Julia Prokhotskaya — Children's Book Illustrator for Publishing & Editorial

Julia Prokhotskaya is an illustrator who enjoys exploring themes of curiosity, everyday magic and discovering the small joys of life. Her colourful, playful illustrations combine a fresh, contemporary feel with rich detail and character. With a vibrant palette and a warm sense of humour, she creates inviting, imaginary worlds that speak to children and adults alike.

Classically trained in drawing and painting, Julia now works mainly in digital media, using brushes with a natural, painterly feel to build rich textures and contrasts of light and shadow. Her experience with gouache and pencil leads to tactile work with a handmade aesthetic. Flexibility and attention to detail are key as she creates imagery suitable for a range of applications – from playful picture books to middle grade and young adult stories, as well as more thoughtful editorial pieces. Based in Portugal, Julia has a background in art and art history, accompanied by a decade of experience illustrating for picture books, book jackets, magazines, board games, apps and more. Clients around the world love the way she builds on their vision, bringing fresh ideas to every project. Influences include pop culture, urban living, music, film, stories and adventures. Anything that brims with energy and diversity.

Approach

After sketching key elements of a piece and carefully honing her composition, Julia takes a layered approach to achieve the complex lighting that gives her work depth. Her works are created and finished digitally, offering clients great flexibility.

Key software

Procreate and Adobe Photoshop

Style

Julia’s style is bright and expressive, with a focus on atmosphere, colour and emotion. Whatever the subject, her illustrations have a sense of openness and wonder, combined with care and attention to detail.

Languages

English and Russian

Client list

Julia’s clients include Brio magazine, Publix, Clever Publishing, Alma Studio, Unanimous Media, Leya publishing company, Alpina Publisher, Hangzhou Lihe Digital Technology, and more.