Parenthood is a journey filled with countless lessons, but one of the most impactful is nurturing the dreams and aspirations of our daughters and granddaughters. Shaping our children’s perspectives on their future career and passions can be fun and uplifting! One empowering tool we can use for our girls is through example. It’s important for our girls to see women all over the world having fun and fulfillment in their careers.

Today’s spotlight shines on Talk Her Up’s incredible illustrator for The ABC’s for Strong Girls Coloring Book Series, Evgeniya Pautova.

Hi, i’m Evgeniya.

**I’m an Illustrator and Surface Pattern Designer, working with Publishers and Creative Brands from all around the world.**
**I’ve got a degree in Child Psychology and AA in Fine Arts.**
I love helping my clients connect with their audience and making fun and whimsical illustrations for them. I also dance Lindy hop, play piano, run Creative Breakfasts for Prague Artists, and raise the cutest Boston Terrier named Paprika.
**My art studio in Prague is filled with houseplants and the aroma of coffee.**

What Inspired You to Illustrate books for Talk Her Up?

These books hold a special place in my heart because I strongly believe in empowering girls. I want them to see themselves in the characters and feel inspired. As a female illustrator, I draw from my own experiences and values to inform my work, making it authentic and relatable.

How Did You Design Illustrations for these coloring books?

I love starting off by doing thorough visual research and idea mapping. It helps me gather inspiration and plan the structure of the book. This also involves creating thumbnails to make sure everything flows nicely and has a good rhythm.

Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important to me. I'm really passionate about representing a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in my illustrations.

After the planning stage, I move on to sketching. During this stage, I work closely with the author to make sure the illustrations align perfectly with the book's message. It's not just about creating visually appealing artwork, but also about effectively communicating the intended emotions and ideas.

Do You Have Any Advice For Future Illustrators?

I think it's really important to choose a niche that you feel a deep connection to and are truly passionate about. Focusing on that niche allows you to build a strong foundation and develop a unique style within it. For me, it was inspiring coloring books for children, and after that, I expanded to picture books and prints and patterns for kids’ products. Once you've established yourself in your chosen niche, you can gradually start exploring other areas of interest. This step-by-step approach not only helps you grow as an artist but also builds a dedicated following that truly resonates with your work. Remember, patience and persistence are key on your journey to building a sustainable income through your art.

What Other Projects are You Enjoying?

In addition to working on The ABC’s for Strong Girls Coloring Book Series, I'm also having a blast creating an illustrated map of my neighborhood. It's a great way for me to connect with my local community through art. On top of that, I'm designing fun patterns for kids' outdoor clothing. My goal is to bring joy to children and their parents with my artwork. These projects perfectly align with my mission of creating art that resonates with children, parents, and even grandparents.

Lift her up!

If your daughters are passionate about art, browsing Evgeniya’s work can be an inspiring and fun activity! Evgeniya's website is filled with imaginative and wonderful creations.