Interview with Daria Domnikova — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Daria Domnikova is a designer, artist, illustrator and a maker of all things beautiful and useful. She was born in Pyatigorsk, Russia, and immigrated to Canada to pursue education in design and art when she was 18. She’s been working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer since graduating from Ontario College of Art and Design University with a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration and is currently living and working in Toronto, Canada.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art-making?

My name is Daria Domnikova, and I’ve been drawing ever since I knew how to hold a pencil (with the right side pressed against the paper). The first and most powerful memory I have of art-making is drawing a scene I saw at a circus as a child. I drew a clown being lifted up in the air by a powerful stream of water; of course, in reality the performer was lifted up by some ropes, but I was so happy the ropes didn’t have to exist in my drawing! I took it to the kindergarten the next day and, to my delight, all of my 6-year old peers were thoroughly impressed.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

I try not to take myself too seriously. And I think that translates into my work–I always try and inject it with a bit of humor.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

People! Cinema. Dance. Architecture. That scruffy dog I once saw letting its owner’s baby ride it like a small horse (which inspired a series of illustrations about human-pet relationships.) In other words, it seems to me that inspiration can be found in any aspect of life – all I need to do is pay attention.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

I want the viewers to notice the beauty (and the ugliness) of the world that I notice and that is hopefully reflected in my work. Perhaps it will be something they haven’t thought of before.

When do you know that an artwork is finished?

When all of its elements are in agreement with each other (when they all serve to communicate an idea as opposed to each single element fighting for attention). Also, a good rule of thumb on when to let an artwork be finished is when a client is happy (when working on commissions). Or when I’m completely exhausted!

What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?

It wasn’t any specific event or commission; it was me reaching the point of complete certainty that illustration, design and art is not only what I want, but what I need to do. Funny enough, doing something as simple as getting an Instagram account was a big step, and a step in the right direction. It drew a wonderful amount of attention to my work, as well as brought new work opportunities and support for which I’m extremely grateful.

How long does it take to produce one work?

Usually most of my work takes somewhere between 15-40 hours to create, depending on the scope. However, I tend to take my time with personal projects and some of them can take weeks to finish.

What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artwork?

I have a number of portrait commissions and a few editorial illustrations in the works, all of which I’m very excited for.

Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?

Not yet, but hopefully in the near future!

Where do you see your art going in five years?

I would love to have a stable freelance business and have my work published in a few art magazines. It would also be wonderful to work as a member of a design team on a permanent basis because there’s nothing better than being surrounded by other creative people. I love clever and beautiful packaging design as it’s something that people can physically interact with, so hopefully I’ll be able to fully integrate that passion into my life and work.