Inside the Creative World of avgust_point: Winner of the “Creating Original Illustrations” Challenge

Discover how this artist blends emotion, storytelling, and unique visual language to craft illustrations that stand out

Every stroke tells a story—and for avgust_point, one of the standout winners of our “Creating Original Illustrations” contest, storytelling is at the heart of their creative process. With a distinctive style that merges minimalism, mood, and meaning, avgust_point captured the attention of both the community and the jury.

In this exclusive interview, we dive into avgust_point’s creative journey, their inspiration behind the winning piece, and how they approach the blank page. Whether you're an aspiring illustrator or a seasoned artist looking for fresh insight, their perspective is as inspiring as their art.

Ready to learn what drives this illustrator to keep creating? Let’s jump into the full interview.

Can you tell us what inspired you to create the winning illustration? What story or emotion did you want to convey?

I wanted to show that creating a portrait isn't as complicated as it may seem. Once you understand the structure, it becomes more accessible. I hoped the project would support beginner artists, because I know how even just one helpful insight from another artist can really help and encourage someone to keep going.

What is your process for developing original ideas for illustrations from scratch?

I start by connecting with the emotion or inner state I want to express. I think about how it could be visualized — through form, color, or texture. Then I collect reference images that reflect the mood I’m after and choose a color palette that supports that feeling.

How would you define your illustration style, and how has it evolved?

I’d describe my style as bold and emotional. I tend to focus on capturing the essence of a subject rather than its precise details. I used to work more realistically, but over time I moved toward simplified forms and vibrant colors, letting go of literal copying from photographs.

What tools or techniques did you use to bring your illustration to life?

I work with traditional materials: oil pastels and oil paint.

What challenges did you face when creating your artwork for the competition, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was organizing the material. Since I’m self-taught, I didn’t have a clear idea of how to explain my process like a teacher would. To overcome that, I focused on breaking things down the way I wish someone had done for me when I was starting out.

How do you ensure your illustrations remain authentic and personal in a world full of visual trends?

I don’t try to resist trends or deliberately stand out. I believe all art is a continuation or reinterpretation of what already exists. What makes my work personal is focusing on what I genuinely feel or think at the time and finding ways to express that honestly.

Do you follow any routines or rituals that help you stay creative and productive when illustrating?

I create playlists with inspiring music that helps me get into the right mood for drawing.

Which illustrators or visual artists have influenced your work the most and why?

I can’t really name any specific artists who’ve influenced my work, my style developed more from personal exploration than from following anyone’s path.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in illustration and wanting to develop their own style?

Don’t rush through the phase when you don’t yet have a clear style. It might feel uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Instead of trying to skip it, allow yourself to explore as many techniques and approaches as you can. This stage is not a setback — it’s how you build a deeper understanding of what really speaks to you. The more you try, the more naturally your own voice will begin to take shape.

What does winning this competition mean to you, and how does it influence your goals as an illustrator?

Winning this competition shows me that I do have an approach and a vision that can inspire others. That recognition means a lot.

Feeling inspired? Our creative challenges are the perfect way to showcase your talent, connect with a global community, and win amazing prizes. Keep an eye out for upcoming contests and let your work speak for itself—join the next challenge on Domestika and share your vision with the world!