Seller Spotlight: HeyLenaArts

Join us for another exciting installment in our Seller Spotlight series, where we celebrate the array of talented independent designers selling in our marketplace. In this edition, we chat with Elena from HeyLenaArts.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts

Elena's shop caught our attention after seeing her 'Celestial svg, Mystical, Crystal Moon, Moon Cat, Moon Phase' design trendingin the SVG category. The striking images in her shop would look amazing on just about anything you put them on to, and it's given us a ton of ideas for new craft designs we want to try out!

Read on to discover Elena’s creative process, top tips for other sellers, future goals, and so much more.

Hey Elena! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m from Moscow, Russia,but currently, I’m based in Chernigiv, Ukraine. I'm an artist for over 15 years and a designer for over 7 past years.

In my shop, I sell SVG files plus other different formats like PNG, AI, DXF, JPG, etc. Usually, I spend 3-5 hours a day creating new designs for my shop. Also, I study motion design in my spare time.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts 'Rainbow svg, Bundle 23 Rainbows, Boho Rainbow svg, Birthday'

What is your favorite product to design, and how did you discover it as a niche?

Most of all I like to draw vector images, in fact, it is SVG format. I have always liked graphics. Initially, my passion for graphics began with seeing the work of Aubrey Beardsley, Alphonse Mucha and many other artists when I was a teenager, especially Beardsley influenced me.

I was also influenced by the contemporary artist Florian Bertmer. At some point, I just thought, why not try to draw some interesting small pictures that I like and sell them. The idea was thrown by my boyfriend.

How would you describe your style? 

100 percent graphic art. I try not to emphasize one style, I like to mix.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts Plants svg, Potted Plants svg, Plant Mom, Cactus, Succulent

What (or who) inspires you to make new designs?

I have a lot of different sources of inspiration. Every day I check out different artists on Pinterest and Behance, and I also like a lot of the designers' works that I can see on Design Bundles. It is very important to learn to find some interesting ideas or elements in other people's works and use them to create something of your own. This is very inspiring.

What does a typical day look like for you behind the scenes?

I’m drawing every day. I like it, and also I like to make sketches in the street or at home. I have an art education so it’s a part of my life.

It is very important for me to constantly learn and gain new knowledge, for example, in 3D modeling. In my spare time, my friends and I play board games or sit and glue small DIY houses.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts 'It's Fall Y'all svg, Pumpkin svg, Cricut Cut Files'

What is your designing tool (or tools) of choice?

The main program in which I work and create my designs in Adobe Illustrator. Sometimes, to implement my ideas, I first make sketches in a sketchbook, then transfer them to Adobe Illustrator and correct, make some edits. But it happens that I create a drawing immediately in the program. In any case, it all starts with a little sketch.

An irreplaceable assistant for me in drawing is the Wacom tablet.

Also, I work in Adobe Photoshop to create more picturesque effects in drawings if needed.

What’s your best-selling item?

I think at the moment, the best-selling items are mystical art, witchcraft art, and everything related to it like mystical moon, crystal ball, etc, and also a flower theme. To be honest, that's my favorite theme.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts 'Celestial svg, Mystical, Crystal Moon, Moon Cat, Moon Phase'

What's something you wish you knew when you started designing? 

Probably that it was worth it to study the specifics of selling SVG items and other digital art a little bit better before opening a store, but this all came with experience, so it's ok.

What tips do you have for any new designers wanting to start selling?

It is very important to follow the trends in the niche in which you want to start selling something because trends change very quickly. It is equally important to look at what products are bought the most from top sellers. Being able to learn from other people and gain experience is great and that helps in everything, including business and design. You need to love what you do.

Image credit: HeyLenaArts 'Mystical svg, Celestial svg, Crystal Moon, Moon Phase svg'

Do you have any future goals for your Design Bundles shop?

As for future goals, I can definitely say that I already have a lot of ideas for new products, for example, for the topics related to the holidays, as well as more abstract topics like flowers, witchery, boho, etc.

Where can we find you online?

I am on Instagram

Thanks so much, Elena, for taking part in the Design Bundles Seller Spotlight series. We loved learning more about you, your creative process, inspiration, and top tips. And a big thanks to our wonderful readers and designer community. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Seller Spotlight series.