Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

All

Animals

Character Design

Children

Food & Drink

Person in pink puffy skirt and arm warmers with tattoos, digital art by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three kids playing outside near a treehouse and greenery

Zoom

Find similar

Woman holding a tulip behind her back in pink underwear by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman holding a purple butterfly in a vibrant orange floral setting by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Blonde girl in school uniform amidst pink roses, artwork by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of two women on yellow truck with mountains and wildflowers by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Her work has a vintage flair while using a contemporary painting style

Cheerful and rich in textures

Classically trained in drawing and painting at the Surikov State Academic Art Institute in Moscow, after graduating Julia turned her skills to what she loves – children’s books. She’s honed her technique with a variety of natural media and developed a style full of shading and texture for settings that come to life in the imagination. Out of them jump boldly rendered characters with chubby cheeks, full of laughter. Embracing her art with a hint of childlike exuberance, Julia is inspired by nature and the small discoveries you can make outdoors – a mouse hole, a frog in the forest, a snake under a log… but she never misses a deadline.

Approach

Julia’s favourite technique is gouache, and she does most of her work using traditional media, using a layered approach to achieve the complex lighting that gives her work such depth. However, she finishes and edits her work digitally, offering clients great flexibility.

Style

With her painterly style, Julia’s unique hand shines through. Her rich and textured artwork has a cheerful atmosphere, and her characters are fun, dynamic and entertaining.

Languages

Julia is fluent in Russian and English.

Impressions

Interview

Send Enquiry

Interview

What led you to become an illustrator? I’ve been drawing since childhood, but I didn't see myself as an artist. At the university I decided to study the theory and history of fine arts. After graduating in 2014, I worked as a tour guide in museums and galleries. It was fun. But two years later, I realized that I want to make art, not to talk about it. I was ready to become an artist. In 2017 I started working as a freelancer. Did you study illustration in college (if so where)? I didn’t study specifically illustration, but I studied the history of art and had an academic drawing and painting classes at the Surikov State Academic Art Institute in Moscow Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear? My parents have always supported my love of drawing. When I was 14, my room turned into an art studio. Oil paintings were scattered around the room, and there were stains of paint on the furniture and clothing. Parents even allowed me to cover the walls of the rooms with splashes of paint in the manner of Jackson Pollock. Where do you live now and what drew you there? I live in Moscow, but I'm thinking about emigration Describe your studio for us. Do you have a studio pet? Describe the view from your window I have a lovely office setup at home. It’s not really a studio, but rather a desktop with a computer, scanner, an iPad, an easel, paints and two black cats who are always around my table. I'm sitting near the window overlooking the river, the pine forest and downtown on the horizon. One day I would love to have a studio. I want to get back to painting and work on larger formats. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? I love reading biographies and autobiographies of artists, writers, and musicians. Personal stories inspire me to move forward even when it's hard. I’m fascinated by people who love what they do and succeed in creating something new. In the illustrations I’m inspired by the coziness that surrounded us in childhood — warm light, a cup of hot tea, a soft blanket, calm music, and a fascinating book. On the other hand, I’m inspired by nature and the small discoveries you can make outdoors – a mouse hole, a frog in the forest, a snake under a log… How do you get your ideas? Usually, I work with the text, and it helps a lot to come up with ideas. Then I need to draw and redraw to understand the composition, clearness of the idea, atmosphere, etc. Ideas are always a balance of meaning and form. Do you collect anything? Yes, I do! I collect picture books, art books, Fanko Pop figures and all kinds of figures from my favorite cartoons. What do you listen to when you work? I like the quiet, especially when researching, or working out sketches. When I’m coloring, then I like listening to music and audiobooks. I love all kinds of good music from rock to lofi hip-hop. My husband and I have one playlist that we share. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EJMvUe1Cc2FhQ?si=0266c3066fac4698 I like to listen to it while working. But the last few months I love to listen to music, the genre of which is very difficult to name. I call it Ecstatic Dance. It’s like a meditation for me. I have a playlist on Youtube https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLubMsS9y2Qx9Lxb3w3z14RB9gfbw0urqj&feature=share What are your interests outside of illustration? I like to be outside a lot! Walking, biking, hiking, swimming is always a good idea. I would love to have a house with a garden someday to grow my own vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Closeness to nature makes me stronger. I also spend a lot of time reading books. I love books by Umberto Eco, Paul Auster (especially «4321»), Orhan Pamuk, Patti Smith, Nassim Nicholas Taleb and many others. What was your favourite assignment ever? It is hard to pinpoint one assignment – but my favourite clients are the publishing houses. Books are what I love to do the most! It’s always a wonderful adventure to me. What would be your dream commission? I would love to write my own story and illustrate it. And after that, sign a contract with an animation studio for the film adaptation of the book and be a production designer there. What is the best use of illustration you have ever seen? Almost anything by Oliver Jeffers What makes a good client brief? The brief should describe a company, summarize the project, explain the objectives, and include details on the tone, message, and style. Examples of my own work that are suitable for the project will also be useful. How much of your work is hand drawn? My favourite technique is gouache, and I do most of my work using traditional media. However, I finish and edit the work digitally, offering clients great flexibility. But some of my books are completely drawn in Procreate. The illustration technique depends on the tasks and on the client’s request. How do you envisage illustration evolving? In my own field of children’s illustration, I would love to see more style diversity, bold visual choices, and more different topics to illustrate! I really liked Luiza Laffitte’s answer in a previous scrapbook interview. May I quote her? «I hope illustration will be seen and respected as a mix of communication and self expression. Illustrators are able to show the client’s message through their personal style, with their own voice. I also hope clients will see the effort, mental and physical, we put behind each illustration and give the proper value to this profession». Who is your art hero? Tove Jansson, David Hockney, Beatrice Alemanga, Isabelle Arsenault, David Lynch Who is your design hero? Alexander Rodchenko Who is your music hero? Patti Smith If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? I always joke that if I wasn't an illustrator, I'd be a rock star. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? You need to understand yourself and your values to be a good illustrator. Working with the inner world is an important part of our profession. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would like to live for a while in Portugal. If you could travel back in time, who would be the one person you would want to meet and why? I would love to talk to Tove Jansson. Find out how she was able to survive the war without stopping to work and create the most famous of the worlds. She was an open homosexual, struggled with conventions, but despite the difficulties, she was not afraid to be herself. She was a very powerful person. What themes or content in the world inspires you? I’m inspired by diversity and human kindness. I would like to tell stories with my illustrations that the most important thing in our life is love, respect for each other and the possibility of self-expression without fear of rejection. How do you keep on trend and up to date in our quickly changing industry? I try to follow trends, but I only take into my art what really resonates. What is your go-to comfort food? Pizza or mashed potatoes with fried mushrooms! What movie can you watch over and over? Interstellar, Twin Peaks, When Harry Met Sally, Friends, Sleepless in Seattle and recently I really liked the series High Fidelity, I believe I will rewatch it for sure. What was the last concert you went to? Once I counted that I attended about 150 concerts. The last was a concert of the ShortParis band. What is your favourite book? It’s hard to choose one book, but let it be «The Name of the Rose» by Umberto Eco. What do you do when you have creative block? I keep working and having a good rest. What is your favourite quote? “If our style of looking become beautiful, then beauty will become visible and shine forth for us.” John O’Donohue.

