Meet Anastasiya Arvest

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anastasiya Arvest a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasiya , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Sometimes people with critical thinking feed the impostor syndrome. Did I sell my artwork because I deserved it or was I just lucky? Maybe other people will see that I’m not talented enough? Sometimes those thoughts can be really frustrating.

I can’t say that I’ve completely overcome impostor syndrome. But I’m glad that I’ve became friends with my inner critic. It helps me challenge myself: since I am interested in personal growth and development, it pushes me to new and unknown heights. There is a belief that impostor syndrome occurs as a result of you becoming more perfect in what you do.

As I have grown creatively, I have become less of a comparison person. I have my own unique adventure. Also I always appreciate good advice and constructive criticism, but over time I have become less likely to take it too seriously and get upset. When in doubt, I remind myself of the many grateful customers, the completed projects. People “vote with their dollars” for what they really like. And their voices show that I am not just an impostor.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I have been in love with creativity and its various manifestations since I was a child. In 2014 I began to study botanical illustration and I really fell in love with this type of artistic expression. I collaborate with illustration agencies and private clients. Also I work as an illustrator for Shatterstock and Adobe Stock creativity agencies. I really love to reflect the beauty of nature in commercial labeling, packaging and stationery design. All my paintings are created with love, using high quality watercolor paper and paints.

Im currently member of American Association of Botanical Artists and sometimes can participate in botanical exhibition of this artistic society. My artworks can be found in private collections in the USA, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Spain and other countries.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I guess I would point out such qualities as persistence, patience and curiosity. I think these are the most important ерштпы that have been most valuable in my creative adventure. Let me explain.

Firstly, persistence helped me not to give up when I faced devaluation. I am always ready to accept constructive criticism and try to understand what is behind it, how I can use the comments to improve my work. There were times when I met people who said that I wouldn’t succeed and that I should give up my creativity. Perseverance has helped me to do what I love again and again, to pursue creativity and to constantly improve.

Secondly, patience. Art requires a lot of time and patience to achieve the best result. Especially if it is watercolor and botanical art. Millions of subtle details and shades, veins and petals require honing the skill. I want to show the audience my best artwork one day, but I’m still working towards it. It can take a long time, even a lifetime, to hone art skills. And patience will be your true ally in this matter.

And the third thing is a curiosity. I have always been curious about different areas of human life and strived to learn something new. Children are very curious and always ready to learn. I think it is important for a creative person not to lose the inner child. “A successful creative person is a child who survived.” And I truly believe this.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents have always been very supportive of my love for creativity. They have always been my main audience, critics and motivators. Even if I didn’t believe in myself. My mother still keeps a collection of my childhood drawings and I think this is really cute. I think the best thing parents can do is to support their child’s endeavors. Devaluation and ridicule have robbed our society of many talented people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arvest_watercolors/
• Other: My Etsy Store:
  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArvestWatercolors?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

  My portfolio on Shatterstock:
  https://www.shutterstock.com/ru/g/Anastasiya+Arvest?page=3

  My portfolio on Adobe Stock:
  https://stock.adobe.com/fr/contributor/208957861/anastasiya?load_type=author

Image Credits

All photos made by photographer Yana Ivanova