'Victorious Voices' with Valya Papadopoulou

December 5, 2024

Winning the FIDA Excellence in Fashion Illustration Award 2025 has not only been a deeply emotional milestone for Valya Papadopoulou, but also a validation of countless hours of hard work, dedication and discipline. She shares her inspirations, creative process, and aspirations to turn her passion into a profession, while inspiring others to follow their artistic dreams.

Is being an artist your full-time profession, or more of a personal passion?

Art for me has been a passion which has accompanied me throughout my life. As my mother was an artist, she exposed us kids to art from a very young age, took us to museums and bought us art supplies. Having worked in a scientific field for many years, it is my goal and deep wish to turn this passion into a full time profession. Creativity feeds my soul.

Have you entered the awards before, and if so, how many times? If it’s your first time, what made you apply or influenced you to take the plunge?

I have not entered the awards before. I actually did not know about FIDA until last summer where I came across a reference to FIDA in Francesco Lo Lacono’s Watercolors for Fashion illustration book. When I discovered FIDA, I was so utterly impressed by the beautiful illustration and talent that you present on your site that I joined immediately. Before entering the awards, I was a bit skeptical, and actually asked Patrick Morgan from FIDA if it was a good idea. He said it’s always good to get your work out there and it’s also fun, so I did!

How did you feel when you found out that you had won the award, and what do you hope to gain by winning?

When I found out, I cried! (really!). I couldn’t believe it, and I have never felt such humility and pride in any accomplishment. It was a big surprise for me. Hopefully by winning I will gain more exposure and wider recognition by industry professionals. I think that’s important for all artists, something that motivates us to show up every day, as in all professions.

What does this recognition mean to you as an artist?

This recognition for me is like the stamp of approval which states that all those hours of putting in the work, squeezing in any and all free time to make illustration has paid off. Like someone saying ”Hey, you actually do know what you’re doing”. It’s very rewarding.

Can you share what inspired the winning piece and tell us a bit about your process/what mediums you used?

This piece is inspired by Tom Ford’s SS25 collection, which was shown last September during Milan Fashion week, and was created for the FIDA four cites project. I really loved the collection, super energetic, edgy, and feminine, I was instantly hooked.

To create this piece I used watercolours, graphite, and Indian ink. Typically, when working with traditional tools, I start with a detailed pencil sketch. I’ve found through the years that when my sketch is wonky to begin with, the entire piece ends up being wonky. Then I apply watercolours in layers to give depth. The last step is scanning into Photoshop to clean it up and sometimes add a background. I also work digitally at times, but I find traditional methods more meditative, a more organic, vibrant result.

Is there anything that would you like people to know about you and your work?

I think my journey has greatly influenced my work. On one hand, I was born and raised in Canada but dropped everything to come and live in Greece a few years back. On the other hand, I work as an engineer but dream of being a full time Illustrator and am doing whatever I can to make that happen. I think this duality and discipline/perseverance are contributing factors to making my art something that I can be proud of.

Will this recognition influence the themes or direction of your future work?

That’s a good question. This recognition helps me understand that the style in which the illustration was created is something that others, who are actively working in illustration appreciate and acknowledge. So, I guess the answer would be that I would like to further explore where this kind of illustration can take me. Further hone my skills in that direction. As for the themes all I can say is that Fashion illustration is what I enjoy making most.

What advice would you give to other artists hoping to achieve similar recognition?

My advice would be: be true to yourself and make art that you love. It shows when you do! I would also say, keep at it. Never stop practicing, hard work is the key.

Is there someone or something you’d like to dedicate this achievement to?

I’d like to dedicate it to my husband Kostas. He’s always been there. Believing in me, supporting me and encouraging me through all my endeavours. I wouldn’t be here without him.

What’s next for you in your artistic journey?

There are so many sources of inspiration, elements of which I would like to include in my work to give it more mystery and impact. If one watches a Wong Kar-wai, a Terence Malick or a Michael Mann film, they are instantly captivated by the imagery. It’s lyrical and riveting at the same time. Works of art like those of Alex Coleville or Edward Hopper are equally mesmerising. They depict a moment frozen in time, in life, like a film still. This is the kind feeling I would like to convey with my art as well.

I’ll continue to invest in my skills, keep on learning, and hopefully gain further exposure and recognition.

Ultimately, it would be great to get commissioned to do what I love most doing.