Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind the Print, we’re joined by Nina Podlesnyak, illustrator, animator, and creator of the Yens and Spinny series. They are the best of funny, heartfelt stories when it comes to a hedgehog and his pet spider. With a background in photography and a lifelong love of storytelling, Nina invites us into her whimsical world where small creatures face big emotions with quiet bravery. From soft, expressive characters to beautifully printed calendars and children’s books, Nina’s work blends tenderness with charm, and shows how printed art can create lasting joy.

Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

7-minute read

“When I started printing my own calendars, I wanted something that felt like a keepsake. Not just a product but something that lives in people’s homes.” Nina Podlesnyak, Owner of Story In Colors

Transcripts from Behind The Print with the Owner of Story In Colors, Nina Podlesnyak

Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.

Today’s episode is Soup’s On, and I’m joined by Owner of Story In Colors, Nina Podlesnyak!

Zoe Fisher: I’m doing well! I just have to know, what inspired you to start Story In Colors?

Nina Podlesnyak: The first Story In Colors was actually a photography business. I liked making pictures, so it wasn’t drawing at all at first. But then I kind of drifted from photography to drawings, and that’s how it started.

“I like animation more… because it’s not frame by frame with the app I use. You draw the hedgehog and put a little skeleton inside it and move the arms or eyes. It’s really easy to see results. I’m not a very patient person, so animation keeps me excited.” Nina Podlesnyak, Owner of Story In Colors​

Zoe Fisher: So cool! So you were doing photography before illustration?

Nina Podlesnyak: Yeah. I liked children’s photography. One day, we had a small studio with my friends and we started to draw on pictures to make them more magical. It was Christmas-themed, and then I just decided, why not draw everything?

Zoe Fisher: That must be how Yens and Spinny got started!

Nina Podlesnyak: It started with Yens. It was a drawing challenge with prompts, and one was “rainmaker.” The first picture I made was of a hedgehog standing near a window brewing tea, and steam from the kettle turned into rain. That was the very first picture.

Zoe Fisher: That’s so exciting. What is your creative process like when you start a new story or animation?

Nina Podlesnyak: I usually start from a memory or a place. I like hiking and small moments like sunshine, drinking coffee on my balcony, or camping. I take that memory and try to show how I felt in that moment. I want to show feelings and emotions.

Zoe Fisher: So you’re carrying your real-life emotions into your drawings?

Nina Podlesnyak: Yes. I like using bright colors, and there’s always sunshine in the scene. I show a lot of little details, like in a garden scene where Yens is having tea, there will be rays of sunlight, tiny insects flying, and warm yellow tones. Yellow is my favorite color.

Zoe Fisher: It’s all in the fine details that’s amazing. What do you think sets your children’s stories apart from other illustrators?

Nina Podlesnyak: That’s a good question. There are a lot of beautiful illustrators out there, but I think what sets me apart is that I focus on just two characters, Yens and Spinny, and they appear in all my work. I also use animation, not just illustrations, and I create sketches without backgrounds that still revolve around their world.

Zoe Fisher: So it’s like a whole universe for them?

“We’re actually printing the books now. It’s very exciting because seeing it on paper especially the colors is different than seeing it on the screen. You kind of get this feeling like, oh, it’s real now.” Nina Podlesnyak, Owner of Story In Colors

Nina Podlesnyak: Yes, I created it for myself, actually. I love spending days thinking about how Yens would act, what kind of room he lives in, what’s on his table, how his kitchen looks. I love his world.

Zoe Fisher: That’s so fun. You mentioned you went from photography to illustration, and now to animation. How do you animate your drawings?

Nina Podlesnyak: I wanted to bring them to life. I found a program called Spine 2D, which is usually used for games. I saw someone using it to create small animations with little movement, something I could do in a day or two. My first animation was the rain one, where Yens is standing at the window and blinking. It was very simple, but seeing him come alive was so special.

Zoe Fisher: I love that. It’s rare to see something from a book actually come to life like that. What do you enjoy more, drawing or animating?

Nina Podlesnyak: I think animation. It’s not frame-by-frame, you draw a character and then add a “skeleton” inside to move arms or eyes. You see results quickly. I’m not the most patient person, and illustration can take several days. With animation, I get excited faster.

Zoe Fisher: That instant feedback helps fuel the creativity, I bet. Is there a scene or story that stands out as your favorite?

Nina Podlesnyak: I made a short movie about how Yens and Spinny became friends. Yens was happy alone, but then he met Spinny and had to care for him. He wasn’t happy at first, but then learned what friendship is. It’s very personal and precious to me.

Zoe Fisher: That’s beautiful. What have been some of your biggest challenges?

Nina Podlesnyak: Advertising. Managing the marketing side and trying to make money from it. I do children’s book illustration for a living, but I want Yens and Spinny to be more than a personal project. I make calendars and other products, but it’s hard for me to tell people, “Buy this!”

“I created it for myself, I think, because I really like to think about it. That’s my favorite part—when I have an idea and I spend days thinking about what Yens would do, what kind of room he’d be in, what kind of details he’d have on his table… I love his world.” Nina Podlesnyak, Owner of Story In Colors

Zoe Fisher: I get that. You’re passionate about the work, and marketing can feel like a disconnect. Speaking of your products, what’s your favorite print item you create?

Nina Podlesnyak: I love calendars, especially my birthday calendar that isn’t tied to any year. You can use it forever. You write down birthdays and reuse it every year. I use mine and love it, it has nice pictures, and I don’t forget birthdays anymore.

Zoe Fisher: That’s so smart and beautiful. If you had a completely free day with no creating, what would you do?

Nina Podlesnyak: I would go for a hike. I have a small dog and we live in an area with a lot of woods. I usually take her with me, but she gets tired quickly and wants to go home.

Zoe Fisher: That is so cute. What kind of dog is she?

Nina Podlesnyak: A mix of chihuahua and dachshund. She doesn’t love the woods, maybe because of the animal smells. She gets nervous.

Zoe Fisher: I would be too! So where can people find your work and follow your journey?

“I have two characters and they are going throughout all my work. And also I don’t use only illustrations. I use animation, and I have small pictures with no background, just sketches, but it’s all around Yens and Spinny. So it’s like a whole world.” Nina Podlesnyak, Owner of Story In Colors

Nina Podlesnyak: I recently created a website just for Yens and Spinny. It’s yensandspinny.com. You can find links to my Etsy shop, YouTube channel, and Instagram there. For my children’s book illustration, I use BlueSky. Get my 2025 calendar here!

Zoe Fisher: You all heard her, check out yensandspinny.com and don’t miss the behind-the-scenes videos on YouTube. They are magical. Thanks again, Nina.

Nina Podlesnyak: Thank you so much!!!!

That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.

Printed with Wonder

Nina Podlesnyak’s world is one of careful emotion, gentle storytelling, and forested friendships. Through Yens and Spinny, she gives us characters who comfort and delight, printed on pages that are as thoughtful as the stories themselves. At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re honored to help Nina share her magic through custom calendars, books, and art prints. When you’re ready to bring your illustrations to life, we’re here to help make it beautiful, tangible, and uniquely yours. Order today!

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