WHAT SPECIALTY DID YOU STUDY AT THE ACADEMY? WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE?
I studied Computer Graphics and Design at IT Step Academy Ivano-Frankivsk, graduating in 2023.
WHAT COMPANY DO YOU WORK FOR NOW? WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?
I currently work at Pokley-ka. There, I develop layout designs of varying complexity and prepare materials for printing. We have clients not only in Ukraine, but also from the USA, Canada, Poland, Moldova, and other countries (https://cutt.ly/dw3g3kLt).
My main work tools are Adobe Illustrator and vector graphics.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PROJECT THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF?
There have been many such projects. I worked with our local businesses. In particular, I collaborated with the Gonir craft brewery (https://cutt.ly/9w3g9I1P). I developed a label layout for them. I also worked with Patelnya (https://cutt.ly/aw3g2Bqx), a semi-finished food company. Developed the logo and all branding. I created the corporate identity of the cosmetics company Povitrulya (https://cutt.ly/Dw3g2sK7).
In addition, I work with coaches, providing them with design services, and I volunteer at the organization Krylos Novyny, where we actively promote environmental values and develop eco-products. I actually do the branding for these products.
WHAT ROLE DID ITSTEP PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?
My first specialty was finance. It was the education my parents offered me. But all my life I have been a creative person.
I had a dream to get a degree in design. At a fairly late age, 27, I started attending art school to get at least some basic drawing skills. Later, I decided to enroll in IT Step to fulfill my dream and close this gestalt. To be honest, I really enjoyed my studies. We had very cool teachers who became our real friends.
IT Step provides a pretty good base. I liked 2D and UI/UX design the most. I also liked the Basics of Drawing course. Myroslav Yaremak is just a brilliant teacher who knows how to explain things so well and inspire his students. He instilled in me a love of art history. Even though I finished his course, I continue to study and read a lot. He is a very interesting and cool speaker. It's just impossible not to love art and drawing in general. He can tell you where your weaknesses are and point out where your strengths are. It's very cool!
The Academy has become an impetus for my further self-improvement.
WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR OUR YOUNG STUDENTS?
Be goal-oriented: set yourself specific goals and develop a plan to get there. Constantly work on self-improvement and improving your skills. Be open to learning. But most importantly, don't be afraid to take the first step towards your dreams and ambitious goals.
Do not be afraid of obstacles and failures, but rather use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be patient and persistent!