Yuliya’s life until today can be divided into two major chapters: before and after 1999—the year she immigrated to the United States.

The “before” period is the tale of a classic Soviet childhood in pre-dissolution USSR, followed by coming of age amidst the realities of the first decade of Ukrainian independence.

Surrounded by a concoction of influences, Yuliya began drawing during the early years. The brutally imaginative words of Nikolai Gogol and Mikhail Bulgakov, the surreal visions of Daniil Kharms and Lewis Carroll, the philosophic poetry of late-Soviet films, and the ...

Yuliya’s life until today can be divided into two major chapters: before and after 1999—the year she immigrated to the United States.

The “before” period is the tale of a classic Soviet childhood in pre-dissolution USSR, followed by coming of age amidst the realities of the first decade of Ukrainian independence.

Surrounded by a concoction of influences, Yuliya began drawing during the early years. The brutally imaginative words of Nikolai Gogol and Mikhail Bulgakov, the surreal visions of Daniil Kharms and Lewis Carroll, the philosophic poetry of late-Soviet films, and the unique humor of Ukrainian and Armenian animation all played a significant role in shaping her artistic style.

Shortly after immigrating to the United States, Yuliya earned a BFA in Studio Arts from the University of Virginia. The following years were filled with a deep exploration of creative opportunities; she spent time painting and drawing in the United Kingdom and exploring the United States on multiple cross-country road trips. She lived and worked in New York, New Jersey, California, Arizona and Virginia doing design, photography and illustration.

Yuliya currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia, creating art for books and literary publications. Her illustrations have appeared in various media outlets including The New Yorker and Brooklyn's DUCTs Magazine. She also works as a graphic and web designer for an array of clients across the United States and Europe.