Karine Makartichan
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
Creating illustrations for children’s books is my biggest passion in life. From reading a draft story to creating a new world of characters and their surroundings, I love every step of the creative journey I embark on with each client to bring their vision to life.
Was creativity part of your childhood?
Drawing has always been my passion since my early childhood. I started drawing when I was 4. After receiving a master’s degree in Arts back in Armenia, I became a lecturer at the same university. Also, I have participated in more than 20 exhibitions around the world – Italy, Belgium, and Armenia. In 2015, I moved to Boston and in October 2017, opened my first art studio in Waltham, MA.
Which area of children’s publishing excites you the most?
I am often inspired by my client’s stories and the motivations behind them. Reading a draft story, then creating a new world full of unique characters and environments is incredibly rewarding and personally meaningful to me. I also find inspiration in little things surrounding us in everyday life such as the light falling on my kitchen wall, a bird singing early in the morning, or how my daughter grows a little every day. Noticing small details and incorporating them into everyday work is what makes illustrations really stand out.
Have you visited any schools to speak or hold workshops?
I have organized workshops at Harvard University and in the Harvard museum of science and culture. People need communication with art, especially during these turbulent days. I believe every artist has a special mission to convey the magical vibes of creativity to people who are not very close to art. As one of my favorite writers said - "beauty will save the world". I strongly believe in this.