Julia Naurzalijeva
About
My experience teaching both in-person and online has strengthened my ability to make complex concepts accessible through any medium. I prioritize a warm, professional atmosphere in which students can take risks, express themselves authentically, and experience the joy and discipline of artistic practice. Above all, I view teaching as a mentorship role—one that supports personal growth as much as technical skill—and I am committed to fostering creativity, confidence, and long-term artistic curiosity in every student. Additionally, in the time I resided in The United States of America, I was a member of the Art Letters and Chicago Arts Project, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and when I resided in Canada, I was a member of the Council for the Arts in Ottawa, Canada, for which I participated in annual exhibitions.
Teaching Style
I teach through clear demonstrations, structured progression, and supportive dialogue, adapting my methods to meet each student’s needs and learning style. Whether working with youth, teens, or adults, I create a space where students feel respected, motivated, and capable of their best work. I emphasize patience, communication, and a reflective approach that empowers students to understand both how and why their work is evolving.
Curriculum
My teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that meaningful artistic development comes from a balance of strong technical foundations, individualized mentorship, and an encouraging, growth-oriented learning environment. As a professional artist, I guide students to build essential skills while also helping them cultivate personal expression, confidence, and creative independence.
Credentials & Affiliations
My education consists of undergraduate studies in Fine arts, which I completed in the Estonian Academy of Fine Arts, as well as a Master's degree in Theatrical Arts, from the V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko School Studio of Drama. In addition, I have earned a certificate from a completed Art Educator course. My work experience includes being a Costume Designer, for the play "Alien Man" at Wing&Grove Theater Company, in Chicago, Illinois, from April to June 2000; Director, Stage and Costume designer for the play "The Ideal Man or the Man of One Ideal", in Ottawa, Canada, from October 2012 to April 2013; Costume designer for the play "Money to Burn" at the Michurinsk State Drama Theater, in Michurinsk, Russia, from September to December 2014; Illustrator of comic book about Sarah Schenirer, made for the JCC, in Krakow, Poland, 2021; Illustrator of "The Northern War", KPD Publishing House, Tallinn, Estonia, 2022; Illustrator of "The English Verses", Shasta Fay Publishing House, 2025, Krakow, Poland. My teaching experience includes: 2021 -2025 - Online Teacher and Private Instructor; 2020 - Substitute teacher at schools in Tallinn, Estonia; 2016-2019 - "Artists in the School" at primary schools in Ottawa, Canada; 2014-2020 -Active involvement in community projects with persons aged 65+ at Sunnyside Community House, Ottawa, Canada; 2008-2017 - Volunteer art instructor in primary schools in Ottawa, Canada.