About Me

Hey creatures! I'm Polina Tognonmegni, the artist behind Creatures by Polina! I live in Calgary, Alberta. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals and nature. As a kid, I loved watching cartoons, reading fairy tales, and flipping through the illustrations in my favourite books. I was absolutely fascinated by the characters and magical worlds that I discovered. It has inspired me to pick up a pencil and create my own. Over the years, that childhood hobby grew into something much deeper. It became a way for me to express myself, expand my imagination.

I am a communication Design alumni from the Alberta University of the Arts. After graduating in 2024, I found myself at a point where I was questioning what kind of artist I want to become. The following year, 2025, was one of the darkest and most challenging times in my life. It was a period filled with uncertainty, personal struggles, and a lot of reflection. But somewhere within that difficult time, I found myself returning to creating again! 

Painting became a way to slow down and reconnect with a part of myself that had always been there. I paint creatures because they work like little serotonin boosters not only for myself but for everyone who looks at them. I always use the brightest colours, giving each creature a unique character and story.

Outside of art, I love surprising my loved ones with delicious meals, cuddling with my two cats, and travelling with my significant other. I find a lot of inspiration in these moments, the people I love, the places I visit, and all the memories I create along the way!