Through a captivating mix of vibrant, surreal imagery and striking colour palettes, kiikii.jova’s work stands out for its dynamic, imaginative storytelling.
How did you first break into the creative industry, and were there any key moments or people that helped shape the early stages of your career?
Some of the earliest signs that I would go in this direction date back to childhood. I was always drawing, creating, writing… I didn’t know exactly which branch of art I would choose, but I always knew that my dream was to be an artist. At the beginning of this journey, my biggest supporters were my parents and some of the teachers from the schools I attended, along with other wonderful people I met along my developmental path. I am very grateful to all of them for that.
Who would you most like to collaborate with, and what would that look like?
This is a pretty tough question, but I’ll try to answer. I’m not sure which specific artists have influenced me the most, but I would highlight an entire movement, like Pop Art. The colours, shapes, graphic novels, and experimentation from that period probably reflect the most in my current style. Which led to different areas that interest me, where illustration can be applied. For example, from books, entertainment and sports to fashion, cosmetics, food, and drinks... As for collaboration, I wouldn’t single out anyone in particular. It’s important that our beliefs align and that we’re on the same track (but I'll just tell you that I'm a big fan of Formula 1!)
As an art director and illustrator, how do you balance your personal creative voice with client briefs when working on commissions? And what’s the biggest difference between working with a team as an art director and working alone as an illustrator?
Everything requires balance to find common ground. When I receive a collaboration request, it’s usually because people have already seen my work, liked it, and decided to collaborate with me. However, it’s challenging every time to create something new when you know the only image the client has in mind is a reference work. It’s quite demanding but also beautiful to create something new each time. Of course, the greatest responsibility for achieving this falls only on me. However, in an agency setting the responsibility is shared. Ideas come from different sides, and everyone views the brief through their own lenses. That clash of different thoughts and possibilities is what makes agency work special.
How do you incorporate inspiration from other fields like fashion, architecture, or cinema into your artwork?
You should see the gallery of photos on my phone. Hahaha! My phone is filled with details, colours, and strange shapes that I can't even remember what they represent. There are quotes from movies, rooftops, the sky between those rooftops, facade colours, doors, textures, jewellery, patterns... I believe that small details in our observations can lead to fantastic pieces. And when you think about it, it’s beautiful that a single detail in this world, which is full of countless details, can inspire you to create something new and big. Isn’t that amazing?
Do you have a favourite medium to work with? What draws you to it, and how does it enhance your creative process?
I don’t have a favourite technique or medium; I love to experiment.
Until recently, I was drawing with coloured inks, but I’ve now switched to digital illustration, so that’s the medium I use the most at the moment.
Do you have any routines or habits (like meditation, sports, or reading) that help maintain your mental clarity and creativity while juggling multiple roles?
First of all, I think mental health is very important, so techniques that work for one person might not work for another, and vice versa. What I often do is write in my journal in the morning. I have various notebooks where I jot down different things, from wishes and plans to thoughts that cross my mind. I meditate occasionally and enjoy long walks with my partner, who is also my biggest support. I talk to him a lot about my ideas, drawings, and everything I create. Reading is also part of my routine for gathering ideas. I love graphic novels and comics, and recently, I’ve started exploring the world of manga. I must say, I’m not sure why I avoided it for so long—I’m absolutely thrilled with it!
Is there a recurring theme or message in your work that’s driven by something you’ve read, watched, or experienced in popular culture?
Through my work, I often reflect on the struggle for women's rights, highlighting how challenging it is to achieve results in systems that, unfortunately, are still unequal. Some pieces I've done on this theme were inspired by the Olympics and the position of women in sports. If I can raise awareness about these issues through my work, I will definitely continue to do so.
Where is the most exciting place you have ever exhibited your work?
It’s hard to choose the most exciting place since I always feel intense nerves before such events, and each one feels like the first time. I haven’t had a solo exhibition yet, so maybe I’ll save a special place or concept for that occasion. :)
Which of your projects so far has been your favourite, and what made it special for you?
One of my favourite projects so far has definitely been the poster I created for a theatrical performance of the play Übüleşme (Ubuification) in Turkey. It’s special because, through that process, I met some wonderful people from the theatre troupe, who are incredibly talented and phenomenal. The feeling I had while working on it and when the play was released was phenomenal - truly unique.
What has been the most transformative moment or experience in your creative journey so far, and how did it shape the way you approach your art and career today?
There have been multiple transformative moments for me. Every time I attended a lecture at an art festival or talked with one of my colleagues, each of those moments provided an extra boost of energy and motivation to create. With each project, I developed something new, creating a cycle where the more I work and experiment, the greater my chances of attracting new opportunities. So, perhaps the most transformative moment for me was when I decided to show up at my art desk (as I call it) every day.
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