Faithers: Estela Raileanu
Art and creativity know no bounds. This is certainly true when we talk about Estela Raileanu, also known artistically as Loopina Creative. From Moldova, she will show us her world and how she´s able to bring to life through illustrations and stop-motion what many of us could never even imagine. Estela will also tell us how hard the journey is and how important it is to be yourself in order to feel fulfilled.
What does it mean to have faith in yourself?
Having faith in yourself means embracing your unique voice with confidence and joy. It’s the unwavering belief that your light shines brightly and makes a difference, even in uncertain times. This faith inspires me every day to keep moving forward and growing.
What inspired you to become an animation and slow-motion artist?
I was always fascinated by the poetry of movement, the in-between moments that reveal more than a static image ever could. Animation allows me to breathe life into stillness, to give voice to characters and emotions that live in my imagination. My background in painting and illustration naturally evolved into animation, especially stop-motion, where every gesture is intentional and handmade. It’s a magical process that connects deeply with who I am as a storyteller. This vision eventually led me to found Loopina Creative, my creative brand where I can bring these stories to life with complete artistic freedom.
What's your biggest motivation?
My biggest motivation is the opportunity to connect deeply with others through the power of visual storytelling. I believe that animation, even the quietest frame, can make people feel seen, understood, or comforted. Creating from a place of truth—especially feminine truth—is my way of reclaiming space and offering beauty, vulnerability, and strength to the world.
What was your biggest challenge when you started making animations?
In the beginning, I was navigating spaces where animation wasn’t always seen as a serious art form. As someone with a strong creative vision, it took confidence and consistency to carve my own path and be taken seriously. But my passion for visual storytelling always guided me forward and kept me focused on the bigger picture.
What has helped you to continue to create your 2D and 3D masterpieces with such a distinctive style?
I protect my inner world. I stay curious, I observe people, nature, contradictions, and I embrace imperfections. My style is a result of everything I’ve lived, every experience, every story, every transformation. Having a multidisciplinary background in fine arts, illustration, and graphic design helped me find a personal visual language that bridges analog and digital seamlessly. At Loopina Creative, we cultivate this approach with each project, combining heart, craft, and innovation.
What's the most fulfilling thing of your job?
When my animations resonate on social media or my illustrated books bring joy and meaning to children, it reminds me that storytelling has real power. Knowing that something I created under the Loopina Creative brand made a child smile or sparked imagination is incredibly rewarding.
If you could give any advice to a designer trying to break into the industry, what would it be?
Don’t rush. Take time to understand your voice and nurture it. Learn the rules so you can break them wisely. Connect with other creatives. Be kind to yourself and persistent with your goals. The industry doesn’t need more copies; it needs your uniqueness.
What is the hardest part of being an artist?
The most important challenge is staying true to your vision while embracing growth and change. Being an artist means constantly opening your heart and mind to new ideas and emotions, and trusting that your unique voice will find its place. It’s a rewarding journey of courage, authenticity, and continuous discovery.
If you had to start all over again, would you do it?
Absolutely. Every step of this journey has helped shape who I am today. I’ve grown as an artist and a person, and I’ve had the chance to express myself in ways that continue to evolve. I would choose this path again for the joy of creating, sharing, and connecting through art.
What would be the best advice you would give yourself if you had to start your career over tomorrow?
Trust your instincts more. The moment you start creating from your core, everything aligns.
What is the most important lesson you've learned so far?
That creative power grows from authenticity. When you accept your story, your emotions, your failures, it all becomes part of your artistic vocabulary.
What is the best thing about being Estela Raileanu?
It’s my ability to evolve while staying true to my creative essence. I’m constantly exploring new ideas, mediums, and ways to express myself, yet everything I do stays rooted in authenticity. I love that I can blend imagination, and artistic skill to tell stories that connect with people across cultures and ages. Loopina Creative is a reflection of that identity, a space where my artistic voice thrives and welcomes others to collaborate and dream.
What has been a reason to smile today?
A message from a former student who shared how my class inspired their first animation. It reminded me why I do what I do, and how creativity can ripple far beyond the moment it’s made.
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