If you’re a fan of minimalistic illustrations and animations that pack an incredible depth of story and emotions then this interview is for you. Read on to learn more about Sofija Djukic, an artist with a broad background of skills and experiences.
We love your animations and illustrations; they feel very natural and effortless in the best way. Can you tell us what led you to create illustrations and animations?
Thank you! That support really means a lot to me!
I always admired old-style animated movies and wanted to be a part of it but it always felt so complex to even start. But one day I felt that something was missing in my illustrations for so many years. I felt the urge to bring movement and make those 2D drawings more alive. So, I forced myself into making my first frame-by-frame animation. It was done with pen and paper, and it took me a long time to make it. But once I saw something I made from scratch moving – the whole new universe of possibilities unlocked in front of my eyes.
Your work conveys a lot of beautiful emotions, ranging from dreamy everyday coziness to surreal fantasy. Where do you find inspiration, and how does this translate into your work?
Hmm, good question. Sometimes, it is a product of exploration – learning a new tool or testing some new shapes or movements. But it is mostly affected by the music I am into at the moment, weather, or recent life events. I guess all of us that are into any sort of art tend to express some inner feelings through the work even if we are not always fully aware of it. It is such an award when other people discover part of themselves in my work and share how they see it with me. That is when I know it is a real deal.
Both your illustrations and animations tell strong stories, regardless of whether they are a single frame or short story. Can you walk us through your thought and design process from idea to finalized work?
Sometimes, it is planned – I know what emotion or topic I want to portray, and it is a straight line from the start to the final product. It is professional, and that is ok. But I enjoy the other process way more – where I am not really sure where all that will end up, and I allow myself to improvise and make errors as much as needed. That moment of pure joy when I see what materialized in front of me after all that work is the main reason why I am doing all of this. I call that exploration process, and while I’m there, I am looking for a way to apply the same topic to at least several artworks, if possible, so they can tell a story together.
Do you have any tips for those artists who would like to start exploring illustration and animation?
Keep an eye on your idols, but be aware what we see on the internet is just a portion of their best work made in years. So, do not feel discarded. You made the most important step – to start with it. Everything after that is just building a skill and finding the most comfortable tool for yourself. Allow yourself to explore various styles and media, embrace and learn from previous mistakes, share your work with the community, and to enjoy every moment of it
How does your diverse background — former architect, UX designer, consultant, and more — influence your work as an illustrator and animator? And anything you bring back to those areas from being an illustrator and animator?
It took me some time to realize all those passions are not competing but building each other. Developing organizational skills, having an idea of your work purpose (how and by whom your work will be used) and your skills and time capabilities at the moment, as well as the ability to communicate with your team members (or, in this case, Stocksy community) can be applied in any area of life. Also, having the ability to materialize ideas into the visible final product is a skill that is learned by practice, and various life experiences can only help with that.
Do you have any goals or plans that you are excited about?
Sure! Right now, I am working on several smaller animated movie projects. It is my first time working with other animators, too, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Also, since I am a full-time UX designer and animation became an important part of my work. It makes me so happy to see it is well accepted by the audience. It would be really nice to go back to some small gaming project too.
What is your motivation/driving force to create your work?
Making animation allows you to explore new technologies and tools but as well to challenge your patience and willingness to persist till the end. For me, animation is a discovery and constant learning process. Almost some sort of meditation. Pure joy of seeing what you created at the end of the day is what keeps me there. Feel like meeting up a part of yourself for the first time.
If you could execute any idea — with no budget restraints or logistical limits — what would it be?
Wow, that is a good question. Recently I worked on a few short animated movies for an organization that helps children without parental care to fit into the community and to feel accepted and heard. I feel that animation, but any sort of art in general, can be a good bonding material for us humans to feel closer to each other. I would be more than happy to work on projects where my animation will be a part of a bigger impact to making this civilization a better place.
Do you have any hidden talents besides creating your wonderful work?
As a UX designer, I learned that it is not always the talent that is important, but also a way to communicate with people and the ability to understand the bigger picture. People told me I am quite good at it. I am not sure it is a talent, but it is certainly a skill that can grow by time and I would love to build it up even more.
Also, I am really good at Tetris and parallel parking, and I can keep houseplants alive.
How do you ensure that your work remains enjoyable and that you don’t burn out when creating new content?
My Stocksy portfolio is not that big yet, but I try to make content that fits both recommended topics and my preferences. It is important to me to have fun while I am creating my work, to feel as part of a bigger team and to get constructive feedback that can uplift my future work. Stocksy is a great place for all of that.
What is the one bit of advice you wish you had known from the start?
It is really fun to explore, but do not overkill it. There is an exploration phase and then a production phase where you apply all the knowledge you got from the first phase. Make sure you make the most of it and put some reasonable time limits on it.
Also – name your layers. 😀
Creative blocks can happen to everybody; what works for you to get out of them?
Allow yourself to live outside your work a bit. If you squint your eyes, all of that is a part of your experience and it can be applied in your art. New experiences and new connections will unlock new perspectives and enrich your work too.
Is there something that you can not go without while creating new work? And why is this so important?
I wanted to say – my tablet and computer – but it is not true. Animation has so many forms that you can create it by just taking photos of some objects around you and voila – you have a stop motion now.
So I would say – peace of mind and designated time for work.
Do you have any advice for contributors just starting out at Stocksy?
You are at the right place. Your work will become better, and your earnings will grow over time as your portfolio grows. Pay attention to the advice of other members and apply them to your work, but keep your signature look persistent. Stocky is recognised in the design community, so it is not just a stock website but also a great art portfolio for any other design gig.
Enjoy the process.
