with school and university students and learn how to explain complicated things in a simple way. Moreover, it’s really great to have an insight into the nature of the Universe and how it was created! I think it gave me a lot of inspiration in art as well.

After obtaining a PhD degree, I got more spare time and could dedicate some of it to art. For a few years now I work professionally as a children’s illustrator, creating books, games and gift cards.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Everybody has their own way of starting their artistic career, and mine wasn’t straight and clear. Sometimes I contemplated that I would never be able to work professionally as an illustrator. I felt that I lacked academic art education, and didn’t see the way to obtain it. But as modern technologies developed, everybody now has a chance to learn anything on the internet. There are many courses on colour theory, anatomical drawing and still life. However, I must add, that even though internet resources give a fast way of learning, trying things on your own is very important. It’s crucial to try to experiment and try to do things by yourself. Play with drawing/painting materials, techniques, and even digital tools. It is a much longer way, but it is also more rewarding. It gives a better understanding of not only your art tools, but also your style.

The most crucial quality for those who want to pursue an artistic career is resilience: no matter how talented you are it’s very hard to get noticed, and even harder to not give up. It took a long time before I got my first book commission, and I can’t say that getting a second commission was easier: there is a huge competition nowadays after ipads became widely popular and many people are trying to get job as illustrators. But it’s important to not give up and quit your artistic career when you get several rejections. Who knows – maybe the next offer will change your career!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

About a few years ago I decided to pursue an artist career and started working professionally as an illustrator. I’m specializing in books for kindergarten kids, and I’ve illustrated four children’s books. I believe in the power of books: not only they can introduce a child to a wider world, but also help a child to deal with new emotions and experiences.

I’ve also published seven hand-drawn and animated PC games (mostly for children). One of which, “Invite the Blackbird”, was listed in the best 10 Norwegian games.

But creating illustrations is not just a job for me, I really enjoy drawing these cute characters, especially different animals gathering together for a cup of tea with a pie or for a hide-and-seek game. Spending time with these critters makes me smile and unites me with my inner child.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

Right now I live in a little house by the Norwegian fjord. Nature is absolutely gorgeous here! Mountains, sea, forest.
For most of my life, I lived in a big city with its busy life, dusty air, illumination and loud noises. And when I moved to a small village, it seemed like a wonderful and magical world. Apart from fresh air and calmness, every night I can watch the night sky filled with millions of stars. In summer my little garden fills with the cheerful buzzing of bumblebees and songs of little birds. Sometimes I notice forest critters wandering by my house: hedgehogs, squirrels, deer. Living surrounded by nature gives me infinite inspiration.

What is hard to get used to is short days in winter. Every year it is difficult for me to adjust to the winter regime when it is still dark when I wake up and already dark when I return home. Winter is very long and cold on the north and there is very little sun. But I’m trying to find something positive in it: for example, it is very cosy to sit next to the fireplace while large white snowflakes fly on the dark background of the window.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.almostana.no/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/follow.the.blackbird/
• Other: https://anamerzlaya.itch.io/