Anastacia
Ivanova-kovalskaya
I write and illustrate children's books 6+.
My journey began many years ago when I started doing commercial illustration and design work. I drew labels, packaging designs, calendars, and other items, but like many other designers, I experienced a common frustration – I felt lost with my entire being.
Drawing for commercial purposes is not a creative experience, as it feels more like being a tool in the hands of clients, fueling a massive production and consumption machine. I didn't enjoy this at all, to put it mildly. For many years, I have been searching for my true self, trying to find a balance between making money and pursuing my passion for creating.
When I illustrated my first book, I realized that this was almost what I wanted to do. I decided to improve my book illustration skills and joined one of the first author's courses taught by artist Elena Barenbaum. There, I came up with the idea for my first book on my own. After several years immersed in the world of children's illustration, I finally decided to publish my first book – a fantastic detective story that is now being prepared for release by Phoenix Publishing House.
In 2023, I completed the children's book course at the Band School of Writing. During this time, I wrote my second detective-themed book and it was included on the longlist for the course.