Hey there, I am Yuliia Lestes

If you’re here, you’re probably curious to know more about me.

“Lestes” is my creative pseudonym because, well, there are plenty of Yulia Danchuks out there, and I wanted something unique.
Why Lestes? It’s simple: I’ve been obsessed with dragonflies since I was a kid.
They’re so delicate yet strong, and over time, this word became a symbol of creativity and freedom for me.

How I Became an Illustrator

I’ve been working as an illustrator for over six years now, though I never imagined this would be my career at first. Drawing has always been part of my life. I made art for friends, acquaintances, and sometimes even their friends. People would often ask, “Why don’t you do this professionally?”
Eventually, that got me thinking, so I decided to give it a shot.

At first, it was just small projects I did in my free time.
But little by little, illustration took over my life, and I decided to dive into it completely. Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of things—from print design to mural painting.
But my true love turned out to be book illustration.

A Bit About Me

I was born in a small village in the Kharkiv region in 1991.
My childhood was pretty normal, except for one thing: I was a total nerd and loved learning. I was so eager to start school that my parents
sent me a year early . That love for learning stuck with me.
I still love reading, traveling, and picking up new skills—even when they’re tricky, like snowboarding or ice skating (let’s just say I’m not a natural ).

Curiosity has always driven changes in my life.
Once, I visited the Czech Republic and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to live here?” So, I made it happen and ended up in Prague.
This city has a way of charming you with its old streets, parks, and cozy atmosphere. I love imagining how people strolled here centuries ago,
ladies in fancy dresses and gentlemen in top hats.

I’m someone who loves cozy nights in front of the TV just as much as active lifestyle-filled adventures in the mountains.
I’ll happily go to a theater show one night and a loud rock concert the next.
I can spend a whole day chilling on the beach or exploring historical landmarks nonstop.

There’s so much life has to offer, and sometimes it feels like one lifetime isn’t enough to try it all.

But hey, it’s worth a shot, right?