About
Varvara Alay lives in Tbilisi, Georgia, with her son, Larick, and their dog, Murzik.
Varvara is a graphic designer and illustrator, whose distinctive style is defined by surrealist motifs, bold colours and abstract shapes.
She invents highly detailed and endlessly fascinating worlds that blend fantasy and realism in an intricate web of elaborate characters and majestic patterns.
Between 2002 and 2017, Varvara served as Art Director of leading fashion and lifestyle magazines, including L’Officiel, Robb Report and The Rake. Her illustrations have also been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Marie Claire, GQ, and others.
Since 2017, Varvara has taught BA and MA Illustration and Animation courses. She also founded the Mr. Mind School – creative art courses for children.
She has illustrated several children’s books and board games, and collaborates with a jewellery brand.
In 2021, Varvara ventured into the world of NFTs, and her artwork can now be collected on the Blockchain. Please visit her Twitter profile for the latest updates.
Selected clients
ForbesWeb3 / Pepsi / Chicago Bulls / Boston Globe / Harper’s Bazaar / Esquire / L’Officiel / Marie Claire / GQ / The Rake / Robb Report / TBWA / Mamas & Papas / Nokia / EPIC Jewellery / Egmont / Saint Petersburg Philharmonia / Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design
Exhibitions & awards
- 2009 Tallinn Print Triennial: Grand Prix
- 2010 International Newspaper Design Biennale: Silver Award
- 2017 Bologna Children’s Book Fair: Official Selection
- 2017 Motley Square: exhibition of 50 Children’s Illustrators