julia ela yrkoska
illustration
tribute to ugly guardian angels
Project statement
My final year at Columbia I’ve spent contemplating what I want to do- what is important to me as an artist. Never before have I considered my work to fit into a child friendly category. That slowly changed because I decided to take a Children’s Book Illustration course, and I started making such work. I soon realized that “Children’s Illustration” is the sole reason I draw, it’s what inspired me in the first place as a little girl. I’d be honored to do the same for other children someday. So, I decided to create a tribute to my younger self, in love with my imagination, and determined to visualize it. Alongside, I want to include my most recent work that made this project possible.
About the Artist
My name is Julia ( known as Yulia to most), I’m from Poland, and my culture influences all aspects of my work. I like drawing horrid, evil, scary creatures, one’s that I can still learn to love. I like skiing, hiking, learning languages, and buying black tank tops. After graduation I plan to go back to my country as soon as possible, and illustrate children’s books while I live on a big green hill, surrounded by poppy flowers.
Connect
"Yulia is one of the most creative, imaginative, and thoughtful character designers and comic artist in our growing illustration program. Born in Warsaw, Poland and inspired by Soviet era cartoons, Slavic folklore fables, and European comics. Yulia uses the digital drawing program, Procreate (iPad) to bring their haunting, yet playful world to life. Yulia’s illustrations often combine somber nature scenes, parades of fun furry creatures, and reflective poetry. Yulia is always encouraging, influencing, and inspiring the classroom as well. We will be following Yulia beyond Columbia, as they continue to create illustrations, tell stories, and travel the world."
—Chris Eliopoulos, Associate Professor, Design