Inspirational Stories #12: Ekaterina Andryukhina (Sketch1story)

In this edition of Inspirational Stories, illustrator Ekaterina Andryukhina (@sketch1story) discusses her journey in architectural sketching, digital visualization, and teaching. Known for expressive hand-drawn and digital work, she highlights authenticity, visual thinking, and creative freedom while inspiring designers and students to develop their own artistic voice.

Elif Ayse Sen21 November 20254 Mins read5

Inspirational Stories #12: Ekaterina Andryukhina (Sketch1story)

In this edition of our Inspirational Stories series, we are pleased to highlight illustrator Ekaterina Andryukhina, known in the creative community as @sketch1story. For more than seven years, Kate has been collaborating with designers, architects, and production designers across the globe, bringing conceptual ideas to life through her distinctive hand-drawn visualizations. Her work spans private residences, hospitality interiors, restaurants, and even stage sets for film and television, each illustration carrying a strong sense of atmosphere, narrative, and character. What defines her practice is not only the precision of her craft but also her ability to translate spatial intent into images that feel alive, expressive, and emotionally engaging. Alongside her professional projects, Kate also shares her methods through teaching, helping others visualize their design ideas with clarity, confidence, and artistic sensitivity.

Table of Contents

How would you describe your identity as an architectural sketcher and content creator?

I’m Kate — an illustrator who has been collaborating with designers, architects, and production designers worldwide for more than seven years. I create hand-drawn visualizations for interior and architectural design projects of all kinds — from private homes, hotels, and restaurants to stage sets for films and TV shows.
Through my work, I aim to transform ideas into expressive visuals that carry both atmosphere and character. I also share my methods through my courses, helping others learn how to visualize their design concepts beautifully and effectively.

I started my Instagram journey back in 2018, simply by posting my sketches when I was just beginning to learn interior sketching with markers. I didn’t have any specific goals or expectations — I was just sharing what inspired me and what I genuinely loved doing. Over time, people started noticing my work and following along.
I believe people always feel sincerity and passion — when you create from the heart, it naturally resonates with others. And I think that’s what makes sharing creative work so special: it connects us through something real and inspiring.

What do you find most challenging about producing content regularly?

As someone who both teaches and creates, I’ve learned that producing content consistently can be challenging — but it’s also a meaningful part of my life. I don’t aim to post a specific number of times per week; instead, I focus on quality and authenticity.
At the same time, I don’t believe content should feel forced or overly complicated. The most important thing is to understand your audience — what inspires them, what helps them grow — and the best way to do that is to experiment, stay curious, and remain open and honest in your communication.
Creating content is not just about visibility; it’s about sharing knowledge, connecting with others, and growing together.

What architectural themes or values do you emphasize through your sketches and tutorials?

Since I often work on set design and interior visualization, I focus on teaching how to think in form, color, and atmosphere. I use Procreate as my main tool because it’s flexible, intuitive, and perfect for expressing creative ideas. My teaching philosophy is simple — the tool should support your creativity, not limit it.
I want my students and followers to feel free to explore, to experiment, and to develop their own artistic voice through digital sketching.

Who has influenced your practice and content style?

There are many talented sketchers, architects, and artists whose work I admire, each with their unique approach and style. But I’d especially like to mention David Drazil, my mentor, who greatly influenced the way I understand creative work and how to share it with others online. His example taught me how to stay true to my values while building something meaningful and educational.

How do you see the role of digital sketching evolving in the future of architectural education and practice?

I believe digital sketching will play an even more important role in the future of design and architecture. Visual thinking is at the heart of any creative process — and digital tools make it easier, faster, and more expressive.
At the same time, sketching is much more than a skill — it’s a way to think, to meditate, to reflect. Digital sketching combines creativity with efficiency: it speeds up work while keeping that deep sense of artistry and connection to the creative process.

As we close 12th edition of the Inspirational Stories series, Kate’s journey shows how passion, honesty, and steady practice can shape a meaningful creative career. Her hand-drawn and digital sketches remind us that visual thinking is still a powerful part of design, helping ideas become clear, expressive, and full of character. Through her courses and online content, she focuses on sharing real knowledge in a simple, sincere way, encouraging others to explore, experiment, and find their own artistic voice. What stands out most is her belief that sketching is more than a technique; it is a way to think and connect with ideas. By staying true to her values and teaching what she loves, Kate continues to inspire designers, students, and creatives around the world.