FEATURED ILLUSTRATOR Lola Usupova
My story begins in Uzbekistan, a beautiful country in Central Asia known for its rich history and warm hospitality. I had a happy childhood surrounded by a loving family, but art wasn't really a part of our lives. I loved to draw, filling countless notebooks with doodles and sketches, but I never considered it a real career option.
When adults asked about my future aspirations, becoming
an artist was never on the table. Instead, I heard suggestions like lawyer,
doctor, or accountant – all practical but uninspiring paths. When the time came
to choose a profession, I felt so lost that I randomly selected a college from
an academic guidebook, landing on a law program.
During my law studies, I realized it wasn't for me.
Later, I earned a BA in Marketing and embarked on a career as a marketing
specialist for seven or eight years.
Discovering My Passion for Children's Books
After meeting my husband, who shared my passion for
travelling, we lived in various countries like Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden,
and now England. We love immersing ourselves in different cultures, but it does
come with challenges, like finding new jobs every time we move.
In Sweden, I faced difficulties finding work in
marketing due to the language barrier. Feeling lost and uncertain, I decided to
explore my creative side. I dabbled in animation, web design, and even front-end
development. Eventually, I settled on illustration, but even then, I wasn't
sure what to focus on. I tried all sorts of illustration styles, from
watercolours to vector graphics.
A pivotal moment came when illustrator Aleksandra
Dikaya launched a charity project encouraging participants to write and
illustrate children's stories. My story was selected for publication, igniting
a passion for creating children's books.
My Self-Made Path to Becoming a Children's Book Illustrator
I've always had a knack for drawing. Art was my escape,
a way to express myself and bring my imagination to life. While I don't have a
formal art education or a fancy degree in illustration, my artistic journey has
been a self-guided exploration, fueled by curiosity and a deep-seated love for
drawing. I always had a natural ability, but it took time to realize I could
turn my passion into a profession.
Once I discovered my passion, I became a sponge for
knowledge. I devoured online courses, attended masterclasses, and read
countless books on illustration. I delved into colour theory, composition,
character design, and the nuances of visual storytelling.
I became a regular at my local library, spending hours
studying children's books. I analyzed the work of my favourite illustrators,
like Benji Davies, Alexandra Dikaya, Lucy Fleming, Monica Filippa, Julie
Mellan, and Adilson Farias. I tried to replicate some of their works for
educational purposes, to understand their techniques and to learn from their
expertise. I even attended some of their workshops, getting a firsthand look at
their creative processes.
This self-directed learning wasn't always easy, but it
was incredibly rewarding. I learned valuable lessons about patience,
perseverance, and the importance of continuous improvement. As I experimented,
I gradually developed my own unique artistic voice.
Building a Portfolio and Launching My Career
My first published book was The Plastic Bag's Journey, a story stemming from the charity project that sparked my passion. It was a simple story with simple illustrations, but it was a significant milestone for me. Seeing my name on the cover of a book gave me the confidence to pursue illustration full-time.
I started by creating an account on Upwork, taking on
various projects to gain experience and build my portfolio. I also shared my
work on Instagram, connecting with other illustrators and potential clients.
Through hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, I've
now illustrated 18 children's books for independent authors and small
publishing houses. Each project has been unique and fulfilling, allowing me to
bring new stories to life and connect with young readers.
Looking Ahead: Dreams of Big Publishers and New Stories
While proud of my accomplishments, I have even bigger
dreams. I aspire to work with major publishing houses and see my illustrations
on bookstore shelves worldwide. I have so many stories to tell and characters
to bring to life, and I can't wait to see where this creative journey takes me.
I believe every child deserves books that inspire, educate, and ignite their imagination. That's what I strive for with every brushstroke and line. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the world, one picture book at a time.
For a look at more of Lola's work:
Lola's website: https://usupova.art/
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