Introducing Rialda Dizdarevic, a Serbian born and raised artist and illustrator

Introducing Rialda Dizdarevic, a Serbian born and raised artist and illustrator. Her work focuses on portraying women at the brink of womanhood in their own individual worlds. In her work Rialda uses vivid colours, delicate details and body silhouettes to explore the emotional transition into a woman. She currently lives and draws in Canada.

Here's where we found out more...

When did you start illustrating?

I have always loved to draw. When I was little I would draw comics before bed time about the previous day, like some sort of a visual diary. Later on, a couple years into University, I realized that my initial major (Costume Design) made me feel too constrained, so I turned to drawing. I was constantly trying to find ways to improve my skills and use my knowledge and experience toward exploring new techniques and taking on new challenges. That is when I started experimenting with digital illustration. Then, soon after the graduation, my first projects came along and it sort of took my career from there down the illustration path.

Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?

Although I have been extremely lucky to be surrounded by the people who wholeheartedly supported my journey, I have to single out one person - my mom. She was the first to recognize my artistic aspirations while I was very young and insisted on nurturing them. She was on this road with me since the beginning and has always supported my career goals strongly.

Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?

Almost always :) first thing I remember I wanted to be is a pharmacist - like my mom. Then, when I was, I think seven, I started going to a school for drawing and painting at the studio of our local artists. That’s when I realized I wanted to work in the art field.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

People, for sure. My illustrations mostly explore the relations, emotions and interactions between people as well as quirky situations they find themselves in. I enjoy taking simple, repetitive everyday tasks out of their daily context and try to give them a new meaning by putting these moments in spotlight through illustrations.

How would you describe your style?

Since the subjects of my work are often people, situations, and emotions, it’s the textures and colours that play a big role in my illustrations. Throughout my artworks, the focus is mostly on intimacy rather than nature of the relationships. Therefore, I like experimenting with playful yet friendly compositions that help deliver the right emotion. For expressing feelings visually, I often play with either magnified characters or exaggerated parts of their bodies, mostly hands and arms, that are usually shown doing some kind of expressive movement. In addition, I find that raw, organic texture combined with bold colours and strong lines are very important tools for exploring emotions and intimacy through illustration.

What is your favourite collaboration to date?

One of my favourite collaborations is the one that launched recently - the “Periods for Periods”. The project is initiated by Rethink Canada in order to fight for the end of period poverty in North American schools. Moved by the devastating numbers of teens who are unable to afford period products, the agency gathered artists and designers to create the first all-period font. I had the honour to be among many talented colleagues who contributed illustrated periods to this amazing initiative.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?

I really liked the style that Illo was promoting and was impressed with many talented illustrators in their roster. It is exciting to be able to work with Agency that nurtures thoughtfully curated, creative projects and believes in strong commitment toward their artists.

Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?

Yes, I love watching films and often draw inspiration from the cinematography. I love everything Taika Waititi and Wes Anderson make, and also enjoy films by Sofia Coppola, Chloé Zhao and Yorgos Lanthimos. I am also always happy to see what Paloma Lanna and Christopher Niemann are working on.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Yes, I am currently preparing my solo exhibition which is set to be opened at the end of August in my home country.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?

Yes and no. I am not the biggest podcast lover, but I tend to listen to them while working. I have recently discovered a podcast “Heart" on Spotify and I am so happy I did since it quickly became one of the loveliest I have found so far.

If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]
at illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.