"I believe in you, make me beautiful!" was all Natalia Kryukov's instruction for her project red devil girl. The project started with pictures of her friends two years ago. She loves to draw in vector and decided to use the collective unconscious to generate ideas. She proposed to draw avatars to her friends while some people had very detailed ideas, some had very little.

I looked at her pictures carefully and saw that the girl is provocatively sensual, beautiful (and in addition she is an artist). I decided to reflect this in my illustration, showing the image of sexy beauty, and using a whip as stylus to indicate she is a digital artist. Avatars project goes on to nowadays. I am receiving letters from strangers who want a vector illustration by aklionka and I really like it.
-Natalia Kryukov

I am getting inspired with people's reaction (and of course with money!) :) But the opportunity to draw things that other people need and receiving positive energy from work is above all. I can describe my style as a synthesis of pin-up and cartoon. Arthur de Pins, Shane Glines, Gil Elvgren, Duane Bryers and many, many artists are inspiring me every day.
-Natalia Kryukov

Satisfaction with what you do is the most important part in any field. And for sure you should learn something new every day or at least once a week)) Explore works of modern artists and their forerunners. Trust yourself and do what you must, come what may.
-Natalia Kryukov

About Natalia Kryukov

Natalia Kryukov is a 36-years-old artist - born, raised and working in Russia. She is a professional graphic designer and self-taught artist. For the last 7 years, she had been working as a freelancer using the nickname «aklionka». See more of her works on Behance, Pinterest and YouTube.