Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

I am a Romanian freelance digital illustrator living and working in London, UK. My style is vibrant, contemporary, fun and rich in textures. When drawing, I like adding an element of storytelling in each illustration I create, whether through the vibe of the whole scene or hidden details unveiled when having a closer look at my work.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

When I created this illustration, the first question that popped into my head was 'Where would I like to be right now?'. The answer was easy - I would love to be somewhere on a sunny beach, surrounded by wildlife while having a picnic. I chose a bold colour palette to match the silliness of the characters and to emphasise the beauty of all the different shells, plants, trees and animals. The goal was to create something fun, colourful and cute.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

For me, since I was a child, drawing has often been a way to express what I couldn't turn into words. When creating an illustration for a personal project, I have the freedom to choose my colours or subjects based on my emotions or experiences and often hide stories behind every detail.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

By finding a style that feels close to who I am, I managed to integrate my uniqueness into my creations. What makes my work unique is the person I am now, my values and artistic preferences, and what derives out of this is a humorous, calm and bright style.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

All the creatives I met so far have been so kind and have always been there for me when I needed support in my career. I think every artist understands how challenging this industry can sometimes be, and there is something empowering about meeting someone who understands your struggles and lifts you up.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

There was a time a few years ago when I was desperate to find my style, and so the illustrations I would create felt disconnected from who I was. Everyone around me was talking about the importance of having a style and I felt pressured to find my own as quickly as possible. I think it's important to have a style, but it's more important to feel like your work represents who you are. It takes time to develop a style, and it will always change anyway, so it's important to be patient.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

To create as much as possible. Research what interests you, create and experiment as much as you can, analyse what you've learned and start over. Have fun doing what you love and meet other creatives! Networking is very important.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

So much! One of them would be to work on a long-term commission, for example, a picture book or branding illustrations. Maybe also find an agency that would represent me, and just relax and find more time for myself!

Where can we see more of your work?

You can follow me on Instagram at @irina.selaru where I post most of my work, but I also often add more in-depth information about my projects on my website at www.irinaselaru.com