Before the Story Wakes

Hello — and welcome. ✨

I’m Iya, an Art Director & Illustrator working in visual storytelling, children’s books, and narrative projects. 🎨📖

I thought it would be fitting to begin this blog with a sleeping witch. 🧙‍♀️

Because storytelling never really sleeps — but sometimes the characters do.

In my work, illustration is not just about making an image. It’s about structure, rhythm, silence, and intention. It’s about how a character breathes inside a composition, how light carries emotion, and how small details hold narrative weight. 🌙

Here I’ll be sharing:

• Process breakdowns — from rough sketches to final spreads ✏️

• Thoughts on composition and visual rhythm

• Art direction decisions and why they matter

• The brushes and tools I use in my workflow 🖌

• Practical insights for illustrators developing narrative skills

This space will be thoughtful, practical, and occasionally accompanied by witches, ghosts, and slightly dramatic characters. 👻

If you care about visual storytelling — I’m glad you’re here. 🤍