Our first ‘Artist Spotlight’ of the year features Budapest-based illustrator, Sandra Poliakov. Sandra uses bright, colourful palettes and free flowing lines to create wonderful artworks that reflect her visual and emotional experiences. Drawing inspiration from travelling the world and her love for traditional paintings, she often focuses on depicting simple life scenes through the prism of daydreaming.

Q: Can you tell us about your artistic background and what initially sparked your interest in art?

A: I believe human are creative by nature, so it all begun when I was very little. Drawing has always been a way for me to create my own world and process my feelings and thoughts and create my own little world. My family, friends and teachers supported me a lot throughout my path so I was able to always keep making art. 

Q: What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with, and why did you choose them? 

A: I mostly use my iPad pro with an Apple Pencil. I love them for the ability to start without having to prepare a lot of art supplies and being able to make changes in the artwork easily. I like playing with the colors after the artwork seems almost done. Lately I really enjoy using oil pastel combined with acrylic. 

Q: What is your creative process like? How do you approach a new piece or project? 

A: I begin with figuring the composition. Once that’s ready I roughly color the whole work and then play with the colors. I like when my work looks “unfinished” or has something odd in it, like a strange color combination. 

Q: Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your artistic career?

A: I love traveling and interior design. A big dream is to do an airbnb that will have a similar vibe to my art and be full of my artwork and objects that I brought from trips around the world. Or perhaps work with a hotel, that would be amazing too.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists who are just starting their artistic journey?

A: Sharing my art and not being afraid to connect and try different things gave me a lot in my starting years. Also try to only do what you like and not spend your energy on projects you don’t feel good about.  

Q: How would you describe your artistic style?

A: I would say it’s very impressionism-like. Feminine, calm and colorful, and also primitive in a way.