It’s been so lovely hearing from everyone ordering Megara’s Magic School: Bedtime Spell for Dragon Realms. I’m so glad you’re excited to read it, and that those of you who have already have loved it, it’s incredible to hear such lovely feedback. 🥰
To celebrate the launch of the book, here is a short interview with the wonderful Kateryna who illustrated the book and brought Megara, Moondance, and Dragon Realms to life!
Thank goodness for the magic of modern technology as, being based in London, I never would have met her as she has worked her creative magic all the way from Kyiv, Ukraine! 🇺🇦
So let’s chat…
When did you first realize you wanted to be an illustrator?
It was about 9 years ago… I studied at an art school and got the task of creating an illustration for a folk tale using pen and ink. It took quite a long time back then, but it turned out well and I really enjoyed it.
What are your favourite things to draw?
My most favourite things to draw are characters (animals and kids). It’s so exciting to give the characters their story and details!
How long does it take you to illustrate a book?
It usually takes about 3 months to create the layout and illustrations for a book like Megara’s Magic School.
Is there anything unusual about your process or the way you like to work?
Since I learned to draw by hand when was a child, and much later digitally, I still love doing rough sketches with pen in the early stages of illustration. I like this way of capturing ideas the most. Although I prefer to bring these ideas to life digitally 🙂
Where do you get your inspiration or ideas for your illustrations?
Creating adorable illustrations and books for children is my passion and inspiration by itself.
Since there is always an opportunity to make characters interesting and attractive for children – more or less cartoonish, funny, cute, bright, etc.
I regularly take master classes to improve my professional skills and expand my horizons.
Also, I have a younger sister, and the difference between us is 10 years, so it’s a great opportunity to observe many young children ☺️
Therefore, inspiration can be absolutely any person, a pet on the street, or my own (I have 2 chinchillas, a guinea pig and a snail!)
Which bit of Megara’s Magic School did you enjoy illustrating the most?
Oh, it’s the hardest choice!
Because I really enjoyed every part of illustrating Megara’s Magic School (from sketching the characters and scenes to completing the illustrations).
And each stage has something of its own: thinking through the details and colors at the sketch stage and creating a colorful atmosphere at the completion stage…
When did you illustrate your first book and how old were you?
I illustrated my first book in 2015, at the age of 17.
It was a book with lullabies, and the illustrations were created with gouache paints by hand, using the Ukrainian technique Petrykivka painting.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
In my free time when I’m not working on illustrations, I’m practicing Indian classical dance, walking in nature, and spending time with my family.
What does your family think of your artwork?
With my appearance, my mother also began to engage in creativity and then so did my younger sister.
Therefore, in my family, the creations of the hands of each family member are very much appreciated!
And I am really grateful to my family for this support!
It’s really inspiring, even when things go wrong.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
When I was a student, I was always surprised by the phrase from art teachers: “A good sketch is 50% done work.” Much later, when I began to create entire books, I finally understood its meaning. Indeed, to create one illustration, you need not only to imagine it but also to depict it.
Moreover, it is so helpful when the author of the book understands what is at stake. Then all subsequent stages go easily, and illustrations are created with pleasure.
Do you have any advice or suggestions to help someone who wishes to become an illustrator?
The most important piece of advice is to follow the voice of your heart. You may have heard this too often… But that’s the way it is!
When you notice what exactly you like and take steps in this direction… “and, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Also watch how your colleagues create illustrations, especially the ones you like.
This will help you develop as an illustrator.
And of course… Practice, and practice again ☺️
Do you like to create art for adults too?
Yes, and should be said that I once started with this, haha!
3-4 years ago I created mostly adult coloring books. On the theme of anti-stress, with many details and patterns.
But now I like art for children more (probably because there is still a child in my soul who loves the variety of colors and cute details).
What do you think makes a good story, and good artwork?
Of course, this is an expression of what is inside you, what you yourself like. After all, it is very difficult to create on a topic that you aren’t fond of.
From experience, most of the audience feels good when you have created with love, investing a part of yourself. This should be at the heart of any story and artwork.
The other side of the coin is the details. That’s what makes the story and artwork more believable and memorable to the reader and viewer.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child, I had 3 completely different directions that wanted to do when grew up: play the violin in the orchestra, ride horses and paint. I agree, it’s a bit unexpected 😅
But between playing the violin and painting, I had to choose at the age of 11, as there wasn’t enough time for all kinds of creativity. Obviously, the choice was made in favor of painting, and then it grew into creating illustrations for books.
How are you feeling about the situation in your country at the moment? Sending all our love and thoughts and prayers to the people of the Ukraine.
Of course, I would like to see world peace. And in this situation, I understand that the best thing I can do is continue to share harmony, light, love, joy and inspiration with the help of artwork. And, as we know, we can’t pour from an empty vessel, therefore I support these components inside in order to give them to the world. I am very grateful to you, Briony, for this opportunity!
You can connect with Kateryna here.
Megara’s Magic School: Bedtime Spell for Dragon Realms is available on Amazon here.
Briony Langley - Author 