Roxana Ionescu - Where Minimalism Meets Playfulness
We’re excited to introduce Roxana Ionescu, a talented illustrator based in Bucharest, Romania. With a love for minimalist, colourful, and joyful artwork, Roxana brings a unique perspective to everyday moments, turning them into vibrant, heart-warming illustrations. Her journey into art was fuelled by admiration for other artists, leading her to rediscover a childhood passion that never truly faded. Today, she continues to grow, experiment, and inspire through her creative work. Let’s dive into her story!
Where are you based?
Bucharest, Romania
How would you describe your art style in a few words?
Minimalist, colourful, joyful, and fun.
What inspired you to start creating art?
Seeing so many wonderful artists and their artwork inspired me to start drawing and rediscover this childhood passion I still had.
Can you share a bit about your creative journey so far?
My creative journey started with a tablet, a pencil, and a drawing app. My very first digital drawings were a horror story, but I didn’t give up. I kept improving my techniques with each illustration. For me, creativity is an ongoing journey that never ends.
What themes or messages do you explore in your work?
I focus on everyday life, capturing happy and joyful moments.
Do you have any favourite mediums or tools?
My iPad and the Procreate app are indispensable.
What has been the biggest challenge in your art journey?
Starting from scratch, and feeling like I began "too late" without formal art studies or a degree. Learning art concepts takes time, patience, and resilience to overcome failures.
What are you currently working on or experimenting with?
I’m working on different women’s portraits and experimenting with various poses. Anatomy can be a big challenge!
How do you stay motivated and inspired?
Drawing makes me happy, and I love how time flies when I’m immersed in an illustration. But I do lose motivation sometimes—when that happens, I take a break. You’d be surprised how much a break can do! Inspiration often comes when you least expect it.
Have you ever faced creative blocks? How do you overcome them?
Yes! The best way to overcome them is to just start sketching—even if I don’t like the result at first. Sometimes, combining random topics and elements leads to my next artwork.
What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
I hope my artwork brings people a little bit of joy.
Have you connected with other artists or communities?
Yes! Instagram has an amazing art community, and I’ve met some wonderful artists and friends there.
How do you engage with your audience?
I’m always open to conversations on Instagram and try never to miss a DM.
What’s one dream project or goal you’d love to achieve?
Illustrating for a magazine would be a huge milestone for me.
Where do you see your art journey going in the next year?
Evolving! I hope to keep growing and exploring new opportunities.
Any upcoming projects or releases you’d like to share?
Follow me to find out more about future projects!
Where can people find you?
🌍 Website
📸 Instagram
What’s one random fact about you?
I’m a cat person—I have three crazy cats! 🐈⬛
Favourite creative ritual or habit?
Having a cup of coffee with at least one of my cats curled up next to me.
Any advice for small artists starting out?
Don’t be afraid to start or keep going, even if you don’t have formal art studies. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others—just focus on being a better version of yourself every day.
Roxana’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and the joy of creating. From embracing challenges to finding inspiration in the simplest moments, she reminds us that the artistic path is an ever-evolving one. Be sure to follow her work and stay tuned for her upcoming projects—who knows, you might just find a little extra joy in your day through her art!