Hi, I'm Mariana, an illustrator and storyteller.

I’m from Bulgaria, grew up in Spain and I’m currently based in the UK, where I completed my studies in Illustration at the University of West of England in Bristol.

During my studies, I’ve explored a lot of different ways to approach illustration and storytelling; from traditional illustration to photography and stop-motion animation. I enjoy experimenting with different materials and staying playful. Curiosity is the key to creativity!

But my heart holds a special place for picture books. They are my favourite way to tell stories, explore ideas, and make sense of this strange world we live in.

Let’s create a world together:

Contact: marianka.art.studio@gmail.com

Follow me on Instagram to see my most up to date work in progress, sketches, and anything I’m up to →

@mariankastudio

View fullsize A little recap of last week. Life has been quite busy but exciting lately. I feel weirdly hopeful, so I’m trying to make the most of this burst of optimism while it lasts. Also, I love autumn. 🍂
View fullsize Completed this double spread illustration this week :)
View fullsize Today’s work in progress. I was missing my brushes.
View fullsize 💭
View fullsize It’s been a little more than a month since I completed my picture book dummy; The Visitors. It’s strange how, during the months while I was working on it, I was thinking about it every single day, concentrating all my energy on it, and th
View fullsize Fun very quick and “ugly” sketches from my bus trip from London to Bristol.
View fullsize Rule number two: Don’t let anyone take your spot.
View fullsize Rule number one: Nobody goes to the beach empty-handed.
View fullsize I grew up on a small island where the warmth of the sun turned my skin to gold.✨ [Oil pastels on paper - A5 size]
View fullsize Back from holidays but my mind is still there 🏝️
View fullsize 🛝
View fullsize I have seen them ever since I was a child. I didn't know where they came from or why they were there. I couldn't name them, but I could feel them. They made my stomach feel funny, my voice small and shaky, and they wouldn't let me sleep at night. The