'They keep asking me to tone it down.' Flying your freak flag in their faces 🚩

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges of artistic expression and the differing receptions of exaggerated styles in illustration.

This week we're answering a brilliant voice message from @shanaramadesigns. Shana asks about Russian illustrator Victoria Semikina: how does someone learn to draw in that gloriously exaggerated, expressive way? And why, when she does it, does everyone love it, but when Shana tries it, art directors ask her to tone it down? NO FAIR. Happy listening :) And hellooo to Victoria - we've been chatting this week and there *might* be a special video coming to the Freak Flag course from her. EEEE! Wat...

People in this episode

Guest: Shana

Topics covered

• illustration
• art direction
• expressive drawing
• creative expression
• art criticism

Keywords

• illustration
• Victoria Semikina
• art directors
• expressive art
• creative challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: @shanaramadesigns

More episodes of The Good Ship Illustration

• And the award for Best Stand at Bologna Children's Book Fair goes to... · June 12, 2026 · 35 min
• "Help! I love my rough illustrations and panic on the final piece. How do I get out of my own way?" · June 5, 2026 · 34 min
• ⚠️ Illustration scams to watch out for · May 29, 2026 · 25 min
• "I used to cry in the toilets before every job (and then I'd go draw)" - a live illustration chat with Katie · May 15, 2026 · 34 min
• You don't have to pick just one thing - an interview with illustrator-astrologer Nicola Allan · May 8, 2026 · 34 min
• This illustrator got a book deal lead on DAY ONE of Bologna… 😳 (part 2) · May 1, 2026 · 10 min