I saw Katya’s illustrations on Instagram and fell in love with her work. Her sketches are charming and subtle.
Katya is an illustrator from Moscow who has been living in Paris for several years now. We met at her place in 14th district next to the street Rue des Artistes. Over the cup of tea and the pastries from the boulangèrie Katya told me what brought her to Paris, what is the most important thing in her work as an illustrator, and described her dream project.
Tell me please how you became an illustrator?
I started drawing when I was a kid. I always loved to craft. My parents took me to the architectural studio in Moscow, where I pasted paper models of buildings and cities, did illustrations, I was taught color science and even did some of animation. My teacher there, seeing the potential in me, advised me to apply for an art lycee. It was an important step in my professional growth, I completely immerse myself in drawing. Then I was studying in a faculty of graphic design, where I realised that illustration is my thing.
I love the process of diving into the magical world when I think of creating an illustration. I love the feel of touch with paper and materials. That’s why I always prefer drawing on paper over the computer.
Since my childhood I was surrounded by books. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both bibliophiles and collectors of bookplates (known as ex-libris - a decorative label pasted into a book to indicate ownership). I even drew a couple of bookplates for their collection.
Who are your clients?
I collaborate with brands, various magazines and publishing houses. Sometimes I work for private clients and, of course, I do projects with my friends.
Chanel, Lancôme, Mosfilm are among my clients. I did illustrations for the web-edition of The Blueprint, Harper’s Bazaar, Theory & Practice, Büro 24/7, Esquire. I work on regular basis for my friends from the patisserie Lamm’s, I did the postcards for the charity foundation « Vera » and so on.
What brought you to Paris? How this city and the new way of life affected your work?
I never dreamed of leaving Moscow, but France was present in my life in some ways. For example, I worked in the company called « Mon Bon » which produces the famous macarons or I had a project with French bakery in Moscow « Michel’s bakery ».
I ended up in Paris because of love. One hot Moscow summer I met a wonderful person, who is now my husband, Al. We moved to Paris together. Al showed me the real Parisian life far from I imagined as a tourist. I got so inspired! And once in a bookshop I saw these fantastic French children books. At that moment I knew that it’s exactly what I want to do.
I’m a big fan of your Paris series of characters. Tell us please how they came about.
I was walking in Paris with my favorite Muji sketchbook doing sketches of interesting Parisians. But only in the moments when I was away travelling back to Moscow, the characters and their stories began to be born in my imagination. And the pure magic thing is when I get back I met some of my characters in Parisian streets, parks and cafes.
What Parisian brands would you like to work with?
I’d love to work with perfume brand Diptyque. First I heard about this brand when my husband bought a perfume there and I liked the illustration on the bottle. When we went with my husband to their very first boutique situated on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain, I learned that the brand was founded by artists, and there are always collaborations with different creative illustrators. Each time I get in touch with this brand, I feel the magic and strong creative energy that it radiates. And, of course, these are my favorite perfumes!
What is the most important thing for an illustrator?
I believe the most important thing in any creative job is to stay open and curious, constantly posing questions to yourself and the world. It’s crucial not to lose touch with your inner child, not to forget how to dream and always be surrounded by beauty and good people. And, of course, you have to draw every single day. As Picasso used to say: «Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working».
Can you describe your typical working day?
As many creatives I’m most productive in the evening and even at night. The silence that evokes when city is falling asleep inspires me. These moments I feel peaceful and focused. I love lighting candles and making myself my favorite mint tea with honey and lemon and dive deep into my magical world. I often watch favorite movies or listen to music and podcasts while working. And sometimes I draw in complete silence, when the only noise is the rustling of pencils on paper.
What is your special place in Paris?
I love Luxembourg Gardens and especially Medici fountain. This is the fantastic intimate place I fell in love with at first sight. It’s beautiful there in every season. I love coming there, sit comfortably on the olive chair and look at the ducks in a fountain or read a book or just enjoy the moment.
And of course I feel good in my district, 14th. I live next to the street Rue des Artistes, which became my symbol of going the right way.
Photography & interview by Alina Sepp