Alexandra Shevchenko
Illustrator-Designer-Creator-Educator
I’m an artist, a digital illustrator and an educator. My passion is huge, detailed illustrations that combine both function and aesthetics, specifically illlustrated map projects.
My journey as an artist
As soon as I started thinking about what I wanted to do in life, I already knew the answer: I wanted to draw, design, and make things up. Looking back, it feels like I always knew. I never seriously considered doing anything else.
I honestly can’t remember my very first paid job. I started selling postcards, prints, and other art objects with my own designs while I was still at school. But I do remember my first big commission.
I was 23 and living in Omsk when I got a phone call from Moscow: “Sasha, we’re in love with your work. Come and paint something for us. We have 100 square metres. Do whatever you want. We’ll pay whatever you ask.”
I couldn’t believe a call like that could be real, but I trusted my gut and went for it. It turned into a wonderful collaboration with a group of young entrepreneurs, and we’re still in touch today. That project means a lot to me. I painted a giant elephant flying through the clouds.
That project made me realise that I’m happiest when I’m working on something bigger than a single illustration, projects where many different elements come together into one visual system.
Before I start drawing, I immerse myself in the place. I read about its history, look for the details that make it unique, and talk to my clients about what matters most to them. I try to find a balance between accuracy and artistic interpretation.
Making maps
My first map project was a city map of my hometown, Omsk. I worked as the lead illustrator in a small team, and we spent a full year developing it. Throughout the project, we worked closely with an architect and a cultural historian, making sure every decision felt right both visually and practically. Some parts had to be redesigned several times so the map stayed easy to navigate while still rewarding people who wanted to explore every little detail.
Capturing the atmosphere was probably the easiest part. I grew up there and knew every hidden corner and every piece of street art. The finished map became something both locals and visitors could enjoy: a practical guide, a detailed illustration, and a collection of stories about the city all at once.
I’ve always loved detailed illustrations, so the moment I realised illustrated maps were even a thing, I wanted to make one.
That’s exactly what I love about illustrated maps. They combine function with aesthetics. You can use them to find your way around a city, but you can also spend ages looking for hidden details, little jokes, references, and tiny characters. I like creating illustrations that are beautiful, but also genuinely useful.
Eight years later, it’s still one of the projects I’m most proud of, and people still tell me they were lucky enough to get a copy.
That project helped me realise I’d found my niche. Illustrated maps bring together illustration, design, navigation, and research in a way that few other projects do. I’ve been drawing maps ever since.
My biggest project so far
In 2021, a Swiss marketing agency asked me to create a city map. One of my favourite moments was when they sent me a reference for the project; it was my own Omsk map.
“We want it to look exactly like this.”
The new map kept the same spirit but was about five times bigger and packed with even more detail.
My approach is all about balancing precision with playfulness.
I want my maps to work as reliable navigation tools while still feeling alive. I love hiding little surprises, unexpected characters, and tiny details that people only notice the second or third time they look. I like to think my maps help people find their way first and then convince them to stay for another ten minutes just to discover all the hidden stories.
Today, I create illustrated maps for cities, museums, parks, tourist destinations, brands, and cultural spaces, anywhere a map can tell a story as well as show the way.
The bigger the place and the more stories it has to tell, the happier I am. I’m always looking for projects that challenge me to think beyond a single illustration and create entire worlds people can explore.