Favourites

{"playlistTitle":"","playlistUrl":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":""}

Romantic couple laughing under starry sky by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two men texting with emojis around them on 'Missed Call' cover by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Diversity and heritage illustration for Black History Month

Zoom

Find similar

Colorful grapes with gradient hues and a butterfly on a pink-purple background

Zoom

Find similar

Digital portrait of woman licking yellow candy, purple eyeshadow by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Glass bowl filled with watercolor fruit salad including kiwi, apple, and orange

Zoom

Find similar

Silhouette of a person looking at abstract pink and purple flowing strands by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Ice cream cone bursting with colorful candies and sweets by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman with dark hair surrounded by pink and purple floral shapes by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Person framing face with hands and colorful rings by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Pink cocktail with two cherries in martini glass by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Russian folklore meets sci-fi: captivating kids' cover

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of Marilyn Monroe lifting a barbell, by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Person singing outdoors with headphones against a purple sky

Zoom

Find similar

Girl with ponytail sitting on pink star holding ice cream cone

Zoom

Find similar

Two women with coffee and yoga mat by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

A woman in red dress stands near arched window with birds outside by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman resting by pool with book, illustrated by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Pink and yellow flowers framing golden bloom rose text 2021.

Zoom

Find similar

Girl reaching toward glowing spirit in forest by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Purple betta fish swimming inside a glass lamp by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three crepes on a plate with honey, strawberries, raspberries, and daisies

Zoom

Find similar

Green dragonfly sitting on cantaloupe slice above yellow melon by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Zoom

Find similar

Watercolor sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on paper

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of a girl with headphones and a small boy with flowers

Zoom

Find similar

Plate of chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and coffee cup

Zoom

Find similar

Female boxer with braided hair and pink gloves in fighting stance by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Girl sitting on tree branch across cliffs with plants and bird by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Girl reaching for a large purple butterfly in a starry night sky

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of Harry Styles holding a birthday cake by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Whole pepperoni and mushroom pizza with dipping sauces on side

Zoom

Find similar

Woman lounging on chair with snacks and phone in illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Girl sitting next to piano with black cat by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Book cover of A Song Brewed Slowly by Elena Moore with two people illustrated by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman in bathtub with cat and snacks by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Cheerful pink-haired girl winking and holding a peace sign in summer theme

Zoom

Find similar

Zoom

Find similar

Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Selected illustrations

Monarch butterfly on lemon slice and pink flower with dripping juice by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Purple sea slug on coral by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Girl with binoculars on tree branch in spooky forest with glowing ghosts and black cat by Julia Prok

