Yana Okoliyska

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Yana Okoliyska ("YO") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

YO : My favorite activity as a kid was drawing, and that naturally evolved into a career in the creative industry. I have studies in arts, advertising, as well as tons of workshops and masterclasses exploring different aspects of visual communication.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

YO : I strongly believe in the power of visual communication to create an effective and lasting impact over people.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

YO : At the moment I am focusing on creative direction, art direction and branding projects. My goal is to develop engaging visual solutions that will create excitement, trigger people’s curiosity and give meaning in a relevant and distinctive manner.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

YO : Be curious, get inspired and have the urge to improve constantly.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

YO : Good design can be evaluated based on overall aesthetics, attention to the detail, relevance and originality, emotional impact over people.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

YO : Design is the face and feeling of your brand or story, the way they interact with the world. It is essential to invest in a good design in order to communicate in a relevant way with your audience.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

YO : I am open for all kinds of projects, no matter the scale, but I would enjoy it very much if I had more opportunities to work for the food and beverage sector.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

YO : The one and only ingredient is passion for what you are doing. Nothing more.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

YO : Jessica Walsh, Nikki Sunga, Bianca Guimaraes, between others.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

YO : I like to see compelling stories told in a visually attractive way.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

YO : Be curious, get inspired and have the urge to improve constantly.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

YO : I would probably be an artist, or photographer.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

YO : Design is the face and feeling of your brand or story, the way they interact with the world.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

YO : My family has always supported me with any life decisions I have taken.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YO : My enthusiasm, energy and aspirations.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

YO : Designs usually tell a whole story. Their presentation should be taken care of accordingly so that it is relevant and meaningful.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

YO : My future projects will include a broader range of techniques and motion interweaved with traditional design.