1 Illustrator, 7 Questions: Darya Shnykina

By Savannah Kennelly

When sitting down to create the Twilight 20th anniversary paperback, Stephenie Meyer had a note for the team: She wanted to feature art created by a fan to pay homage to all the fans who had been with the series for so long! So we sat down with Darya Shnykina, the illustrator behind the gorgeous artwork featured in the front and back covers of the edition! Hear more about what it was like getting that first email that her work could be featured in a new edition of Twilight and a peek at her artistic process! And be sure to follow Darya on social and at her website, where you can see more of her gorgeous work!

You made these two pieces on your own initially, and then they became part of the 20th anniversary edition! What was it like, getting that first email and learning your art could be in the book that inspired it in the first place?

Receiving that first email about my art being included in the 20th anniversary edition was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment, as I started working on these illustrations as a university project back in 2020. As my skills evolved over the years, I felt compelled to revisit and recreate those initial illustrations again in 2023, adding more depth and texture. Sharing these works on social media was quite successful, connecting me with a community that resonated with my vision. The most surreal moment came when my illustrations caught the attention of the original Twilight publishers and received approval from Stephenie Meyer herself. This validation felt like a beautiful testament to the way the universe aligns our passions with our paths, the great power of creativity and connection. Knowing that my pieces would be part of something that has had such a significant impact on so many people is incredibly rewarding, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.

What about Twilight inspired you to create these pieces?

The themes of love, longing, and the supernatural really resonated with me. The moody, rainy landscapes of Forks, the imagery and atmosphere created in the books that was both haunting and enchanting. I think this melancholic ambiance deeply influenced my work ever since. I wanted to capture this beauty of nature and emotional depth in my own art.

Can you walk us through your artistic process, generally speaking? How do you start when working on a piece? What are some of the techniques and materials you use?

My artistic process typically begins with brainstorming and sketching ideas based on the themes or concepts I want to illustrate. I often create mood boards to capture the essence of what I want to convey. Once I have a solid idea, I move on to selecting materials, which can range from traditional paint to digital tools, depending on the piece. Techniques vary, but I enjoy blending different styles and experimenting with textures to bring my vision to life.

What materials and techniques did you use for these pieces specifically? Was there anything unique about these that differentiates them from your other work?

For these specific pieces, I used a combination of paint brushes and textures and a touch of pencil to draw details, which I hope allowed me to achieve a dreamy, ethereal quality that fits the Twilight aesthetic. I mainly work digitally, but I try to keep the sensual meaning of traditional materials. What made these pieces unique was my focus on capturing the emotional essence of key moments from the story, rather than just illustrating characters or scenes.

What is your favorite part of Twilight?

My favorite part of Twilight is the deep exploration of the characters’ inner struggles and relationships. The complexity of Bella and Edward’s connection, along with the challenges they face, adds layers of intrigue that I find fascinating. It’s not just a love story; it’s about identity, choice, and sacrifice.

What are you working on now (if you’re allowed to share)?

Currently, I’m working on illustration series that explores themes of transformation and cultural diversity, inspired by various mythologies. I’m excited to explore how these stories resonate with contemporary issues.

Where can people follow you online and find your work?

People can follow me on Instagram and Behance, where I share updates about my work and creative process. My portfolio is also available on my website and on my agents’ website at IllustrationZone.

@daryashnykina

behance.net/daryashnykina

daryashnykina.com

illustrationzone.com/darya