CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
ET: It’s always hard for me to describe my own style and I leave it to others to define.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
ET: In terms of aesthetics, I think my major influences come from mid 20th century design and illustration. I also love children’s books, vintage and contemporary ones.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
ET: For commissioned illustrations, I usually start with a very rough pencil sketch first, then create a more finished version on my computer. The next stage is finding the right colour palette. It’s the most interesting and yet the most tricky part of the process. There might be many revisions at each stage, because commissioned projects usually involve a lot of team work. It’s not just about my personal vision of the project.
ET: But it’s a different process, when I work on self-initiated projects. Sometimes I have a certain idea and know what I want to achieve. But often I just play around. I really enjoy this part, because this is when serendipitous moments happen. I really like to work on personal projects in between commissions – it’s a great opportunity for me to try something new!
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
ET: I try to create cheerful work that makes people smile and possibly happier.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
ET: I think it’s pretty nomadic. I’m still searching for a place I can call my home, that’s why I move frequently. I studied and lived in the U.K, then I moved back to Russia (where I’m originally from) and now I’m based in Montenegro. For that reason, I don’t buy much stuff and try to keep my workspace simple. Basically, for work I just need a quiet nook with a desk, big enough to put my laptop and Wacom tablet on.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
ET: For commissions, it’s always helpful to get a certain art direction. Working on personal stuff is a more liberating process, which allows me to play around and experiment.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
ET: Never give up and keep creating!
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
ET: I believe it’s important, because it forms your unique visual language, which you use to speak to others.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
ET: Working on commissions you don’t like, but you had to because they are well paid.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
ET: I love creating and I’m happy to be able to do what I love.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
ET: There are many artists I admire, for example Alain Gree, Abner Graboff, Vladimir Lebedev, Sonya Delaunay, Nathalie Parain and Paul Rand.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
ET: It obviously makes everything much easier and faster. The most important advantage for me is that it allows me to work from almost any place and any part of the world.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
ET: I’m a highly visual person and I tend to see everything from an artistic point of view, always searching for aesthetically pleasing or inspiring things. Like many other creatives, I’m very sensitive though, which is good for my art, but often a downside in real life.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
ET: I love to travel! I can’t stay in one place for too long and often need a change of scenery. But I prefer small towns with quiet streets and unique atmosphere.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
ET: Tove Jansson’s Moomin books
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
ET: Right now I’m focused on my current projects which I’m really excited about and can’t wait to share.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
ET: Being able to create a whole new world using your imagination and share it with others
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
ET: ‘Weak Spots’ by Johnossi
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
ET: Simple and playful. This is what I like.
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