Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of two soccer players facing off

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Three kids playing outside near a treehouse and greenery

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour portrait honoring Yayoi Kusama with polka dots

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

Cheerful and rich in textures

Classically trained in drawing and painting, Julia now works mainly in digital media, using brushes with a natural, painterly feel to build rich textures and contrasts of light and shadow. Her experience with gouache and pencil leads to tactile work with a handmade aesthetic. Flexibility and attention to detail are key as she creates imagery suitable for a range of applications – from playful picture books to middle grade and young adult stories, as well as more thoughtful editorial pieces. Based in Portugal, Julia has a background in art and art history, accompanied by a decade of experience illustrating for picture books, book jackets, magazines, board games, apps and more. Clients around the world love the way she builds on their vision, bringing fresh ideas to every project. Influences include pop culture, urban living, music, film, stories and adventures. Anything that brims with energy and diversity.

Approach

After sketching key elements of a piece and carefully honing her composition, Julia takes a layered approach to achieve the complex lighting that gives her work depth. Her works are created and finished digitally, offering clients great flexibility.

Key software

Procreate and Adobe Photoshop

Style

Julia’s style is bright and expressive, with a focus on atmosphere, colour and emotion. Whatever the subject, her illustrations have a sense of openness and wonder, combined with care and attention to detail.

Languages

English and Russian

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 MoscowWhere 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 emigrationDescribe your studio for us. Do you have a studio pet? Describe the view from your windowI 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. 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.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 LynchWho is your design hero?Alexander RodchenkoWho is your music hero?Patti SmithIf 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.

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of a woman with a butterfly on her cheek

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Purple sea slug on coral by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of a woman with autumn essentials

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

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

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Russian folklore meets sci-fi: captivating kids' cover

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour collage with a flip phone, CD, camera, crystal, and stars

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Surreal pink collage by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour with woman, apple, star, lips, and golden lette

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Person singing outdoors with headphones against a purple sky

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Girl with ponytail sitting on pink star holding ice cream cone

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Two women with coffee and yoga mat by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Two women holding coconuts in tropical setting by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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Woman resting by pool with book, illustrated by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Pink and yellow flowers framing golden bloom rose text 2021.

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Girl reaching toward glowing spirit in forest by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Purple betta fish swimming inside a glass lamp by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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

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Watercolor sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on paper

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

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Plate of chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and coffee cup

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

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

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

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Woman holding number 34 balloons and star balloon by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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

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

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Sketching a sweet sleeping boy in a nature theme

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Abstract fragmented female face illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour artwork of a heart-shaped lollipop trapping an insect

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

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

Selected illustrations

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of a woman framing her face with both hands

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

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

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

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

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of a person eating an orange slice

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

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

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya illustration of an iced pastry with whipped cream and sprinkles

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Watercolor turnip with green leaves illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

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Pink cocktail with two cherries in martini glass by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Illustration of Marilyn Monroe lifting a barbell, by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Floral jar scented candle with hand lighting

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

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Children explore large dinosaur skull in jungle setting by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour illustration of DJ Peggy Gou with a plush lobster

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

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Whimsical cityscape with skateboarding girl

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Julia Prokhotskaya featuring lively character

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Golden Bloom rosé wine bottle surrounded by pink and white flowers

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

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Illustration of diverse women embracing and connecting by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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

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Curly-haired girl joyfully juggling colorful toys on pink backdrop

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

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

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Erling Haaland illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour

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

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

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

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Illustration of Harry Styles holding a birthday cake by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Whole pepperoni and mushroom pizza with dipping sauces on side

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

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Girl sitting next to piano with black cat by Julia Prokhotskaya

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Love at First Spell cover by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour, showing a couple with magical objects

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Illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour of singer Lorde performing

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Whimsical space scene with young astronauts exploring

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Woman running with balloons under pink sky by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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Dolly Parton portrait by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour in a sparkling yellow dress

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

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

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

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

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour portrait of a blonde woman blowing iridescent bubbles

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

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

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Diversity and heritage illustration for Black History Month

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

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

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Two bruschetta slices with diced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves

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

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

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

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

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Holiday storybook cover with couple and Christmas decorations by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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UFO flying over snowy pine forest at night by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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Illustration by Julia Prokhotskaya In Colour of Kylian Mbappé with a football

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

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Three cupcakes decorated with cherries and sprinkles by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya illustration of a colorful sailboat crossing pastel water

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Julia Prokhotskaya illustration of a young couple beneath a green archway

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Watercolor illustration of woman with flowers and birds

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

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

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Three golden waffles with chocolate syrup on white background

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

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

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Two children in pirate costumes with treasure and a crab

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Editorial art of women’s psychology in motherhood

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Young explorers following a treasure map in forest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Two boys on stage with classmates taking pictures and applauding.

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

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Julia Prokhotskaya illustration of a woman relaxing beside a tropical swimming pool

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Woman in bathtub with cat and snacks by Julia Prokhotskaya

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

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Selected Clients

Clever Publishing, Alma Studio, Alpina Publisher, Rosman Publishing, Mail.ru Group, Hangzhou Lihe Digital Technology, Anastasia Orlova Publishing