What do you get when you cross a lifelong obsession with dogs and a gift for artistic talent? You get Anja Zaharanski and her beautiful works entitled “Dogscanbark” They sure can.
Anja has managed to combine her love of dogs with here love of art. After posting her works on Instagram she became a hit with dog lovers the world over.
Anja fell in love with all kinds of dogs as a very young girl. Soon after, she got her very own loyal companion named, Sui. A Border Collie who while at school she spent nearly every afternoon playing with and teaching new tricks to. After school Anja went on to study Communication Design at University in Würzburg, Germany.
As Anja’s interest in Art & Illustration grew – along with her passion for dogs – the beautiful custom dog art you see here came to life. We were lucky enough to speak with Anja for a few minutes and it was Sui by her side as she answered these questions for us.
An illustration done for the popular Scoop and Charlie Instagram account. See: @coop_and_charlie! One of Anja’s favourite illustrations.
This is an artwork of @sweetboysnick, a Boston Terrier. Anja says it makes her laugh as he has such a “Monday-face”
Ever since drawing @fargo_wv Anja can not get over how adorable the long faces of Borzois are!
How would you describe your fascination with dogs?
I’d describe it as obsession. I can not find a different word for how I feel about dogs. I love the special bond humans have with dogs – they have been together for thousands of years. Their loyalty is unbreakable! I have always been obsessed with dogs, ever since I was very little!
They make me happy. I love working with them. I love watching them interact. They’re just beautiful.
You are German and studied Communication Design in Wurzburg, Germany where you developed your skills in art & illustration. What gave you the idea to marry your love of dogs with your love of art?
I do many kinds of illustrations, but dogs are what I love drawing the most, especially because I can draw them for their owners. It’s the most fun. I love creating illustrations and I love doing them for someone who has a dog that means so much to them. It really started to take off when I picked images from instagram of numerous dogs and tried to draw them in an abstract and sketchy style. As my drawings drew more and more attention on Instagram from dog owners, some asked me if they could commission images of their dogs as well.
So I started drawing especially for dog owners and Dogscanbark was born. I love art and being as obsessed as I am with dogs, I guess it’s no surprise!
After posting your work on Instagram. You now do special commissions for dog owners. Tell us about your most memorable customer?
There is no most memorable one as they are all different and equally special. Sometimes I do draw dogs that have passed away, which is always a little sad to do Sometimes I draw for people who invite me to come and stay at their place and spend time with their dogs which is cool . These projects I get to know my clients a little better. For me, all the projects are memorable but for completely different reasons which makes what I do so amazing for me!
You have a 9 year old Bordie Collie that’s been with you since you were a little girl. What’s the best thing about your loyal companion Sui?
Sui is my “once in a lifetime” dog.
She’s just perfect. She’s funny, very active and the most loveable dog I’ve ever met. She has been with me while becoming an adult. I hope to have her for many more years, still as happy as I am now!
Finally, what do you think of Lost + Hound?
It’s cool! I’m excited to see more each day! You guys gather all kinds of things related to dogs so it’s a perfect place for someone like me to visit! I also dig the beach towels in your online shop. I definitely want one for next summer at the beach!
