About me

I'm Yana Popova, a children’s book illustrator passionate about crafting playful, imaginative worlds that bring stories to life. With a background rooted in both traditional and digital illustration, I specialise in creating vibrant, character-driven artwork that resonates with young readers. My illustrations often lean into humour, wit, and the wonderfully unexpected — I love visual storytelling that feels as surprising as it is joyful.

Beyond my work in children’s literature, I also explore personal projects through screen printing and graphic techniques. I’m particularly drawn to the tactile, hands-on nature of screen printing, using layered textures, bold shapes, and expressive colour to convey emotion and atmosphere in a way that feels immediate and raw. It’s a space where I can experiment, reflect, and push my visual language beyond the page.

I'm currently working on my first picture book as both author and illustrator — an exciting step in telling stories that are completely my own, from the first word to the final brushstroke. I draw inspiration from the high-energy world of extreme sports, the immersive storytelling of video games, and the vibrant contrast of life between London, UK, and Sofia, Bulgaria. All of these influences contribute to my work, helping me create stories that are bold, curious, and full of movement.