Manta’s Corner - Bringing Nature to Life with Colour and Imagination
Featured Artist: Samanta Bartolić -Manta’s Corner
This month, we are delighted to introduce Samanta Bartolić, the creative mind behind Manta’s Corner. A talented digital artist from Croatia, her vibrant illustrations beautifully capture the deep connection between humans, animals, and nature. Through her art, she invites us into a world where fantasy and reality seamlessly blend, sparking wonder and joy. Read on to discover her creative journey, inspirations, and artistic aspirations.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Croatia.
How would you describe your art style in a few words?
Colourful, vibrant digital art inspired by our connection with animals, plants, and a touch of fantasy.
What inspired you to start creating art?
I’ve always created art. My parents still have a few of the artworks I made when I was really, really small!
Can you share a bit about your creative journey so far?
I stopped drawing around middle school. My parents encouraged me, but since there were no art programs in my small city, I lost motivation. Still, art was always on my mind. A few years ago, I finally picked it up again, learning through online tutorials. Later, after moving to a bigger city, I took a few art courses. I then started sharing my work on Instagram, and now I’m a part-time artist. It’s truly a dream come true, and I absolutely love running my small art business!
What themes or messages do you explore in your work?
I would say that my art explores our connection with nature, animals, and plants, aiming to evoke positive emotions.
Do you have any favourite mediums or tools?
I primarily create digital art on my iPad using Procreate. Recently, I’ve started exploring traditional art, though I haven’t settled on a favourite medium yet.
What has been the biggest challenge in your art journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been staying consistent and motivated. There were times when I doubted my skills or felt stuck creatively, especially when I wasn’t seeing immediate progress. Without formal training early on, I had to teach myself through trial and error, which could be frustrating at times. But over the years, I’ve learned to embrace the process, enjoy the growth, and trust that every piece I create brings me one step closer to my goals.
What are you currently working on or experimenting with?
I’m currently working on incorporating more people into my art, blending them with animals and plants to emphasise our deep connection with nature. I’m exploring ways to make these interactions feel organic and meaningful while keeping my vibrant style.
How do you stay motivated and inspired?
I read a lot, especially fantasy books. They keep my head full of ideas, and I enjoy it so much!
Have you ever faced creative blocks? How do you overcome them?
Yes! I take breaks when I need to. I think rest is important—you need to recharge in order to create quality work.
What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
I hope my work evokes a sense of wonder, joy, and positive emotions.
Have you connected with other artists or communities that have helped you grow?
Yes! I’ve connected with a lot of beautiful artists on Instagram and, more recently, on TikTok.
How do you engage with your audience?
I engage with my audience by sharing my work-in-progress and sketches, mostly through stories. I also love sharing all my ideas and the creative process behind each piece.
What’s one dream project or goal you’d love to achieve?
My dream is to become a full-time artist and build a supportive community. I’m excited to continue growing my art business, especially by focusing more on designing stationery and expanding my product offerings.
Where do you see your art journey going in the next year?
I plan to expand my shop with new products and explore different types of projects. I’m excited to create demos that showcase the versatility of my art and what I can offer to clients.
Any upcoming projects or releases you’d like to share?
I’m working on sticker designs—it will be my first collection of stickers featuring animals and flowers!
Where can people find your work?
Instagram: @mantascorner
TikTok: @mantascorner
What’s one random fact about you?
When I was little, I made a dinosaur sculpture out of just toilet paper and painted it orange and red. My mum was so mad about me wasting all that toilet paper! But the dinosaur is still around and now sits in their hallway as a decoration.
Favourite creative ritual or habit?
Meditation and reading—I do both every day! It may not be directly art-related, but for me, it is. It gives me the freshness I need.
Any advice for other small artists starting out?
Stay persistent and explore as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity flow freely—follow what your heart desires and trust the process. But also be smart about the business side. Know what you’re offering and who your audience is. Understand what they need and how your art can serve them. There are plenty of online courses that can help you learn the business aspects. If you want your art to become a source of income, you need to treat it as a business—set clear goals and have a solid plan in place.
Thank you, Samanta, for sharing your journey with us! Your art is a beautiful celebration of the natural world, and we can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next. 🌿✨