Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing an amazing Digital Artist who specializes in Digital Painting. She is Russian based artist and designer Alena Lazareva and you may be familiar with her work from DeviantArt, Advanced Photoshop, Photoshop Createive, or ImageFX. Her images are nothing short of mystical and it was a real treat to get to talk to her about her work!

Could you tell us about yourself, where you’re from and how you got started in the design field?

Hello ! My name is Alena. I am 29 years old. I live in Russia.
I have been drawing since childhood. I studied at the School of Art at the artist. There I drew pictures in oils and watercolor, is now engaged in graphic design. My first acquaintance with Photoshop was in 2006. Then I went to the computer graphics courses, and began to paint in Photoshop. Now I draw in Photoshop every day and improve my skills. My interests: art, photography, computer graphics.

Sad_fairy_by_AlenaLazareva

A lot of your designs involve painting with light, is there any particular reason you gravitate toward this particular style?

In my artworks mythical creatures, fairies, elves, mermaids … The effect of light in the paintings give a sense of magic, magical world. Light – is the warmth and magic.

Fairy_by_AlenaLazareva

Were there any barriers you’ve had to overcome in entering the field and trying to develop as an artist?

At first, I did not have enough skills in the field of graphic design. Was it difficult to translate the plan. I went to courses graphic design, it really helped me. now improve their skills every day.

What has been your most valuable resources as a designer?

I think, valuable resources in the design of this creative thinking, a fantasy artist and good technique in creating artworks.

What would you say is the hardest part of being a designer?

The designer should strive to learn new skills, get acquainted with the artwork of other artists. And most importantly, the designer must have creative thinking!

Are there any other designers or artist that you draw inspiration or advice from?
I always liked works of KAGAYA. They inspire…me .It is a great artist – illustrator .

So far what would you say is your favorite piece you’ve that you have created, and why?
My favourite artworks : Angels, Paradisial bird, black angel. But very favourite artwork Mermaid!

Mermaid_by_AlenaLazareva

If you could use design to influence or change the world in a positive way, how would you go about it?
Arouse in people a good feeling ! It would be a project consisting of paintings by artists. These pictures would show human feelings, kindness, love, friendship … The project would remind all people of good qualities, which should be in every man.

What do you hope to achieve design wise in the next 5 years?

I plan to improve their skills in design, improve their digital painting technique, to master new knowledge in graphic design. And also think of interesting subjects for his paintings, and to please all his artworks. I also would like to participate in different competitions and get acquainted with the artwork of digital artists.

Paradisial_bird_by_AlenaLazareva

Thanks for a wonderful interview Alena. Be sure to check out Alena’s various galleries and the links below and show her some love and support by commenting, and rating her images!

Photoshop Creative Gallery
Advanced Photoshop Gallery
DeviantArt Gallery
DeviantArt Portfolio
ImagineFX Gallery