Anya Derevyanko

Anya Derevyanko is an independent 2D illustrator from Moscow. She has a passion for creating playful, unconventional, and vibrant characters that bring a unique charm to her artwork. Her distinct style has attracted clients from all over the world, including brands and animation studios.

Hi Anya! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today? When did you first become interested in design and illustration?

I have been a freelance illustrator for about five years now. This wasn't my original plan. Initially, I pursued studies and a career in graphic design. In my projects, I frequently incorporated illustrations, commissioned work from other illustrators, and took on the role of art director. At some point, I realized that I enjoyed creating illustrations myself much more than providing feedback on others' work.

Illustrator Anya Derevyanko

How would you describe your aesthetic and how has your design style changed over time?

I love bright, unexpected color combinations and often use a limited palette. I'm a huge fan of minimalism, simple geometric shapes, and anything with a distinctive twist.
I also appreciate when there’s a visual joke in an illustration.

Are there particular themes you explore through your work?

Right now, this is probably the most important question for me. I consider myself a fortunate illustrator, as I have the luxury of choosing which projects to take on and which to decline. In 95% of cases, I find the work process engaging and am pleased with the results. However, I would like to dedicate more time to non-commercial projects. I want to explore areas related to illustration and delve into topics that personally interest me. Currently, the most popular theme in my work is character design. And, of course, I love drawing dogs. For example, this project for the AR Advent Calendar – an exhibition that was held last year in Leipzig, Amsterdam, London, and Atlanta, initiated and curated by Sandra Barth and Fern. Illustration/idea by me, animation by Andreas Maris and sound design was made by Maurício Lobo.

How did you discover Noun Project and what led you to start designing icons?

I have known about NounProject for a long time, dating back to my days as a graphic designer. I never used ready-made icons, as even then, I enjoyed drawing them myself. However, I always found it fascinating to see the metaphors and visual language used by other illustrators.

I didn't create the icon set for NounProject intentionally. At some point, I had accumulated a series of dog illustrations and decided to upload them. Their popularity and the fact that they appeared on the first page was a pleasant surprise. Later, I was even contacted by the Dutch design studio Gusmanson with a request to create illustrations in a similar style.

What is your design process like?

First, I review the brief, create a mood board, and get it approved by the client. Then, I draw sketches on paper for the future illustrations, refining them into a more presentable form in Procreate. After getting these sketches approved, I explore a style for one of them. If the client is happy with it, I proceed to finalize all the illustrations. There's nothing super original about this process. However, I can say that drawing from life—whether it’s organized nude figure drawing sessions or sketching in a café—really helps break the routine and makes the final result more unexpected.

What’s been one of your favorite projects to work on so far and why?

My colleague, the talented motion designer Andreas Maris, suggested we collaborate on a small animated video project. Andreas came up with the idea for the video, but we worked together on planning the scenes. I was responsible for the design, and Andreas handled the animation. I haven't felt this inspired in a long time, and I hope we find the time to finish this project. So far, only a small portion is complete.

Where do you find creative inspiration? Do you have any favorite design resources?

I specialize in vector illustration, but sometimes I get tired of the monotony. I want it to be more of a creative endeavor than just a craft. That's why I periodically switch to non-digital art, attend life drawing sessions, and take master classes. For example, last year I took a course in oil pastels. I also really enjoyed the Pictoplasma festival. It takes place every spring in Berlin and features lectures and animation screenings for character designers. Last year, I participated in the academy, and for five days, from morning till night, 40 illustrators from around the world, including myself, engaged in creative activities, attended lectures, and did a lot of drawing. It was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it.

What advice would you give to artists and designers just starting out?

I think it’s important to understand that each of us is different. Everyone has their own experiences, background, hobbies, and favorite books, which makes our creativity special and valuable. No one will create exactly like we do. 

In general, I would advise not to be too hard on yourself, to stay engaged with each new project, and to appreciate your distinct perspective on the world.

What are you working on now and what’s up next for you?

This year is special for me. I am working on my most important project yet, but it's still a secret.

Thank you for sharing with us Anya! To view more of Anya’s work, visit her Portfolio, follow her on Instagram, and check out her icons on Noun Project.

Anya was nominated by Noun Project. All images courtesy of Anya Derevyanko