KATIA BULBENKO
Katia Bulbenko is a freelance illustrator based in Weehawken, New Jersey, who specializes in greeting cards.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
Most of my professional life, I’ve designed surface patterns that are called “conversationals”, pictures of things like dogs and coffee, created for pajamas. My first greeting card was actually not designed as a card at all, but as a repeat pattern of pies, and was picked up by a greeting card company as a Thanksgiving card. There’s something very satisfying about creating a “moment”, an illustration that speaks about a specific emotion or occasion, connecting with the viewer. I love to make greeting cards that are fun, eye-catching, beautiful and uplifting for any occasion. Inspiration usually comes to me on a walk or during early morning before I’m even out of bed. After it pops into my head, I hurry to sketch the idea. Then I complete the drawing in Procreate and Photoshop to finalize the composition.
RECENT CLIENTS
- Design House Greetings
- Camp North End
- Edible NJ
- Amber Lotus Publishing
- Temple Health magazine
Q&A
What is your favorite occasion to illustrate?
My favorite occasions to illustrate are Birthday and Christmas. Drawing cakes, flowers and sparkly, magical things brings me joy.
Which card do you still keep on your desk?
The card I keep on my desk is of a woman relaxing in a bath shaped like a giant teacup, surrounded by enormous flowers, string lights, glass of wine, a salt lamp, soft slippers, a kitty cat stretched out on the floor…an image I hope transports people to a wonderful imaginary space. It serves as a reminder for me to keep calm, breathe, focus on the present and trust my intuition.
What is the most unique card you ever created?
The most unique card I’ve created is a Christmas/Winter Solstice card about the legend of Rozhanitsya, the Slavic deer goddess who brings back the sun after the shortest day of the year. I love magical animals, and the storytelling involved in this one is so special.