It’s so nice to have Anna Aniskina join our group of contributing designers, here at Tshirt Factory. She brings such delight with her pattern designs and adorable characters that we just had to see who the talented girl behind them is. So we asked – and she turned out to be one of the most genuine, funniest and refreshing designers that we talked to and we hope you see that as well, from the artist interview below:
Oana: Hello, Anna! First of all, let me welcome you to our designers’ community and thank you for taking the time to do this with us! Please, tell us more about your art and design background and what made you become a designer.
Anna: Hello, Oana! Thank you – I hope that our collaboration will be interesting for all of us and that it will not be the most boring interview on your blog :)). So, let’s see. I graduated from Saint Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design as the restorer of icons and paintings. As you can see, it is very far from what I’m doing now. After a very short time I understood that I want more creativity and individuality in my profession and turned to digital art and illustration. But I don’t regret the years that I spent in the university – my classical education always helps me in whatever I do.
Oana: How or when did you start illustrating on a professional level?
Anna: I am still not feeling myself on a professional level. I am learning every day…There is always something that I don’t know :).
Oana: Where does your inspiration come from?
Anna: One of my friends, a very talented artist, always says that if you wait for inspiration, you will probably do nothing. Working every day is all that you need. And if you really love what you do, like I do, it’s not difficult.
Oana: How would you describe your style?
Anna: It’s sketchy, colorful, free and a bit girlish.
Oana: Yes, that’s why we were so excited to have you join our community and a bit nervous about your answer. What tools do you use? Do you go 100% digital or is there paper involved?
Anna: I’m working in different ways. Sometimes I draw in Adobe Illustrator directly with a Wacom tablet, but at times I take ideas from my sketchbook or trace opposite sketches and finish them in Illustrator.
Oana: Is there anything that you specifically avoid using in your illustrations?
Anna: I don’t like blood, bones, and skulls. Even decorated with roses and diamonds.
Oana: Well, we feel honored that you trusted us, then. What was the hardest job you have ever worked on?
Anna: It was when I practiced as a restorer in one of the churches in Saint-Petersburg. We restored paintings on a very high ceiling and spend all days on scaffolds and stepladders. It was very hard physically and very boring – cleaning the dust of centuries with very-very-very small brushes. I think that was the moment when I decided that I prefer digital art…
Oana: Can you name some of your favorite designs and why you like them? (personal or from other designers)
Anna: I really admire Nordic design. Scandinavia is my everlasting love. I adore interiors, textile, architecture, graphic and everything with clear and light Nordic spirit. I won’t name anybody because I simply love a huge number of designers and artists in different areas.
Oana: Any graphic designers you admire?
Anna: I like many designers, as I said. Every day I learn more and more about new people that are interesting and very talented. But I really admire artists, not designers. My favorite artist is Paul Cezanne and some Russian artists.
Oana: Oh, I see. Your traditional background is coming to surface. Any words of advice for anyone just starting out as an illustrator/graphic designer?
Anna: Oh, no! Who am I to advice something to someone!? I think that if you really want to start drawing, you don’t need any advice, except your teacher’s, of course. Enjoy it! It’s all I can say.
Oana: Your honesty was really refreshing, Anna. Thank you once again for the entertaining interview and we’re looking forward to brand new designs in the future.
Please share your opinions in the comment section – we’d love to hear some feedback on our freshest community member!
