We recently had the chance to connect with Yuliya Ozdemir and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yuliya , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I paint, I often lose track of time—especially while working on the tiny details of fur or feathers, capturing the sparkle in an eye, or the curve of a whisker. In those quiet moments, every brushstroke feels like a conversation with the animal itself. That’s when I forget everything else—and find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yuliya, and I’m a watercolor artist who loves capturing the gentle beauty of animals and nature. Originally from Ukraine and now based in Turkey, I create detailed watercolor paintings where every brushstroke celebrates individuality — whether it’s the softness of a cat’s fur or the shimmer of a bird’s feathers. My brand, Happy Cherry Design, grew from my love for watercolor and my wish to share that quiet joy with others. Lately, I’ve been working on a series that explores the harmony between humans and animals, reminding us how deeply we’re all connected.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
After I moved to Turkey and left my job as a financial manager in a large international company in Ukraine, I had just graduated as a graphic designer and painted only as a hobby. It was my husband who truly saw me before I saw myself as an artist. He encouraged and supported me to start taking commissions for pet portraits and selling my art — and that’s how my creative journey really began.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. For several years I was successfully selling my artworks through Instagram and online platforms, but after the pandemic everything changed — sales dropped drastically, and I felt very discouraged. I even thought about stopping painting altogether. But before giving up, I decided to try something new — to work with galleries and take part in exhibitions and art fairs. That decision changed everything. I found incredible support, met people who truly appreciated my work, and felt inspired again. That was the moment when a completely new journey began for me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Coming from a post-Soviet background, I still carry the belief that everything must be built on hard study and hard work. For me, being an artist is not just about talent — it’s about learning composition, color theory, styles, and art history. I believe that before you can truly call yourself an artist, you need a strong foundation and, most importantly, your own voice. Following trends or copying others may bring quick attention, but real art comes from developing something that is truly yours.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I would stop worrying so much about what’s “right” or “successful.” I wouldn’t be afraid to assert myself or overthink whether my art is good enough. Instead, I’d focus on creating purely for the joy of it — painting what I truly feel, traveling, being with loved ones, and collecting moments that make life full and real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artmajeur.com/yuliya-ozdemir
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happycherryart
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
