Meet Victoria! Known as ‘Vika’ Karmanova, she is a 20-year-old artist and fandom member from Ukraine.
Describe yourself in three words.
Sensitive. Impatient. Shy.
How long have you been drawing?
I have always loved to draw, since I was a kid. But I started doing real portraits in 2012-2013. At that time, I was really involved with Glee and drawing a lot of those characters.
What kind of medium (or equipment) do you like to use when you draw?
I don’t have any expensive brand stuff, and I just work with conventional tools that can be bought at any stationery store. Usually, it’s simple graphite pencils, but they must be really soft because I always love to have notable contrast in my works. I also work with watercolors. When I became a Shadowhunters fan, I started to edit my drawings in PS and doing them a little more digitally.
How did you get involved in the Shadowhunters fandom?
Well, it was quite sudden actually. I saw the movie, which I didn’t really like, and so I forgot about this fandom for a long time. Then I found out that there would be a TV show and that it would have Harry Shum Jr., whom I’d already known from Glee; I was really excited. But when I saw a photo of the full cast…I fell in love. Seriously. I was so impressed by them. I immediately became interested in the books, and in less than a few months, I’d read all six parts of TMI and some stories from TBC (the Malec ones). So, yeah, I can say that I was involved in this fandom because of the cast.
Who is your favorite character to draw and why?
The first one is definitely Magnus. He’s the character that I love anywhere: in the books, in the movie, on the show. Especially on the show, because Harry Shum Jr. is the best for this role. I love the way he plays Magnus – so cryptic and flirty, but at the same time, so sensitive and thoughtful towards the people he cares about. For me, it’s always a pleasure to draw Harry/Magnus.
My second favorite character to draw is Isabelle/Emeraude. I think Eme is the perfect Izzy – bright and sexy, just like I imagined her while reading the books. And she perfectly reflects the inner strength and confidence of her character, and it’s one of the reasons why I love to draw her.
And the last one is Alexander because of Matthew Daddario. But more seriously, I have always felt that Alec is very close to me as a character, and I really admire how Matthew makes Alec feel so alive. It’s clearly his role, and I like how he’s completely absorbed by this character and Malec. But I must say, drawing Matthew/Alec is always difficult for me, unlike Harry or Eme. Feels like he’s always playing hard to get when I try to draw him [laughs].
I also like to draw Jade. It’s funny because I don’t really like Meliorn in the books, but I love to draw the TV version. Maybe it’s because of Jade since he’s such a good and kind person, and I love how he treats the fans. It makes you want to do something nice for him.
What ships do you ship, and why you love them so much?
Malec. I’ve been in love with them ever since I read the books. I’m just captivated by their love story; the way they broke all the rules and stereotypes, and how they treat each other. It’s inspired me.
The next one is Sizzy. I’m excited to see them on the show because I really like how Emeraude and Alberto look together. And I enjoy watching their chemistry and dynamic on-screen, even though they’re not a couple yet.
Also, I have another pairing I admire and love, but it’s not a couple: it’s the Lightwood duo of Alec and Izzy. Many people who follow me know how much I love those two. I really liked them in the books, but on the show, it’s different. You can literally feel the love and care between them. It’s incredible how Eme and Matt are able to show that strong bond and loyalty between Izzy and Alec.
What has been the best part of your fandom experience so far?
People and acceptance. The people in this fandom are magical. Seriously. I’ve met such talented artists and with such good people. It’s been wonderful and touching how the fans of Shadowhunters have treated me and my work. When I created my accounts, I couldn’t imagine that there would be so much support and love for what I’m doing. I always really appreciate it and I’m so thankful to all the people who write such incredible and nice words to me. And, of course, the acceptance by the cast and the crew of the show. For me, as an artist, it is a pleasure when the people you dedicate your art to notice it. And when someone from the cast likes, or reposts, or comments on your work, it’s just an indescribable feeling. And, of course, that is always inspiring to me to create something new.
Like what you see? You can follow Victoria on Twitter and Tumblr!
