How did you get your Artist name?: My artist name is my first and last name. I am what I am. There is no need to create any other names. I prefer to be who I am.

How did you get into creating?: My mother is an artist too. I was always fascinated by her pictures and by her talent. I always wanted to try to create something beautiful like my mom did. 
So, I can surely say that my mom was my inspiration and my teacher.

How has creating changed your life?: Creating is the best way for me to express my ideas and thoughts. That is something that helps me to relax and gives me energy at the same time. It makes me feel like I am in a harmony with the whole world and myself.

Where are you from?: I am from Republic of Moldova

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?: I grew up in Chisinau and Cricova. These two cities are pretty different. Chisinau is the capital of Moldova. This city is full of energy and different events. Everything that happens around is an inspiration for me. Every event is an idea for an illustration. Even my everyday routine sometimes can become an illustration. Cricova is a small town full of positive energy. Really quiet and lovely place. That atmosphere inspires me to create every day.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?: I always carry a sketchbook with me and I use any free moment to draw something in it. I also follow my favorite artists in social media and I get inspired by their skills. Paying close attention to their drawing technique is something that helps me to develop my own skills. 
Watching drawing tutorials is also a great way to improve my paintings and to grow as an artist. 
Currently I am creating my own digital painting course - and the process of creating this course develops me in many ways.

I understand that constant improving of my skills is the key to stay on the top of the industry, that's why I work hard.

What does your current setup look like?: Currently I am using Wacom cintiq and Adobe Photoshop.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?: Everyday life, positive emotions and impressive moments - that’s my inspiration. 
Also my friends and my family motivate me to be creative. 
Some artists I would like to mention too. For example Loish. I really like how she combines colors, very interesting palettes. 
Willye Backert - this artist inspires me with her style and technique.

What is your goal when you create? : Every artwork is an idea. 
My main goal is to show this idea. To transfer my thoughts, feelings and ideas through the picture using colors, techniques and every little detail.

Why do you create?: Creating something is a way to express feelings, thoughts and ideas. I find inspiration in everything that surrounds me and I feel like I have something to say. I want to express my ideas. That’s why I create.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?: Loreena Mckennitt - Mummers dance.

This melody drives me to another world. Somehow it creates very positive energy and I like it a lot.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?: My dream is to become a great artist and to find my own style. I want to be recognizable. 
Also I want to inspire the next generation by creating illustrations.

What is the best advice you would give someone? : Do what you love. Don’t give up if something goes wrong. We all have our moments of victory and moments of failure. It’s ok to get criticized sometimes. 
Just keep doing what you love and keep getting inspired by any experience.

Tell us about your most recent release: My latest work and most inspired is called “Metaphor”. It took me 2 hours to draw it. My hand kinda did all the work by itself. That was a moment of sudden inspiration. A very peaceful and joyful feeling. Almost utopian. I felt like I want to share this feeling with everyone through this picture. 
It’s a girl on the top of a mountain that is a symbol of success. Her hands gently embracing that mountain is a symbol of a dawn. 
Her hair dissolving in the clouds is a symbol of her dreams. 
She is sitting there and looking through time in a very peaceful atmosphere.

Share a link to your most recent release: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNyxqeL_7qk&list=PLuX6NgxMoClUlHhF2drPOwFym0o99KmIq

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cristiana.grati/

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/cristiana.grati

Website: http://www.cristianagrati.com

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