TRUST YOURSELF

TRUST

YOURSELF

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

Masha Titova

Masha is a Moscow-based illustrator, multidisciplinary artist and educator. She teaches illustration and graphic techniques in Moscow State Academy of Applied Arts and Design. Masha continuously takes part in exhibitions in Russia and abroad. Her work was selected for the Illustrators Exhibition of Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2018 and shortlisted for the Golden Pinwheel award at Shanghai Children’s Book Fair in 2019. Masha created a visual identity for BCBF 2019 and MIBF 2019 and 2020 editions.

www.mashatitova.com

1. What led you to become an illustrator? Where did you grow up? What’s your earliest illustrationrelated memory?

I have received a diverse education throughout my life. I studied at the Moscow State Stroganov Academy of Design and Applied Arts and finished up my studies in the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague where I graduated from their Visual Arts program. In Prague, I worked primarily with glass. Upon returning to Moscow, I received a master’s degree in Graphic Design where I focused on typography, books, and printed graphics. I think my method of illustration is drawn from many different experiences which helped me gain a plethora of skills, techniques, principles and different approaches such as project-based approach.

2. How did your need for experimentation in illustration develop?

I have not received a professional education in illustration, so experimentation was the only course of action for me.

3. You have a unique technique. Which aspect of your technique do you like best? How did you come to favor this medium?

I mastered many different graphic techniques at Moscow State Stroganov Academy. I am very engaged in my work and pay close attention to the project technique. I analyze it’s expressive features and strive to develop them further. I refine my drawings until I can achieve maximum impact with minimal superfluous features, essentially abiding by the quote “Less is more.” I am particularly fond of hight printing and appliqué techniques for their conditionality, ability to achieve expressive silhouettes and counterforms. All of the techniques I use have the tendency to provide my projects with their own persona which makes me curious as to who I will discover next. I hope people will recognize my drive to portray an idea using specific material in a format that does the task justice.

4. How has your personal evolution been as an artist during these years? How has your creative process changed?

Since my art is based upon my personal interests, skills, and experiences, it is only natural that my art has evolved just as I have. An example would be the character I created for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2019. The characters I created for the fair were a constructor of figures and silhouettes which came

to life with handmade paint.

5. How important do you think it is to invest time in personal projects?

I’ve learned an important lesson on this topic. While working on a project for a client, it is important to frequently express my opinions and feedback as an artist. In doing so, any project becomes a personal project and a means of experimentation.

6. Do you see yourself in your work? Do you think others see you in your work?

I do see myself in my artworks and oftentimes notice a part of me which I hadn’t discovered before. My personality is best portrayed in my collection of graphic works in which I analyze the beauty in the world around me, abide by the laws that govern my surroundings, but defy the laws of illustration.

7. What is your creative process when illustrating books?

I believe that the tone of the story is just as important as the story itself so I illustrate based on the emotions felt when reading the text in accordance with the details of the book. Topics such as melancholy, euphoria, fanaticism, harmony, and fragility are most common in my works.

8.Are your sketchbooks filled with day-to-day drawing or ideas for the projects you are working on?

I have two sets of notebooks which perform different roles in my life. The first is my day-to-day notebooks filled with sketches of current projects, sketches of everyday occurrences, plans for the future, and what I am currently reflecting on. The other type of notebook is what I use when I am traveling. I use it as a sort of visual diary of the places I visit only so I don’t add any unnecessary information to it. .

9. When you create a piece of art is there a particular message you wish to portray?

I wish people would see the world as a picture-perfect place that is full of wonders even if it is just for a moment.

10. Tell us about your collaboration with Bologna Children’s Book Fair. How do you feel about receiving such an honor from Bologna?

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is a fascinating haven for me. At first, I was only thinking about receiving a discount on the ticket and hoped to pass the illustrator’s competition. I sent them my series on

the five dragons that are based on the drawings of my beloved nephew, Yura, only to find out that my illustrations were chosen by one of the biggest illustration organizations for their visual universe in 2019. You can only imagine how overwhelmed with ecstasy and excitement I was. I was really lucky to have had the chance to work with a strong, respectable, and friendly team on such a large project.

11.What is your favorite memory of this collaboration?

When I was on a bus in which all the passengers had pamphlets with my fox drawing

12. What is the best use of illustration you have ever seen?

My favorite book is called “Die Grosse Flut” or “ The Big Flood” by the duo It’s Raining Elephants

13. Which type of creative people do you admire? Why?

I am fascinated by those who handcraft works of art, children and passionate people. I admire their selflessness, zeal, imagination, and willpower.

14. Where do you see illustration going in the next few years in your country?

Seeing as to how I absolutely adore my Russian colleagues and am oftentimes inspired by them I believe the future of illustration to be bright and colorful. I am happy to be surrounded with talented and witty people.

15. What’s the most valuable lesson you have learnt throughout your career, so far?

The advice I received from the team I worked with in Bologna: “Trust yourself”