Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Hi everyone, Katia here! Today, I want to share something deeply personal—I actually finished an illustration! This may seem small, but for me, it’s a big achievement because I’ve been struggling with creative blocks, self-doubt, and perfectionism, and am climbing out of a hole called depression and drawing is my ladder.
About This Illustration:
This is a thank-you card illustration that I plan to print and send to my therapist and a friend who have been a huge support during recent very difficult times. The artwork features an axolotl holding a pearl underwater, symbolizing gratitude, and a pufferfish companion, inspired by my love for aquariums.
What You’ll See in This Video:
- My full illustration process from sketch to final piece in Procreate.
- The impact of mentorship and feedback from my illustration mentor, Julia Ershova.
- My struggles with finding my art style and learning to embrace imperfection.
- How drawing every day has helped me manage my mental health and stay creative.
- Biggest Art Tip I Learned: One of the most valuable lessons from my mentor was about contrast and composition—switching the artwork to black and white revealed tonal issues, which I corrected by adding more light and shadow for depth!
My Takeaway:
I’ve realized that drawing, even when it’s hard, is one of the most therapeutic things I can do. My therapist encourages me to just draw, even if I think it’s bad, because consistency leads not only to improvement but it is my "magic pill" that helps me shut down the negative thoughts.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, unfinished projects, or finding your style, you’re not alone! Let’s talk in the comments—Do you ever feel scared to create? How do you push through?
Upcoming Video: I’m working on a soft pastel tutorial that will be a therapeutic drawing experience—stay tuned!
My friend and mentor: behance.net/juliaershova
If you would like to support me on Patreon and get all the videos ahead of time: patreon.com/katiakot
My website where you will find all the latest news on my blog: katiakot.com
#artprocess #illustration #childrensbookillustration #creativeblock #selfdoubt #drawingeveryday #procreateart #artgrowth #thankyoucard
Hi everyone, Katia here! Today, I want to share something deeply personal—I actually finished an illustration! This may seem small, but for me, it’s a big achievement because I’ve been struggling with creative blocks, self-doubt, and perfectionism, and am climbing out of a hole called depression and drawing is my ladder.
About This Illustration:
This is a thank-you card illustration that I plan to print and send to my therapist and a friend who have been a huge support during recent very difficult times. The artwork features an axolotl holding a pearl underwater, symbolizing gratitude, and a pufferfish companion, inspired by my love for aquariums.
What You’ll See in This Video:
- My full illustration process from sketch to final piece in Procreate.
- The impact of mentorship and feedback from my illustration mentor, Julia Ershova.
- My struggles with finding my art style and learning to embrace imperfection.
- How drawing every day has helped me manage my mental health and stay creative.
- Biggest Art Tip I Learned: One of the most valuable lessons from my mentor was about contrast and composition—switching the artwork to black and white revealed tonal issues, which I corrected by adding more light and shadow for depth!
My Takeaway:
I’ve realized that drawing, even when it’s hard, is one of the most therapeutic things I can do. My therapist encourages me to just draw, even if I think it’s bad, because consistency leads not only to improvement but it is my "magic pill" that helps me shut down the negative thoughts.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, unfinished projects, or finding your style, you’re not alone! Let’s talk in the comments—Do you ever feel scared to create? How do you push through?
Upcoming Video: I’m working on a soft pastel tutorial that will be a therapeutic drawing experience—stay tuned!
My friend and mentor: behance.net/juliaershova
If you would like to support me on Patreon and get all the videos ahead of time: patreon.com/katiakot
My website where you will find all the latest news on my blog: katiakot.com
#artprocess #illustration #childrensbookillustration #creativeblock #selfdoubt #drawingeveryday #procreateart #artgrowth #thankyoucard
