Olya Anima

Hello, my name is Olya Anima. I am a professional children's Book Illustrator, Concept Artist, and Visual Storyteller.

Should you have a project or concept in need of visual representation, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I will gladly provide my expertise and support.

Allow me to introduce myself briefly.

My fascination with art started in early childhood when I developed a special interest in classic literature, multinational animation, and cinematography.

In my twenties, I journeyed to Ireland, where I studied the world of animation and created two, award winning, short animated films: "The Last Leaf", as my personal project and "Tricky Violin" in colaboration with RTÉ (Irish national Television).

Both films traveled to numerous film festivals worldwide and, having received welcoming reviews. This experience not only showcased my work but also allowed me to contribute to the world of animation by serving as an international jury member at such events like the 59th ZLIN Film Festival in Zlin, Czech Republic, and the Ditytko Film Festival in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 2019.

This experience marked the beginning of my deep passion for visual storytelling. I pursued my studies at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK, focusing on the art of illustrating children's books.
During my time at the university, I explored the heart of illustration, uncovering how to convey meaningful messages and breathe life into flat images, forging strong emotional connections with viewers.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I collaborated with independent publishers to illustrate various picture books.
My illustrations for "The Slug and the Snail," a book written by Oein DeBhairduin and co-published by Skein Press and Little Island in 2023, earned a place on the shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards, Children’s Book of the Year – Junior Section.

In response to significant global events in recent years, my creative journey took a philosophical turn. I began to explore profound questions about the meaning of human existence, using my art to help people connect with the broader tapestry of life.

Amid my deep artistic endeavors, I also cherish the lighter side of creativity, infusing humor and a touch of the absurd into my work.

I draw inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including Shaun Tan, Jon Klassen, Dušan Kállay, Joanna Concejo, Gabriel Pacheco, Rébecca Dautremer, Beatrice Alemagna, Baek Heena, Hayao Miyazaki, Yuri Norstein, Herluf Bidstrup, Victoria Semykina, Carll Cneut, Natalie Pudalov, and more.

I enjoy exploring and experimenting with different art materials, allowing me to best express my ideas.