Zoom

Find similar

pop-up book, board book, baby book, fox, bear

Zoom

Find similar

Couple hugging with pink and orange tropical background

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of woman eating strawberry with freckles and heart shapes by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Bowl of tomato soup with cream heart, bread, and fresh tomatoes

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of two girls with fashion accessories by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Girl sitting by window looking at night sky, by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two children drawing on a purple rug with a cat and hanging stars by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Holiday storybook cover with couple and Christmas decorations by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Close-up of a red-haired woman eating blackberries on crackers by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Zoom

Find similar

Children having tea at a table in a garden with tall plants and flowers

Zoom

Find similar

Book cover of Golden Hour Hearts showing a couple on the beach at sunset by Julia Prokhotskaya In Co

Zoom

Find similar

Children explore large dinosaur skull in jungle setting by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman in white loungewear holding green smoothie surrounded by beauty and wellness items, by Julia P

Zoom

Find similar

Children driving a winter vehicle with bears and snow, illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Julia Prokhotskaya featuring lively character

Zoom

Find similar

Golden Bloom rosé wine bottle surrounded by pink and white flowers

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of diverse hands cradling a seated woman, by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of diverse women embracing and connecting by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and basil leaves next to fork and spoon.

Zoom

Find similar

Couple having a picnic near lavender cliffs at sunset by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Curly-haired girl joyfully juggling colorful toys on pink backdrop

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of two boys with school-themed doodles on green background

Zoom

Find similar

Family members enjoying tea time around a blue table with teapot and cups

Zoom

Find similar

Zoom

Find similar

Surreal floral face with lips, eye, clover, and hand by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Book cover of The Recipe for Broken Hearts with fruits and drinks by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Milkshake with whipped cream, cherry, chocolate syrup, and motel key tag by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Heart-shaped cookies with red jam and a bowl of jam on napkin

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of a woman in a pink top and jewelry by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of a woman reading with plush toys and books by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Two boys on stage with classmates taking pictures and applauding.

Zoom

Find similar

Abstract fragmented female face illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Beauty and survival kit with makeup items and keys by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Illustration of Harry Styles in desert wearing 'Run The World' shirt by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Boy holding glowing lantern in boat on eerie dark forest lake by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Couple hugging in bed under a dreamy purple sky with clouds by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two women walking surrounded by beauty and fashion items by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three teenagers smiling and chatting in a school hallway by lockers by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Couple embracing with New York skyline in background by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Blue bird perched on a branch with green leaves and red berries

Zoom

Find similar

Young girl reading book under tree on green grassy field with white flowers

Zoom

Find similar

Four donuts with pink, white, and purple icing and sprinkles

Zoom

Find similar

Soccer player jumping to head the ball in stadium by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two bruschetta slices with diced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves

Zoom

Find similar

Children exploring glowing forest at night with lantern and map by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Book cover of Between the Lines with woman and man holding books by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Book cover illustration with three children reading a paper by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Watercolor turnip with green leaves illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Zoom

Find similar

Children exploring a glowing map in an attic at night by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three friends celebrating pride with rainbow flags and colorful outfits by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

UFO flying over snowy pine forest at night by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Floral jar scented candle with hand lighting

Zoom

Find similar

Blue surreal portrait of a woman with snowy pine tree silhouette by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three cupcakes decorated with cherries and sprinkles by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two women holding coconuts in tropical setting by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Whimsical cityscape with skateboarding girl

Zoom

Find similar

Watercolor illustration of woman with flowers and birds

Zoom

Find similar

Woman meditating with colorful abstract plants and molecular shapes, by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Woman creating swirling magical light effects with hands, digital artwork by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three golden waffles with chocolate syrup on white background

Zoom

Find similar

Tray with fried chicken wings, dipping sauces, and wrapped green beans

Zoom

Find similar

Couple hugging under a starry night sky with clouds and moon by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Two children in pirate costumes with treasure and a crab

Zoom

Find similar

Editorial art of women’s psychology in motherhood

Zoom

Find similar

Young explorers following a treasure map in forest

Zoom

Find similar

Three kids in colorful clothes in a magical forest with bats at night.

Zoom

Find similar

Digital portrait of woman with floral and cloud elements by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Bird sitting on bright orange and pink oak leaves with acorns illustration

Zoom

Find similar

Woman holding number 34 balloons and star balloon by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Three tortilla chips on green plate with chili, garlic, and fork

Zoom

Find similar

Romantic blonde couple embracing by purple castle at sunset by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Couple embracing in pool with tropical plants and drinks by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Sketching a sweet sleeping boy in a nature theme

Zoom

Find similar

Whimsical space scene with young astronauts exploring

Zoom

Find similar

Woman running with balloons under pink sky by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar

Girl in small boat on clear water with lily pads by Julia Prokhotskaya

Zoom

Find similar