Hi, I’m Irina Djonkova, a Bulgarian illustrator and book designer with a passion for storytelling through images and page layout. I’ve collaborated with Critique & Humanism publishing house and worked as a freelance designer and illustrator, turning text into engaging visuals and thoughtful book editions. Beyond creating, I teach art and organize community projects, including refugee-family art events with Goethe-Institut. I enjoy helping students of all ages explore painting, sculpture, and creative expression in a playful, safe environment.…

Irina Djonkova

Hi, I’m Irina Djonkova, a Bulgarian illustrator and book designer with a passion for storytelling through images and page layout. I’ve collaborated with Critique & Humanism publishing house and worked as a freelance designer and illustrator, turning text into engaging visuals and thoughtful book editions. Beyond creating, I teach art and organize community projects, including refugee-family art events with Goethe-Institut. I enjoy helping students of all ages explore painting, sculpture, and creative expression in a playful, safe environment.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Irina Djonkova, a Bulgarian illustrator and book designer with a passion for storytelling through images and page layout. I’ve collaborated with Critique & Humanism publishing house and worked as a freelance designer and illustrator, turning text into engaging visuals and thoughtful book editions.

Beyond creating, I teach art and organize community projects, including refugee-family art events with Goethe-Institut. I enjoy helping students of all ages explore painting, sculpture, and creative expression in a playful, safe environment.

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Language

English
Fluent
Bulgarian
Fluent
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Book artist and layout designer at Critique and Humanism publishing house
January 1, 2020 - Present
Worked on book design and illustration projects, creating layouts and visual content for publications by the Critique and Humanism publishing house since 2020.
Freelance graphic designer, illustrator
January 1, 2020 - Present
Provided freelance graphic design and illustration services to various clients.
Visual arts instructor at Vinotello, Sofia
January 1, 2020 - Present
Taught visual arts classes, instructing students in art techniques and creative expression.
Freelance Project - Planning Event at Goethe-Institut
July 1, 2023 - Present
Independently organized and led a community art event for refugee families at the Goethe-Institut, overseeing concept development, logistics, materials, and on-site coordination.
Children’s art teacher
January 1, 2020 - Present
Conducted creative art classes and workshops for children, teaching fundamentals in painting and clay modeling, supporting artistic development in a playful and safe environment.
Book artist and layout designer at Critique&Humanism publishing house
January 1, 2020 - Present
Book artist and layout designer for Critique&Humanism publishing house.
Book artist and layout designer at Critique&Humanism publishing house
January 1, 2020 - Present
Book artist and layout designer for Critique&Humanism publishing house; contributed to book design and visual content.
Children’s art teacher / Creative art classes and workshops for children
January 1, 2020 - Present
Teaching fundamentals in painting and clay modeling; fostering a playful and safe creative environment.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at National Academy of Art, Sofia
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Professional qualification as Fine Artist at National School of Fine Arts “Iliya Petrov”, Sofia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019
Professional qualification: Fine Artist at National School of Fine Arts “Iliya Petrov,” Sofia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor of Arts: Book, Illustration & Print Graphics at National Academy of Art, Sofia
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Bachelor of Arts: Book, Illustration & Print Graphics at National Academy of Art, Sofia
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Specialization in Illustration and book design; Professional qualification: Fine Artist at National School of Fine Arts “Iliya Petrov,” Sofia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor of Arts: Book, Illustration & Print Graphics at National Academy of Art, Sofia
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Professional qualification: Art Teacher for general and specialized secondary art schools; Theory and Practice of Art Education at National Academy of Art, Sofia
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Specialization in Illustration and book design; Professional qualification: Fine Artist at National School of Fine Arts "Iliya Petrov", Sofia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019

Qualifications

Professional qualification as an Art Teacher for general and specialized secondary art schools
January 1, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Second degree in Theory and Practice of Art Education
January 1, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Specialization in art therapy and history of art
January 1, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Art Teacher qualification for general and specialized secondary art schools
January 11, 2030 - September 21, 2025
Art Teacher Qualification (Professional qualification for general and specialized secondary art schools)
January 11, 2030 - September 21, 2025
Fine Artist (Professional qualification)
January 11, 2030 - September 21, 2025
Specialization in Art Therapy and History of Art
January 11, 2030 - September 21, 2025
Fine Artist (Professional qualification)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019
Art Teacher qualification (Professional qualification for general and specialized secondary art schools)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    paper Book artist for KX - Critique and Hummanism publishing house

    Since 2019, I have been the main artist for KX publishing house. Where I’ve illustrated and designed books across a wide range of genres:

    • Philosophy & academic texts – clean, impactful layouts balancing clarity and depth.
    • Adult fiction & poetry – expressive covers and interiors that reflect the tone and atmosphere of the work.
    • Magazines & editorial work – advanced photo editing, illustration, and layout for both print and digital.
      -Medical & clinical publications – precise and professional book design, charts, and photo editing.

    My expertise spans illustration, book layout, cover design, and photo editing, i have the flexibility to handle every stage of visual book production. Whether it’s minimal and modern or dark and atmospheric, I adapt my style to the project’s needs while leaving a distinct artistic signature.