BROWSE RECENT POSTS:

Folklore for Queer Folk! Making space for LGBTQ+ folks in the modern folk art:
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Folklore for Queer Folk! Making space for LGBTQ+ folks in the modern folk art:

Personally, I am as interested about the past as I am about the idea of folklore as a living and fluctuating thing.

Folklore and mythology has always existed to explain the complexities of the world around us, to teach and spark wonder. The rich folklore storytelling can provide metaphors that help us relate to the queer experience, and character types that help us explore the strange and unusual within us.

Can’t these creators’ work be seen as participating in their culture and contributing the one of the most wonderful functions of folklore: its fluidity? Doesn’t this kind of work have potential to expand the definitions of who belongs into a certain culture, and who can fully identify with it?

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Slavic Sapphics! Deep dive into the art series illustrating folklore and heritage with a touch of queer pride:
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Slavic Sapphics! Deep dive into the art series illustrating folklore and heritage with a touch of queer pride:

Back in 2020 my budding search for who I actually want to be as an artist (small question, no pressure) resulted in a long, deep rabbit hole of research into the history of Polish folklore, the rich world of Slavic mythology and the lack of LGBTQ+ stories represented through folk craft. This post explores the context, inspiration and creative process of the Slavic Sapphics - my ongoing illustration series exploring relationship with Polish heritage and queer readings of folklore.

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Common challenges you WILL face as a freelance artist navigating self-employed life - with insight from 6 creative professionals:
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Common challenges you WILL face as a freelance artist navigating self-employed life - with insight from 6 creative professionals:

I’m a huge believer in sharing experiences and bits of knowledge as means to help develop skills and prepare for both joyful and difficult situations one is bound to encounter while embarking on a creative career. And one thing needs to be said: there will be challenges. It’s a guarantee, but it’s also okSo let’s talk about some common obstacles freelance artists face in their work in 2025.

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Artist Tools of the Trade - A (very subjective) guide to illustration gear Pigeon can’t live without!
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Artist Tools of the Trade - A (very subjective) guide to illustration gear Pigeon can’t live without!

Since becoming a full time illustrator in 2023, a lot has changed in my work routine and studio space setup. Ultimately every creative person is different and you work out your perfect setup through experience…but maybe this blog post can save you some of the “error” part of the trial and error? Or it can just be a fun way to have a peek into my studio!

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Artists, here’s how to organise your workload in a handy freelance calendar
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Artists, here’s how to organise your workload in a handy freelance calendar

Planning work in advance and scheduling things has become one of my best tools. It might sound obvious, but honestly, don’t underestimate its power. I found that having a separate way to have my freelance schedule in one place is incredibly helpful. It makes work more sustainable and helps to see all your projects as a part of a bigger picture. Find my free downloadable freelance calendar below!

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Pygmalion | How I turned my old short story into a published comic
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

Pygmalion | How I turned my old short story into a published comic

So I found the file again last year. The text was moody, short, not very well written. Back then I named the hooded creatures “pygmalions” to reference the Greek myth of a sculptor who fell in love with his creation, which then came to life. I liked the sinister twist of Pygmalion forming the female shape to his own fantasy. Reading it over, the setting struck my imagination again. Could it make an interesting short horror comic?

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FAQ | Common questions I get asked by clients as a freelance illustrator
Kamila Krol Kamila Krol

FAQ | Common questions I get asked by clients as a freelance illustrator

If you’re wondering what working with a freelance illustrator looks like - or perhaps you’re an aspiring artist ready to go freelance - have a look at the list of questions and topics clients often ask me. In this post: communication with clients / commissioner contracts / my creative process / commissioning a custom illustration and more!

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