Where did you go to school and how did you start working in RIOLIS?

I went to University of Design and Technology in Moscow and majored in Costume Design.
I came to RIOLIS completely accidentally. I saw an ad about vacancy for a designer. At that time I worked as
clothes‘ designer and knew nothing about RIOLIS. Therefore I studied all assortment on their website and
realized that I really want to work here. Back then I didn‘t even realize how popular cross stitching is!

How did you start your creative journey?

I started drawing in kindergarten. First “masterpieces” that wowed the adults were watercolor autumn
landscapes with flying red, yellow and orange leaves. Of course, I didn’t know anything about the
impressionists at that time, but the style was similar.
Later I got interested in paper dolls and started creating stylish outfits for them.
This was the start of my “creative journey”.

Where do you get inspiration for the designs?

The most important part of finding inspiration is to start working! Of course, inspiration requires new
experiences. It can be an interesting exhibition, movie, concert, or meeting with friends. Anything! Without
doubt, most new experiences come from travels. I usually take photos of everything there that interests me
and can be used at work.

What is your favorite work from RIOLIS kits?

It’s kits from Old Photo series (Letter, Riviera and Waiting). Here everybody can think of their own story.
What unbelievable versions I’ve heard about the theme of these kits!

What inspired creation of Pastoral?

Paintings by Francois Boucher and other artist of that time and style. I wanted to transfer the style and
playful mood of pastoral painting.

What themes are closest to you?

Flowers, of course! I love ‘composing’ bouquets in my works and it makes me feel like a real florist. Also, I
like creating women’s images. Landscapes and still life are also my favorite themes.

I love your gentle watercolor bouquets. What is your favorite flower?

I love many flowers; it is hard to choose one. I think my favorite flowers are the ones that I will draw in the
future.

Thank you for watercolor series. Will there be more designs like this?

I would love to continue these series, so I hope there will be a sequel!

Do you cross stitch?

I cross stitch small fragments while choosing the threads and of course, backstitch on a stitched work. For
me it’s a magic moment when a few additional touches transform whole piece!

What is your favorite shade of threads that you use?

I never thought about it. I guess there are some shades of threads that I subconsciously use more in my
works. Thank you for the question! I’ll have to take a closer look at that!

Why did you agree to work in RIOLIS?

Of course, interesting job is important, but the main reason is people. We have a very friendly and kind
colleagues, and there is absolutely no jealousy that is very common in creative teams. Everybody is
sincerely happy about the success of others and always gives you an advice if needed. Therefore, I work at
RIOLIS for 12 years already!

What is your favorite work of literature?

My favorite book from childhood is Treasure Island. It was very scary, but also so interesting! I imagined
myself as a character in these amazing adventures. I guess no other book had such an impact for me.

Did competitors try to lure you away?

Of course, they did! But how can you leave such a friendly and loving family?

What are you working on now? What new kits can we expect?

One more reproduction after artwork of Alphonse Mucha. It is one of my favorites. All work is done in half
cross stitch and a lot of backstitch. I hope the result will not disappoint you!

What are the difficulties of creating a design?

Each work has its difficulties. Sometimes it is hard to convey a certain detail as we are limited in graphic
means. Other times it is hard to choose a needed shade of threads.

I want your Pastoral. What is romance in our times?

Thank you, I’m very happy to hear you like Pastoral! As for the question about romance, I think people did
not change much with their feelings and emotions. Romance remains something sublime even in our times!

Do you plan to make a design after Gone with the Wind (Scarlett and Rhett Butler)?

No, I don’t plan it yet. Thank you for the idea, it is worth considering!

Did you ever have dreams of your future designs?

Honestly, I don’t remember. However, I always have quite accurate dreams about the designs I’m currently
working on.

What do you dream of creating?

I wish to create something extraordinary and surprise everyone!

Would you like to illustrate a book? If yes, what book would it be?

I would like to create illustrations for novels by Somerset Maugham. I like his characters very much.

Do you have any hobbies (in addition to work and drawing)?

I love sport and traveling.

How long on average do you work on each design?

It differs. It can be a few weeks or a few months. It depends on difficulty of the work, size and many other
things. The longest process is a work on reproduction. Main thing here is not to ruin the masterpiece, therefore you feel a huge responsibility.

Who is your favorite artist?

I love impressionists and many of the modernists. But most of all I am amazed and delighted by an architect
Antoni Gaudi.

What was your first design for RIOLIS?

It was a lady in a masquerade costume rushing somewhere. Also, one of the first works is Tuscany (field
with poppies).

What country/city (from those you haven’t been to) do you dream of visiting?

Of course, I wish to visit many countries, but right now I dream of traveling to Portugal. I love Portuguese
language and I am even trying to learn it a little.

Are you an artist or designer of charts? Or both?

I think of and draw a sketch which I later transform to a chart for cross stitch. That’s why I am both an artist
and a designer.

What emotions inspire you for another masterpiece?

Inspiration comes from the positive emotions, of course. It is hard to create something that would make
other people happy if you are in a bad mood. That’s why I try to leave all the troubles behind the doorstep.
I turn on the music and start working in a good mood.

What design was most complicated to create?

It was design Maharaja’s Garden. At first, white peacock was supposed to be on black fabric, but I wanted
to create him light and airy. It wasn’t an easy task, but I think I managed to do it quite well.