Greeting Cards by Katerina Velcheva: Originality, Simplicity and Lots of Positive Energy

Greeting cards made by Katerina Velcheva are fascinated by their originality, simplicity, and positive energy. Katerina was born and grew up in Dnipro, Ukraine. She has recently graduated from university with a degree in design and architecture. Katerina is fond of music and literature, and she likes painting. All these bring her great pleasure.

AP: How did you get interested in painting?

KV: My parents took me to the Art School when I was 8-9. There, I got to know about art. However, my intense love for craft and creativity has appeared recently. It all started with a small moleskin presented to me… I have grown interested in painting. Moreover, I have finally found my style.

AP: Do you have any formal education in your sphere, or were you self-taught?

KV: I’m primarily self-taught. Of course, education in art gave me an excellent basis, putting such concepts as “composition,” “line,” “coloring,” and many other valuable things, without which it would be difficult to start doing something. However, independent practice and experimentation have become most effective for me.

AP: What genre are your works? How would you describe them?

KV: I use pen and watercolor, as a rule, to create illustrations. Sometimes, I resort to computer vector graphics. But I don’t enjoy working with paints. Graphic works are much more interesting for me. Smooth, clean lines – it’s mine. Of course, I use watercolor, but still, the line dominates in my works. As for genre, I don’t think my works belong to a specific style. Perhaps my graphic illustrations can be attributed to primitivism, but they are not 100% compliant with this genre. As for the description of my works, I suppose that people should judge whether they are unusual. I can only say that there are heights to attain.

AP: Would you consider yourself as an expert in this sphere?

KV: I think I am still ‘green’ now. But, of course, at the exact moment, I’m practicing and making good progress. And I’ll achieve success. My success formula is simple – don’t be nervous; relax, and do what you like most without being distracted by external factors.

AP: Do you have any achievements as an artist?

KV: Since I am only a beginner in painting, there are not so many projects in which I’ve managed to participate. However, there are some of them. My illustrations are being published in the magazine ‘I.’ I have made promotional posters and flyers for different events. I’ve designed the cover of the musical band’s first album, ‘The Mystery of the Third Planet.’ I also participate in various fairs, where I sell handmade greeting cards.

AP: Is there someone who helps you in your creativity?

KV: Of course, some people help me. Close people give me moral support. They strongly believe in my talent. They are sure that I will succeed in life.