Tati Podlinova

I create realistic animals based on the technology of teddy bears.

When did you first become interested in miniatures or how were you introduced to the hobby?  The first time I saw teddy bears in this style was on the website of artist Kelly Dean, and I really liked them.

What do you do for your career?

What does your family think of your interest?  My family was calm about my hobby.

Is it easy combining home life and miniature life? I try to keep my life and my hobby in harmony. But sometimes there are waves of inspiration and I can drop out of life for a week, completely immersed in the consciousness of a new creation.

Where do you find inspiration?  My inspiration is in nature. I am inspired by many things-watching movies about animals, going to a zoo or zoological museum, beautiful photos of animals, etc.

Have you made anything that you can’t bear to part with? Yes, I have a few jobs that I kept for myself. They are connected with the most important events in my life, it is pleasant to look at them and remember those moments.

Describe your workplace.  I have my own table near the window with an organizer for tools. And my family allocated me a large wardrobe for materials for creating teddies.

Where do you sell your products? What is the price range for your products?
I sell my work at thematic fairs and exhibitions, as well as via the Internet from sites for selling handmade work . Prices for my creations start from 100 USD.

Do you belong to any groups or clubs?
Do you run workshops? If so, please tell us about them. If not, do you plan to?
Have you made any special items ?

What do you love most about miniatures?  In realistic teddies, I like their realism and the ways in which we have to achieve it in the works. New work a whole quest, you come up with an idea how to make this or that even more realistic than in the last work.

Do you have any formal training in your miniature field?
I graduated from art school, and I have a higher education as an architect. Art education helps me a lot in my hobby.

What is your most valuable tool or what tool could you not live without?  I think the two most valuable tools are a needle and a pair of scissors. There is no way without them, because I create everything manually.

What’s the biggest difficulty involved with working in miniature?
What do you think about the future of miniatures?

What’s next for you and your creations?  I will continue to improve my skills , I really like it!
 Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you?