We would like to introduce you to the artist who illustrates the novel "Jane Eyre" by the English writer Charlotte Brontë. Meet Oleksii Shcherbak!

Tell me about yourself. How did you get into book illustration?

I started working in my specialty from the first year of study at the Academy. First there were comics. I worked as a sketcher in a small branch of "Fireclaw", helped in the creation of the steampunk comic "Volya". Then I made illustrations for the rule book for the board game, and in the design of the game as a whole. There were other interesting projects)

How did you react to the offer to illustrate your first book?

And the first was a post-apocalyptic novel, which, by the way, I hope will see the light of day next month. I was pleasantly surprised by the offer and quickly started drawing. I like the feeling of slight excitement when starting work on something new.

How is your work going? What is difficult for you, and what is easy?

I am satisfied. If there are any difficulties, then they are perceived as part of the process and only help to quickly correct the direction and reach the desired result. There were illustrations that were made quickly, in one breath, there were those that were searched for longer. I am working with a publishing house for the first time, so it is quite unusual and very interesting at the same time. Great experience overall!)

What technique do you like to work in?

I love traditional materials. I really like to write with oil paints, acrylics, enamels. Although I work much more often with materials such as an ordinary pencil, because it is like an extension of my right hand. Creating works in digital format is also quite a pleasant and familiar thing. I love it all)

Tell us about your hobbies, apart from drawing?

First of all — music. This is something that really inspires me, gives me strength and brings me to tears. Movies, coffee, books, comics, travel and exercise.

How did you look for the image of the main character?

I was very impressed by the eyes and facial features of Charlotte Brontë herself in one old photo, which influenced the formation of Jane's image.

What is your favorite book? Or what book would you like to illustrate?

Jack Kerouac "On the Road". A favorite and very symbolic book for me.

How do you see your future?

I want to implement many more cool and big projects, travel more, exhibit in different galleries around the world, meet many more interesting people. This is the first thing that comes to mind))