Ukrainian illustrator Tiana Shevett: Through Drawings That Become Symbols Of Light And Calm, During The War, I Give Hope To Others And To Myself

Tiana Shevett is a Ukrainian illustrator and author of children's books such as Twilight Tales on Halloween Night, Monsters: Not Scary Book at All!, and the sea-themed illustration series "Sea Portraits". Her goal is to create magical stories for the youngest readers, helping them feel joy and hope, especially during russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Through her stories, she teaches children about friendship and brings smiles to their faces. Very soon, her new book Rules of Behavior for Little Witches will be released, where she aims to teach the importance of friendship. Tiana shared with Drive Music Media her thoughts on the new book, the Sea Portraits series, and the message she instills in her books.

Interviewer: Why did you choose the direction of children's illustration? What inspired you?  

Tiana: I’ve always been fascinated by the world of children's illustration because it combines magic, fairytales, and the purity of a child's perspective. Children’s illustration gives the opportunity not just to draw but to create little worlds where characters come to life on the pages of books, helping children dream, rejoice, discover something new, and learn. My passion for this direction grew even stronger when I saw how illustrations can captivate both children and adults, inspire new adventures, and bring warmth. For me, this is not just work – it’s my world.

Interviewer: You not only illustrate, but also write books. Tell us about your recent work, "Twilight Tales on Halloween Night". Why did you publish it in English?  

Tiana: "Twilight Tales on Halloween Night" is a collection of fairy tales that was born from the desire to create a slightly magical yet completely non-scary atmosphere for the youngest readers. The book is filled with warm stories that can be read on Halloween without fear, and I dreamed that every child could feel the joy and excitement of this mystical night. The book was published in English because Halloween holds special significance for many American families and is an important holiday in their culture. Since it is celebrated on a larger scale in the USA, I wanted my book to become part of that celebration, adding warm, kind stories to their traditions. Amazon also allows easy distribution to the international market, helping find readers where they are most interested in such tales.

Interviewer: Tell us about the birth of your characters. What is the process of creating them?  

Tiana: Creating characters is a truly magical process for me. I easily come up with new heroes, as they are born in my imagination so frequently that sometimes it’s hard to choose just one. A multitude of images always lives in my head, and each one wants to become a part of the story. So, the biggest challenge is not in creating a character, but in choosing from the many that wish to come alive on paper.

Interviewer: Your pseudonym is Tiana Shevett. Tell us about it.  

Tiana: My pseudonym, Tiana Shevett, was chosen not by accident – it sounds similar to my real name and surname, keeping their personal warmth. It’s not only about the sound, but also a part of me that I bring into each illustration and story, creating a world that is close and familiar both to me and my readers.

Interviewer: What are the working days of a children's illustrator like during russia's full-scale war against Ukraine? Where do you draw your inspiration from?  

Tiana: I live in Kharkiv, which, unfortunately, is one of the most bombarded cities in Ukraine. Being an illustrator during the war is a constant struggle between the desire to create and the harsh reality, which often turns into hopelessness. There are days when it seems there’s no strength for anything, but once I pick up a pencil or stylus, the darkness gradually fades away. Inspiration comes in these moments – through drawings that become symbols of light and calm. I try to create warm images that can give hope to others and to myself as well.

Interviewer: How long do you work on one book? What is the most difficult and the easiest part of the process?  

Tiana: It depends on the story itself. Some plots literally "flow" onto the paper within a few weeks, while others "ripen" for months or even years. The most difficult part is to combine the text, illustrations, and book formatting into one cohesive whole. It’s a meticulous, almost delicate process, but it has a special magic – it's like a therapy session. Working on a book brings a sense of relaxation, helps me concentrate, and even provides energy that’s sometimes lacking on other days.

Interviewer: Tell us about your series of sea portraits.

Tiana: My "Sea Portraits" series reflects my longing for the sea, as I currently don’t have the opportunity to leave Ukraine. It was also an interesting challenge to try something new in illustration and mix different styles. I experimented with textures and colors, creating the mood of the sea’s depth and tranquility, which fills the works with a special meaning and opens new horizons in creativity.

Interviewer: What books are you working on now? What can little readers expect this winter?  

Tiana: I am currently working on a book with the working title "Rules of Behavior for Little Witches". It will be a fun and somewhat educational story that helps young readers learn about the rules of behavior and the importance of friendship, but through the magical world of witches. It’s designed to bring smiles and add a bit of magical atmosphere to winter readings. I believe this book will bring joy to children and become their little guide in the world of kind wizards!

Interviewer: Out of everything you create, what do you enjoy the most? Why?  

Tiana: I probably enjoy creating magical creatures the most. They have something special – they seem to embody my fantasies and help me reflect little magical worlds. Each character has its own life and personality, and this makes the illustration process very exciting. Drawing such heroes feels like creating a fairytale on paper, and it gives me a sense of freedom and joy.

Interviewer: Tell us about the message you want to convey to young readers.  

Tiana: My message to young readers is about the importance of being yourself, valuing your uniqueness, and not being afraid to follow your dreams. I want children to understand that the world around can be wonderful and even a little magical if you believe in yourself and your abilities. Every creature, even a magical or imaginary one, has its own strengths, and that’s what makes us all important and interesting. I also want to convey the idea that reading a lot is the key to development. Books open new worlds, allow us to imagine the incredible, and help us better understand the world around us. Reading is an essential part of development and self-discovery.

Pictures were provided by Tiana Shevett