Why I Chose to Focus on Birds and Folk Art — and How It Can Make Your Brand or Product Stand Out

Hi, I’m Yuliia Bahniuk — an illustrator and surface pattern designer from Ukraine, now living in India. For over 10 years, I’ve worked with publishers, brands, and art directors around the world — creating illustrations and pattern designs inspired by nature, folk art, and especially, birds.

Recently, I made an important decision: to focus even more on what I truly love — drawing birds and weaving them into decorative folk art, inspired by my Ukrainian roots and the vibrant colors I see every day here in India.

Working on the Fruit Doves series

Why birds? Because I’ve been fascinated by them since childhood, and now, living in India, and seeing such a variety of species, my passion has grown even deeper — I’m an avid birdwatcher, often with my binoculars, spotting new species, sketching them in my notebooks, and observing the tiny details of their feathers, colors, and personalities.

For me, drawing birds feels like a way to celebrate and protect that beauty. I love capturing not just how they look, but the stories they carry — blending them with traditional folk motifs and decorative details, to create artwork that feels alive, warm, and full of meaning.

mixed media painting of Superb fruit dove from the Fruit Dove series (2024)

Maybe you’re wondering: Why does this matter for me as a client?

Let me share a bit about why this niche is not just my passion — but also something that can bring real value to your projects.

Why Birds and Folk Art?

Birds have always been powerful symbols — freedom, beauty, nature, hope. In many cultures, they carry deep meanings. In Ukrainian folk art, birds often appear in ornaments and embroidery as symbols of happiness, family, and harmony.

Combining birds with decorative folk motifs and bright colors makes the artwork feel warm, detailed, and full of positive energy. And today, people are craving more meaningful, joyful designs — whether it’s a pattern on a shirt, a page in a book, or a design on home décor.

How This Style Can Help Your Brand or Product

1. It connects emotionally

Bird illustrations in folk style can bring an instant sense of coziness, nostalgia, or wonder. They help products feel special — not generic.

2. It stands out in a crowded market

A lot of designs today can look similar. Folk art birds, filled with tiny details and symbolism, feel unique. Your customers will notice it, remember it, and share it.

3. It’s versatile and timeless

This kind of artwork works beautifully for many products — from children's books to adult coloring pages, from fabric to stationery, wall art, or eco-friendly packaging. And it doesn’t go out of trend easily because folk style always feels warm and handcrafted.

Spread from The Color Of Calm coloring book

Spread from the Starry Bird picture book

What I Can Do For You

When we work together, I don’t just deliver a pretty picture. I help you:

• Create designs that tell a story and connect with your audience’s emotions.

  
  

• Develop a visual style that feels unique for your brand.

  
  

• Add cultural depth and meaning that people feel when they see your product.

  
  

I bring more than a decade of experience in illustration and pattern design, plus my deep love for birds and nature, into every project — so you get not just a beautiful result, but something that people will remember and love.

Ready to Bring a Little Magic to Your Brand?

If you want to license an existing pattern or illustration, need a custom bird artwork, or are dreaming of a meaningful new project, I’d love to help you!

Feel free to contact me here or explore my portfolio to see what we can create together.