Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrin Vankova.
Hi Katrin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am where I am because of a combination of hard work, faith, and amazing meeting points and connections with people that have come into my life over the years.
When I was a very little kid, my parents moved from Bulgaria to a very small town in the countryside near Barcelona. At that time, I was very close friends with Carolina—I still remember how hard it was for me to remember her name when I was five. One day, her mother came to me and said she was organizing a theater group. She asked if I wanted to join. That was a beautiful beginning. I’ve always been a very creative child—always dancing, performing, and being (probably) very annoying to my parents. Life gave me the opportunity to feel, for the first time, what it was like to be on stage. That feeling suddenly felt like home, and since then, I just haven’t stopped. When I was eighteen, I started studying drama in Barcelona and auditioning for my first professional projects. I signed with my first agents, and since then, it’s been a beautiful rollercoaster. I’ve had the chance to work on both national and international projects, in both audiovisual and theater.
I’ve always had an inner drive that has kept me constantly searching for new opportunities and pushing myself to grow—both personally and professionally. I truly believe in the power of nurturing the combination of talent and hard work. Sometimes, you’re lucky enough to be in the right place with the right people—but usually, things don’t just come to you while you sit at home waiting for the next step, no matter how much faith you have.
I also believe things happen for a reason, and every situation or person you encounter can be a turning point. It all depends on how open you are to redirecting those moments in the right direction for you.
And with time—and this took me a little longer to learn—I’ve come to understand that things really do happen when they are meant to happen. No matter how ready you feel, how capable you are, how much you want something—if it’s not the time, it just won’t happen. You have to make peace with that and focus on what you can do and work on that moment. It could be working on yourself, a new idea, an old one, fresh inspiration, or a new horizon. I’ve always found my way back to that place when I’ve been tuned in to what’s going on inside, rather than outside.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
Dedicating yourself to an artistic field is a complex and abstract path—especially when you’re starting from zero. So much of it relies on intuition, patience, and non-linear work, and that can be really hard to navigate—especially when so many things are out of your control. Living in a society where conventional jobs are more socially protected makes it twice as hard. It’s difficult when you don’t have the time or space to dedicate to your creativity because you’re busy juggling how to pay rent and make it to the end of the month. It’s hard to stay positive and connected to your power when you’re constantly dealing with rejections. It’s hard to live in a society where followers, trends, and numbers often take precedence over talent, essence, and authenticity. And sometimes, there’s just silence—no response to all your hard work. In those moments, you just wish things could be easier. But again, like I said before, when you return to yourself, that’s where the smoothness lies. It’s like an instant shift in everything. Going back to myself has helped me recharge my inner power and creativity—my patience, my focus, my discipline, and my confidence, both in myself and in the world. It reminds me not to forget that there’s always a place for everyone. And if you’re not finding yours, maybe it’s because you’re not looking in the right direction. Or maybe… it’s a sign to create it yourself. And even if the road isn’t smooth—it’s always worth it. When things align and actually happen, it’s the most special feeling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always been an actress, but deep inside, there’s a multidisciplinary artist living in me. It’s just who I am. I find it really hard to stick to just one thing—mostly because the ideas pour in on their own, and I simply try to make space for them in whatever format they need.
I hate labels, and I’ve often struggled with trying to understand where all these ideas fit. Am I an actress? Am I a photographer? Am I a director? That constant need to define and organize who I am inside has often been my biggest enemy—because at the end it just blocks everything. The truth is: I am an actress, I am a director, I do photography and I’m an artist and a storyteller who uses creativity to express my inner world, my vision, and to touch people’s souls. I just love so much doing all of this. I would spend all my days just closed with a team in a cozy beautiful place creating. I just love pouring ideas out and figuring out how to bring them to life.
I’m mostly known for my acting work. I’ve been part of projects like “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”, “Snatch” (the series), “Alex Rider”, “Warrior Nun”, and many other stage and screen projects from Spain. I’m really excited because two American films I took part in are coming out soon, along with a TV show we shot in Barcelona.
I’m also in postproduction on a documentary I directed about sexuality which I can’t wait for it to be out. I’m deeply interested in highlighting the lack of sexual education and awareness in our society.
I also adore directing music videos and random creative short films. The music video format is such a free and expressive space. You can tell whatever story you want, however you want, and that’s something very attractive to me.
I don’t have one specific project I’m most proud of—I genuinely feel proud of all of them. If I had to name one, I’d say I really enjoyed bringing Tara to life in the short “Tara and the Blue”. But more than anything, I’m proud of the respect and care I bring to every project I’m part of. From that place of respect, you can create anything. And I’m very excited for what’s next to come.
How do you think about happiness?
Always a nice cup of tea
Listening to music, and discovering new one
Hanging out with my sister and my friends
Trying food I’ve never tried before
Dark chocolate
Good taste
Exchanging a smile with a stranger on the street
Vibing a lot with someone on a conversation
Complimenting unknown people to make them feel better
Kissing
When someone makes me laugh a lot
Taking care of myself
Dancing
Beauty on anything
When I feel calm and at peace
Learning
A good woody perfume
All these because they just click something on me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katrin-vankova.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinvankova/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katrin-vankova
Image Credits
Photo by Nora Vankova
Jewelry by Judit Cuadros @jjuditc
