Polypictures: A Celebration of Childlike Creativity

Anton Mikhalenkov's Award-Winning Illustrations Inspired by Children's Art

Children's drawings, often overlooked in the realm of fine arts, have served as the primary inspiration for Mikhalenkov's Polypictures. The illustrator believes that the raw, unfiltered creativity found in children's art is more valuable than many modern fine arts. His young sister and her friends have been the main source of inspiration for this project.

The unique properties of Polypictures lie in its simplicity and quirkiness. Mikhalenkov has managed to capture the essence of children's creativity through simple shapes and colors. The aim is to demonstrate that maximum artistic effect can be achieved with minimal elements. This approach sets Polypictures apart from other illustrations.

Mikhalenkov's creative process involved sketching and then using paper and colored pencils for the finished artworks. Some of the illustrations from this project were also transformed into tattoos using professional tattoo equipment and certified disposable supplies, adding another layer of uniqueness to the project.

The Polypictures project, despite its simplicity, has not gone unnoticed in the design world. In 2017, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design category. This award is given to designs that showcase outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, and that introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Anton Mikhalenkov's Polypictures is a testament to the power of simplicity and the untapped potential of children's creativity. It serves as a reminder that art does not have to be complex to be profound and impactful. With Polypictures, Mikhalenkov has successfully blurred the lines between childlike innocence and professional artistry, creating a series of illustrations that are as engaging as they are inspiring.