Meet Valentina Brostean Varga

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valentina Brostean Varga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

VALENTINA, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through creating art because, for me, creating is not just an act of self-expression—it is a way of being. From an early age, I felt an innate pull toward expressing the unspoken, the subconscious, the in-between spaces of reality that often go unnoticed. My art became the medium through which I could explore the complexities of existence, human nature, and the surreal dimensions of emotion.

The creative process is my way of decoding the world. It allows me to break down reality, reconstructing it into new, symbolic narratives that blur the lines between the familiar and the unknown. Each piece I create is an intimate dialogue—a visual language that speaks beyond words, touching on identity, dreams, and the hidden layers of our psyche. The fusion of mixed media, the expressive distortion of figures, and the unexpected juxtapositions in my work all mirror life’s complexities.

Art is not just what I do; it is who I am. It is my way of understanding, communicating, and bringing forth an inner world that longs to be seen. My purpose is to create—continuously, relentlessly—because through creation, I find meaning. Each brushstroke, each composition, is a step further into self-discovery and a bridge to connect with others on a deeply emotional level.

To create is to exist fully, and for me, there is no separation between the two.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello! My name is Valentina Brostean, and I am a multi-disciplinary visual artist and illustrator. My journey began in Novi Sad, Serbia, where I was born and nurtured my love for art. After spending over a decade in Turin, Italy (2011–2021), I found my new home in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. Its Mediterranean energy, colorful streets, and inspiring atmosphere have deeply influenced my creative flow.

With a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Illustration from the Academy of Arts, Novi Sad, my artistic journey has spanned over 15 years in the creative world. I work with both traditional and digital mediums, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to express my vision. My style, often described as “new contemporary figuration,” is bold and eclectic, characterized by courageous compositions and striking imagery that challenge perception and provoke thought. In the realm of applied art, I specialize in editorial and fashion illustration, experimenting with collage and seamlessly blending traditional and digital tools. My work has been published in various books, magazines, and publications worldwide. Since 2006, I have showcased my art in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe (Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the UK), as well as in the Middle East and the United States. Currently, I am represented by Illozoo Creative Agency. Today, as an independent artist, my focus is on personal self-expression through my creative process. I collaborate with talents worldwide, including illustration and design agencies, companies, galleries, and collectors. These collaborations allow me to continuously evolve as an artist while applying my eclectic creativity to diverse projects.

But beyond the canvas, I am deeply inspired by the simple joys of life. I find balance and peace in nature, whether walking along the Mediterranean coast or hiking through lush landscapes. My love for dogs adds a special kind of happiness to my daily life—they teach me about loyalty, playfulness, and living in the moment. I am also deeply connected to my friends and family, who are my greatest supporters and sources of love and inspiration. My Mediterranean lifestyle—full of vibrant colors, good food, laughter, and warm community vibes—feeds my creativity and keeps my heart full.

I am excited to keep exploring, creating, and sharing my vision with the world. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and my art.
You can discover my art on the following links:
https://www.instagram.com/valentina_brostean_studio/
https://www.behance.net/valentinabrostean

Fine art

In case you’d be interested in purchasing my art please visit my online shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/valentinabrostean

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?

Looking back, I believe patience, open-mindedness, and resilience were the most impactful qualities in my journey. Patience allowed me to embrace the creative process without rushing results, understanding that true artistic growth takes time. Open-mindedness helped me push boundaries, explore new perspectives, and continuously evolve, both technically and conceptually. Resilience was essential in navigating the inevitable challenges—rejections, doubts, and uncertainties that come with a creative career.

For those just starting out, I’d encourage you to nurture patience by trusting your own pace and allowing yourself to experiment without fear of immediate perfection. Stay open-minded by exploring different influences, embracing change, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. And above all, build resilience—learn from failures, adapt, and keep pushing forward no matter what. The artistic path is never linear, but if you stay committed to your passion, every challenge will only add depth to your journey.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I am always open to collaborations and genuinely excited about bringing my creativity into new and diverse fields.

I dream of working with some of the most respected American galleries, such as Thinkspace, Corey Helford Gallery, Roq la Rue, or even Dorothy Circus in London. The thought of sharing my artistic vision with new audiences through beautifully curated exhibitions truly excites me. I believe my bold, eclectic style would resonate in these spaces, sparking conversations and connecting with viewers on a deeper level.

I am also incredibly inspired by the world of fashion and branding. Collaborating with iconic brands like Adidas or Nike—or even with more artistic, avant-garde fashion designers—would be a dream come true. I imagine my illustrations coming to life on clothing, sneakers, or accessories, adding a bold artistic twist that tells a story and resonates with people. I already have experience working on similar projects and that is the path I would love to continue exploring.

Additionally, I have a passion for storytelling through visuals. I would love to work on impactful book covers or even dive into the realm of graphic novels, where I could fully explore narrative art and bring stories to life with my unique visual language.

If you’re a gallery, brand, publisher, or creative agency looking for bold, thought-provoking visuals that stand out, let’s connect! I am open to all sorts of creative ideas and am always excited to explore how we can bring something extraordinary to life together. You can reach out to me through my website or social media—I’d genuinely love to hear from you and see where our collaboration could lead.

Let’s create something memorable!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Witek photography, Valentina Brostean photography

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