Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anastasia Merzlaya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anastasia, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I enjoyed drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Thinking backward, I can’t really spot any particular moment in my life when I learned to love art. I guess, it was always in me. Even in kindergarten, I preferred art activities over other children’s games. I was always doodling little critters on loose pieces of paper, corners of my grandparents’ newspapers and even wallpaper in our house. Each animal had its unique name and a little story, sometimes even a short poem created by me.

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 the 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 illustration. For a couple of years I’m working professionally as children’s illustrator, creating books and gift cards.

Everybody has its own way of starting their artistic career, and mine wasn’t straight and clear. Sometimes I was contemplating that I will never be able to work professionally as an illustrator, but here am I. It’s never too late to start!

Anastasia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi everyone! I’m Anastasia (or simply Ana), and I’m a children’s illustrator from Norway.

As I mentioned, I have been working professionally as an illustrator for a couple of years. Among other projects, I’ve illustrated four children’s books.
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.

I’m specializing in books for children of the kindergarten age. And 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.

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.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being creative is a reward in itself. To make something that never existed before, something that is unique and expresses my identity. I guess, it in a way makes life fulfilled.

Of course, not only that. It’s also a great pleasure to hear that books or games I’ve created bring a smile to somebody’s face. Maybe it’s a gift card that they will save for years. Maybe it’s an illustration that made them laugh. Or maybe it’s a game that brought their happy childhood memories back. Such words are more precious to me than any award.

But even though I like working on client projects, I spend lots of time painting by myself – simply because creating pictures brings me joy and reminds me of my own childhood. Starting from the idea of a picture coming to my mind, through the quick sketches and final brush strokes, to the moment when I look at the finished piece (and even later when I make occasional glances at the wall in my studio where I hung it). I simply feel happy at those moments.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Definitely the Internet!

I was growing up without the internet and started to use it only in my university years. I really wish I had it earlier in my life, and it does make a difference: one can learn anything from there. For example, I have found there lots of resources for anatomical drawing, which was an important step in making my characters more “alive”. Before that, I felt that I lacked this knowledge and couldn’t get it elsewhere except in an art university. But nowadays, I think, one doesn’t necessarily have to attend any art school to gain art knowledge.

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.

Contact Info:

• Website: almostana.no
• Instagram: instagram.com/follow.the.blackbird