About – Who I’m and What I Do

Illustrator Blog

Hello, so nice to meet you - please, call me Raya.

I am an Illustrator based in North Sydney, Australia, quibéreé land.

A few facts about me:

~ Russian-born, Sydney-based, my background lays in fine arts and visual design.

~ I was a second photographer on weddings working alongside my hubby, Anton. I loved bush walks and exploring nature. I was always creative, but wasn’t dedicating time to develop my passion to draw.

~ After ending up in an emergency room and finding out that I have a spinal cord tumor life changed. But I still stubbornly do what I love and with the help of my amazing family, local community and generous supporters it’s all possible!

~ Now I’m still working with my husband, but as his photo editor and admin (love a good wedding!). Whenever I can I go for accessible bush walks, there are so many wonderful places all around. I became a full time illustrator!

~ My focus is capturing the changing essence of our beautiful Harbor City (and everything Australian), ensuring it’s charm is preserved in art.

~ I would describe my style as delicate and modern, but with a characteristic touch of nostalgia.

~ I love working with mix media combining watercolour, gauche, pastel, colour pencil and digital drawing.

The journey:

Growing up I never imagined to build a life as a full-time creative, but here I am.
I finished an Art School (alongside a regular High School). It was an impulsive move to join a class, I just went with a friend. The school’s classical training, including art history, composition, colour theory, en plein air sessions and exams, it was both rigorous and rewarding. I attended high school in the morning and the art school three afternoons a week. It wasn’t easy, but I loved it.

Next was a graphic design degree at uni. At that time I met my future husband, Anton, a photographer with a gift for capturing emotion and atmosphere. He immediately charmed me, sweet-talking his way into my heart with lingo about colour correction and camera gear. Together we founded Across the Forest, a creative studio focusing on wedding photography.

Moving to Australia:

We made a decision to escape Russian winters and settle in Australia. It was a big move, I felt overwhelmed with all the changes and was thinking about starting a hobby to distress. I realised I hadn’t held a paintbrush in years, so I decided to see if my hands still remembered what to do – and they did!

A curve ball:

I though moving to another country would be the biggest change, but there was more to come. Life took an unexpected turn, I was rushed to the emergency department at the Royal North Shore Hospital and diagnosed with a rare, slow-growing spinal cord tumour.

The tumour, though benign, is in a position too delicate for a full removal and so well hidden that it wasn’t detected until I could barely walk. It was an initial ten-hour surgery, followed by a few more operations to address a recurring cyst.

The effects are – I have to adjust and adapt to my limited mobility, balance loss, reduced energy levels, lifelong physio rehabilitation.

Creativity plays a huge role in my physical and emotional recovery. It’s a constant source of motivation and a positive energy source, and I always choose to focus on the positives.
I’m a tough cookie!

I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet so many amazing people on this journey, from the medical professionals at RNSH and Royal Rehab to the dedicated therapists at ARC in Artarmon, to neighbours and art admirers who cheer me on.

I couldn’t do it all and so well without Anton by my side and all the people who support us.

What future holds:

Creating more! Participating in markets and connecting with more people.
I had such an amazing experience at The Coal Loader Artisans Markets where I decided to offer ‘Express Portraits’. I was drawing non-stop the whole day! The engagement and enthusiasm from the community was amazing.

As well as taking commissions for portraits and bespoke illustrations, I am building a drawing club on Patreon, with colouring pages, postcards and calming draw-along videos.

My inspiration is deeply tied to my journey and where my thoughts are today.

North Sydney inspires me endlessly. I feel anchored here and I’m so grateful to call it home.