Illustrator Spotlight: Daryna Rudyk

© Daryna Rudyk

 March 1, 2026

It's the beginning of the month, so we are pleased to feature illustrator Daryna Rudyk and her website banner design. Welcome!

© Daryna Rudyk

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

My name is Daryna, I’m 22 years old, and I’m a children’s book illustrator from Ukraine. I’ve been passionate about art for as long as I can remember. Drawing was always the place where I felt most myself. When I realized that the thing I loved most could also become my profession, I clearly saw my future – telling stories through illustrations. Children’s books especially captured my heart because they combine emotion, imagination, and meaning in such a powerful way.

© Daryna Rudyk

Congrats on your banner design! How did you approach this project? 

I actually entered the competition at the very last moment. I had less than 24 hours to complete the design and decided to take the risk. Sometimes as artists it’s hard to focus and avoid distractions, but that day everything flowed naturally. I worked almost without stopping, fully immersed in the process, and from the very beginning I felt connected to what I was creating. It was one of those rare creative moments when everything aligns.

© Daryna Rudyk

What is your preferred medium and style for illustration?

I primarily work digitally in Procreate. My preferred style is soft watercolor with rich textures and warm, expressive details. I love creating illustrations that feel gentle, emotional, and atmospheric.

© Daryna Rudyk

What projects are you working on?

I’m currently finishing a special children’s book titled, The Lotus and the Weeds, by Jeanne Kemperle. It’s a warm and heartfelt story written from a grandmother to her grandson, full of light and kindness.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

Most people don’t know that my very first 18-page book project was paid only $60 😄 It was the beginning of my journey. Since then, I’ve grown professionally and learned to truly value my work.

© Daryna Rudyk

Where can people find you online?

6. You can follow my work on Instagram. (@darrycreations)

 

I would be truly grateful to anyone who feels connected to my art, chooses to follow along, and supports my creative journey as I continue to grow and evolve as an illustrator. 💛

Daryna Rudyk is a Ukrainian illustrator whose path has been shaped by resilience and bold choices. At 18, she was forced to leave her home due to the war and rebuild her life in Europe, where she worked as a tattoo artist for three years. She later chose to follow her childhood dream of becoming an illustrator, committing to art full-time and building her creative career from the ground up. Now based in Vietnam, she continues to grow internationally while shaping her life on her own terms.