We recently connected with Vasilina Mikhaylova and have shared our conversation below.

Vasilina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

“Never stop learning” is a lesson my parents instilled in me, and it remains my guiding principle in life. Many people cease their pursuit of knowledge after graduating from college and entering the workforce, believing it to be unnecessary. My parents have always emphasized that this is one of the most significant misconceptions. Learning doesn’t conclude after college; it evolves.

The world is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, artificial intelligence, and evolving styles emerging constantly. If we fail to keep pace, we risk becoming lost. Fortunately, we have access to numerous learning resources such as YouTube tutorials, blogs, and Instagram. So, whenever you feel like saying, “I don’t know how to do it,” remember that you can always learn it on the internet.

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

I started learning traditional painting with my grandma at the age of 6. She was a self-taught watercolorist, and my passion for that art medium is thanks to her. I remember she said, ‘The beauty of watercolor is that you can’t really control it. The pigment flows so freely in water, and you don’t really know where it’s going to land. So, in a way, it paints itself, and you never know what the result is going to be.

The first painting that we did together was of a sailboat. I remember how she used candle wax to paint the clouds, which was so new to me. The wax resisted watercolors and left white marks for the clouds. So smart, yet so simple. She taught me other painting techniques like that. Years later, my grandma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and could no longer paint. So, it became my mission to continue our favorite craft on my own—to carry on her legacy.

I attended an art school from ages 15 to 18, where I learned various mediums like oil, acrylics, gouache, charcoal, and more. I loved spending hours experimenting with different art tools, listening to art teachers, observing what others created, and honing my skills and artistic versatility. It was a time of both failure and success. Oh boy, the number of BAD paintings I made during that time was enormous. But it was all part of the process. I never painted to make things look beautiful; I painted to learn and simply for the joy of it.

After art school, I went to college to study animation, which shifted my focus from traditional to digital media. The fundamentals I learned in art school definitely helped me adapt to this new digital world, and I fell in love with it. I felt like a magician, giving motion and life to my characters. It broadened my creative possibilities. Now, I could take my work beyond just paper.

During my senior year of college, I directed an animated film called ‘Grey,’ which represents my most significant personal project. It truly showcases all the various aspects of art that I have learned throughout my life. ‘Grey’ received the Golden Lion Award at the SFTV Industry Awards in 2021 and was featured at the Newport Beach Film Festival in 2021, the Animotion Film Festival in Florence, Italy in 2021, and the Animation Film Festival in Paris, France. It is now available on YouTube. My next major mission is directing ‘Grey’ Part 2, so stay tuned for more!

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

It’s easy and simple: reposting. Instagram and TikTok are the primary platforms modern artists use to share their creative work with the world. However, often, their work doesn’t receive the attention it deserves due to the algorithm. The best and easiest way you can support these artists is by reposting their work on your Instagram stories, with proper credit. Comments and likes are also greatly appreciated.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

A lot of people who look at my paintings say, “Gosh, I’m so jealous, I wish I had your natural talent.” I always take that as a compliment. But painting is not a natural gift. It is borne of practice. It requires time, effort and MONEY. So, when you see artists selling their art for hundreds or thousands of dollars, remember, there’s a reason for that. It reflects not just the physical piece but also the dedication and expertise that went into creating it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mvasilina1998.wixsite.com/vasilinamikhaylova
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasilina_mikhaylova_art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasilina-mikhaylova-76abb5194/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbWj2e9ClrTpqbIHxR3vEQ
• Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/vmikhayl/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown

Image Credits
Portrait photo by Sasha Lebedeva