Anna Fedoseeva, an illustrator exclusively represented by Art Lab Agency, has loved to draw for as long as she can remember. Her biggest dream growing up was to be an illustrator for the Harry Potter books. This dream made her determined to study illustration in Russia.

Now based in Georgia, Anna has worked her way up from writing and illustrating her own children’s book to becoming an editorial editor to starting her own small business in making handmade sketchbooks.

Anna’s work consists of a soft pastel palette full of pinks, greens, and blues. They vary with cartoon figures striking elaborates poses or to portraying a calm environment, to busy yet colourful sceneries. Her art carries a gentle nurture to its environment, and some even carry an element of surrealism.

‘I like my art to be bright but pastel, and full of kindness.’ Anna explains, ‘Maybe it’s because I was a children’s book illustrator first before an editorial illustrator. My empathy and compassion continue to be translated into my work.’

Anna wrote and illustrated her first children’s called Baikal! Road to the Lake of Fire, which would later be published during her year of getting her diploma. The book is based off her own experience in Baikal when she visited with her family.

After receiving her qualifications, Anna found herself under the wing of Anya, who encouraged Anna to improve her portfolio to then be represented by Art Lab agency.

Anna has always been extremely passionate about the environment, with her proudest project being to work alongside Breakthrough Institute, where she illustrated fifteen artworks depicting environmental issues. The job brought her over to Japan, a trip she will never forget.

‘I think my art reflects my love for nature. After all, green is my favourite colour.’

Her passion for the environment continues with her own small business in making sustainable handmade sketchbooks. Naming her brand Uraura, which translates from Japanese ‘to shine brightly but softly’. Anna’s sketchbooks are each bound with colourful paper. Each sketchbook has a different layout, not one is the same as the other. She currently has two versions, one made for pencil and pen and the other made with thicker paper for mixed media.

For Anna, art is all she ever sees herself doing. She is grateful for the support of her family and friends and believes she would not be where she is without them.

‘My biggest inspiration is the people around me. My illustrations are not just for me. I want to make people smile, that’s why I choose soft colours. I like it when people feel happy and positive.’

Her biggest editorial dreams are to work with Breathe Magazine and to travel to Japan again.

When asked to describe her art in three words she chose: nature, women, and sustainability.

You can find Anna’s illustrations on Art Lab Agency’s website or on their Instagram page @artlab_agency. You can also follow Anna on her own Instagram profile @hello.afi as well as her sketchbook store @uraura.era.

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Maria Schmidt is a writer and painter based in Chester. Invited back by the University as a Learning Facilitator immediately after completing her degrees in Literature, Creative Writing, and Fine Art, Maria Schmidt dedicates her time in helping others, improving her own craft and developing creative projects. Fluent in four languages, has a background in dance and theatre, Maria is incredibly fascinated by the arts and determined to promote others and their own work. She has high ambition in paving a way for herself in both the world of Traditional Painting and Publishing.

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