We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katia Eggcloud a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Katia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was in my early thirties. Even though I have been drawing since I was a child, always sketching in my notebooks and creating little pieces of art for friends and family. During the 90’s in Poland my grandma would always buy me sketchbooks with some catchy covers, always telling me: ‘draw every day, whatever you want, and when you finish I’ll bring you another one’ (I guess she simply knew that I struggle to accept things coming to an end in general, something I like to call the-running-out-of-face-cream-syndrome, so having two of them gives me some peace, while just one leaves me with anxiety) And so I did. I drew little houses, small rooms, colourful skies, cute animals, pink clouds, purple mountains, plants and dinosaurs, which I had been keen on for quite some time. I still remember how enchanting seeing “The Jurassic Park” for the first time was, how life-changing for a child was that popcorn movie. Dinosaurs have been my companions ever since, more than I could even admit. All in all, drawing and those little, for some adults maybe meaningless things, were something I loved deeply, but I never thought it could be more than a hobby or passion in general. I didn’t have enough self-confidence to believe it could become my career. I can’t say that there was any specific turning point. I didn’t have a story such as “It wasn’t until I attended a local art exhibition with a friend that everything changed”. My love for creating has been building over years of education, sketching, taking part in various art challenges. I’m on my way to improve every day, keeping in mind words I’ve learnt during art classes: ‘If you don’t like drawing something, draw it every day’. One of these assignments led me to creating my egg-cloud-team: a girl Mathilda, a rabbit Hummus and a dinosaur called Eggbert, and I have been with them ever since. Over time I was getting more and more positive feedback about their adventures. That encouragement, coupled with the realization that artists in my community were making a living from their work, made me start to believe that I could do the same. From that moment on, I decided to take my art seriously and pursue it as a profession.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! I’m Kasia Strzyżewska or Katia EggCloud (to simplify my tongue twister name and surname) a digital artist and a proud rabbit owner creating enchanting illustrations that bring to life the whimsical adventures of a unique team of friends: a curious girl named Mathilda, a clever rabbit named Hummus, and a charming dinosaur named Eggbert. Using the versatile platform of Procreate, I try to blend creativity and storytelling, crafting vibrant scenes that might captivate audiences of all ages. Fluffy egg clouds that float serenely in the background of every illustration are not only to show my distinctive style but also to add a layer of magic to the enchanting world where Mathilda, Hummus, and Eggbert embark on their delightful escapades. Being into storytelling and sensitive about details (That’s the reason why each piece takes so much time to be finished), I try to connect elements of traditional illustration, offering viewers a visual narrative filled with imagination, and an invitation for everyone to join Mathilda, Hummus, and Eggbert on their journey, celebrating friendship and the joy of discovery. My artistic goals include creating captivating children’s illustrations, designing engaging book covers, and taking on unique commissions. I also use my artistic skills while working with preschoolers and school children, since I create my own games, worksheets, and notebook covers with distinctive designs to make their activities more pleasant because just like my grandma, I believe that the more eye-catching designs, the more creative effect on the mind.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe that we all have roles to play in the social ecosystem, extending beyond the creative industry. As someone who grew up in Eastern Europe in the ’90s, I firmly believe that government involvement is crucial in establishing a supportive environment for artists, especially aspiring ones. This involvement isn’t just about funding museums, art galleries, or preserving the past. It’s also about making diverse artistic resources accessible to everyone.
Future artists need a welcoming environment to develop their potential. While those in big cities often have multiple opportunities to hone their skills, sometimes at no cost, the same isn’t true for those in small towns or villages. If I had relied solely on public education and the state-provided arts curriculum, I would have learned very little. Art classes that lack engagement with contemporary art and design, focusing instead on mundane tasks like making salads or ready-made pizzas, hinder the development of essential artistic skills.
Placing the burden of their development on young people themselves is ineffective; many talents might never flourish. It is a key challenge, both in the past and today, to ensure that governments create art-friendly ecosystems by wisely allocating public funds. Fostering the next generation’s appreciation for art is equally important. It cultivates a taste and hunger for art, eliminating the fear of engaging with challenging concepts.
For example, my parents often feel intimidated by contemporary exhibitions and need persuasion to attend. Encouraging an early love for art can help people joyfully immerse themselves in artistic experiences. By focusing on improving the present, we can build a future where society appreciates artists during their lifetimes, rather than only after their death when the value of their work often skyrockets.
In conclusion, a concerted effort to create supportive environments for artists, from governmental involvement to public education, is essential. This will not only encourage future talents but also establish a society that values and cherishes art and artists.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to bring smiles to people’s faces in a world often filled with struggles. Through my art, I aim to share the heartwarming stories of a unique team of friends—a girl named Mathilda, a rabbit named Hummus, and a dinosaur named Eggbert. These characters, who are the hallmark of my work, represent more than just whimsical adventures. They symbolize the understanding and connection we can achieve despite our diverse origins, beliefs, and backgrounds.
I believe that friendship and tolerance are the keys to creating a colorful world where no one is excluded. Respecting our differences and embracing our unique perspectives keep us united. This message is particularly important to me as an artist from Eastern Europe, where the threat of the war in Ukraine spreading further is very real. The presence of forces that seek to divide people based on political, religious, and other values is a significant danger, especially when I witness how easily people can be manipulated by seeing only parts of the picture out of context. However, I think a positive mind might be less prone to be caught by a negative message and focuses on the brighter sides of life, looks after that inner child that keeps people experiencing things with a unique approach, not soaked with pessimism or hatred. That’s what I try to evoke with my artworks.
Through my illustrations, I strive to promote the values of tolerance, friendship, and unity. By telling the stories of Mathilda, Hummus, and Eggbert, I hope to inspire others to look beyond superficial differences, bring a smile in a world flooded with anxious news from almost every corner of the globe, and undoubtedly improve the bad rap that dinosaurs got over the years :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katiaegg.cloud/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiaeggcloud/
• Other: email: [email protected]