Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasha S.
Hi Dasha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For most of my life, I thought I was a financial nerd with ambitions to build a successful career in a prestigious company. I even landed a job at a major American consulting firm. But after my first baby was born, I realized I was more than just numbers and 5/7 work schedule. Since I started my journey in art five years ago, I’ve pursued the career as an artist. I always knew it’s not just a hobby for me.
I experimented with various mediums, including inks, acrylics, collages, and textures, in search of my voice. Two years ago, when my third baby was born, I made a life-changing decision to focus on fashion illustration, diving into digital drawing and later watercolor sketching on paper. I was honored to be selected in FIDA Award shortlist in 2023 and Top 100 illustrators around the world.
I’m beyond grateful for the people I’ve met along the way. A special thank you to Stephanie J. Schiller from Vogue Vignette, who was the first to believe in me and has been a constant source of support.
Over the past year, I’ve started my own business, launched the website and focused on Live Sketching and had the opportunity of participating in over 45 events, including collaborations with luxury brands. Live Sketching has become my main focus, but I’m eager to grow further as an artist and illustrator.
And build a career that’s not just busy but meaningful!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m my own biggest critic, obstacle, and challenge—oh, and of course, my kids too, haha! As a creative person, niching down and sticking to a clear path is really tough. I always have so many ideas and so little time to bring them to life. And hearing ‘no’ is even harder. But my analytical background helps me stop juggling too much and shift from illusions to real business tasks.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.?
I am a live event sketch artist specializing in fashion-style watercolor portraits. I create elegant, hand-painted sketches of guests in real-time at events, turning special moments into personalized keepsakes. My work is known for its delicate, realistic style that captures not just the likeness but the essence and personality of each guest.
Live sketching brings an interactive, luxurious touch to events—whether it’s a corporate gathering, wedding, brand activation, or private celebration. Guests love watching their portraits come to life in just minutes, making the experience as memorable as the artwork itself.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of transforming my passion for art into the prospering business while balancing life as a mother of three. It’s fulfilling to see my illustrations bring joy to others and to have the opportunity to collaborate with various clients and events.
What sets you apart from others?
My unique combination of a strong analytical background, with degrees in Economics and Finance, and a creative passion for art allows me to approach projects with both creativity and strategic insight. This blend enables me to deliver high-quality, personalized artwork that resonates with clients and their audiences.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is revealing my full potential as an artist. I constantly have new ideas—ways to improve, things to create, and visions of how they should be executed. But it’s not just about creating; it’s about delivering my work at the highest quality, with meticulous attention to detail.
I want people to see my art not just as a fun activity but as a sophisticated and intelligent form of entertainment. Live sketching is more than a quick drawing—it’s an experience, a performance, and a lasting keepsake. My goal is to elevate it to the level of fine art, where every piece is valued and cherished just as much as the moment it captures. Ambitious? Yes!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dashasart.live
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dashasarty?igsh=MWl3MTFmdWVudmdvOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashasarty?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
