Interview with Anna Zhuk

I've always felt a strong pull toward creativity — I loved making things with my hands and was fascinated by art. But when it came time to choose a profession, I chose finance — it seemed like a more practical path. However, deep down, I always knew that creativity was my true calling.
As an adult, I became interested in photography and later even tried painting. After moving to another country, I had to rethink my career, and that's when I decided I wanted to finally do what truly inspires me and brings me joy — design.
It was my own decision, born out of a desire to do what I love and to realize my creative potential.

When working on a new project, I always prioritize:
1. Research and understanding the client's goals and their audience — this helps me propose solutions that are relevant and meaningful for the brand and its customers.
2. Attention to detail and clarity — I believe even the smallest element can affect the overall impression.
3. Visual harmony and emotional resonance — it's important to me that the design evokes the right emotions.

I mainly rely on digital tools in my work, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and others. However, I always start with a notebook — I create associative maps and sketches by hand to better feel the concept. This helps me move from the idea to the final visualization.

When I'm working on a design, I feel a lot of excitement and inspiration, especially during the concept stage. That's when I feel the freedom and joy of bringing my ideas to life. But what excites me the most is the feeling of having a finished product — when I see the project come to life and start working for the client. This always brings me satisfaction and a sense of happiness.

I believe that several important skills not directly related to design have shaped me as a designer. First of all, it's the ability to listen and sense what truly matters to the client. I've always valued art, observation, and attention to detail — these qualities help me better understand the character of a project and express it through visual language.
The biggest turning point in my design journey was moving to another country and changing careers. It was a challenging but transformative experience that taught me to be braver, more open to the unknown, and to trust myself. For me, design is not just a profession — it's a space for continuous growth, inspiration, and discovery.

Right now, I'm focused on growing as an independent designer — taking on more complex and meaningful projects. One of my big dreams is to collaborate with a well-known luxury brand — something elegant, refined, and emotionally expressive.
At the same time, I would truly love to be part of a project that has social value — for example, working with an organization that supports people, communities, or animals.
In the future, I hope to continue building my portfolio, participating in exhibitions, gaining recognition for my work, and eventually opening my own design studio.

At the beginning of your journey, it's important — to give yourself time to explore, make mistakes, and grow. Don't be afraid to try new things and ask questions.
My advice is: don't compare yourself to other designers, especially early on. Focus on your own progress, look for projects that inspire you, and remember — design isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about meaning and emotion.
One of my teachers once told me: "While you're thinking and doubting, others are doing. It won't be perfect at first, but with time, you'll learn."
And one more big thing — don't be afraid to show yourself and your work, because that's what opens new opportunities and helps you move forward.

My day usually starts with a cup of coffee — a small ritual that sets the tone for work. Then I check my emails and go through my planner — I like having a clear picture of what needs to be done.
During the day, I work on various projects — it could be designing a logo, creating a presentation, searching for new ideas, or preparing for a client call. What I enjoy most is the moment when an idea starts taking shape — it always feels a bit like magic.
I find inspiration in simple things: a cozy atmosphere, favorite music, a kind message from a happy client, or a new idea that comes unexpectedly during work. No two days are exactly the same — and that's part of what makes it beautiful.

I keep an eye on design trends, but I don't let them lead the way. I find it valuable to understand where the industry is heading and how visual styles, colors, and forms are evolving. Still, in my work, I always focus first on the idea, the brand's values, and its target audience. Trends are a helpful tool — not the final goal.
I draw inspiration from many sources: the design community, books architecture, nature, and sometimes even from casual conversations or unexpected observations in the city.

I believe that good design is one that fulfills its purpose — it's clear, functional, and resonates emotionally. It's not just about beauty, but about meaning, concept, and the context in which it exists.

I believe the moment when a design is truly finished is always an intuitive decision. Of course, there's always something you could tweak or improve, but for me, it's important to stop when the design clearly fulfills its purpose, feels complete, and there's no longer that inner sense of "something's missing."
I usually revisit a project a few times after taking a short break — a fresh perspective helps catch small details. But eventually, I open the design and realize: everything is in its place. That's when I know I can confidently set it aside and move on.

Each of my projects is special to me — I always put a part of myself into the work. But the ones that are closest to my heart are the identities I created for Ukrainian handmade brands. It's more than just design — it's about warmth, authenticity, love for details, and the care that artisans put into their craft. It was important for me to capture that energy through visual identity, preserving the feeling of naturalness, simplicity, and deep meaning.
Especially now, in such a challenging time, I genuinely want to support artisans, small brands, and businesses — to help them grow, build their presence, and find confidence through strong visual communication.

I come from Ukraine, and my culture has always been an important part of my life and creative work. Ukrainian traditions, values, the drive for self-improvement, growth, and hard work have deeply shaped my approach to design and inspire me to create thoughtful, high-quality work.
I currently live in Italy, and this place has had a strong influence on how I perceive design. The local culture teaches me to appreciate emotion, history, and individuality in everything — from architecture to the small details of everyday life.
Music accompanies me every day. It sets the mood, helping me either focus on work or unwind.
I believe that design has the power to influence people — their thoughts, feelings, and even their choices. For me, design has changed everything: the way I see the world, the way I perceive it, and how I express myself. It's not just a profession, but a part of my life and culture that helps make the world around me a little better. Through design, I've learned to appreciate small details, notice beauty in simple things, and find harmony even in everyday life.

What I value the most in my work is openness, respect and responsibility. I work independently, but I occasionally collaborate with other designers, SMM managers, and marketers — and I always strive to make this interaction comfortable and effective for everyone involved. It's important for me to share common values with partners or clients: honestly, mutual respect, a desire to create a quality product, and a genuine attitude toward the work.
As for my working culture — I believe the best results come when there's clarity in the process, but also enough space for creativity. I always meet deadlines and keep my commitments, but I also believe that a healthy work environment shouldn't be about pressure and stress — it's about mutual trust and respect for each other's time.
The main challenges of my profession are finding the balance between creativity and real business goals, staying flexible, and being open to change.
I believe that being a good designer isn't only about talent. It's also about attentiveness, empathy, the ability to listen and understand things on a deeper level — and to turn all that into a visual outcome that makes sense and resonates.

For me, design is not only about visual language but also about responsibility. I believe that design can support, amplify important messages, and help change society.
I am also open to working on charitable or Pro Bono projects if I see meaning and value in them. This could include supporting local initiatives, social campaigns, or brands working with people in need. In the future, I definitely want to be more involved in such projects — this is very important to me.

I haven't yet attende the A'Design Award ceremony, but I am already very excited and inspired. I believe it will be a unique opportunity to meet talented designers from all over the world and witness a wide range of approaches and styles, which will greatly broaden my understanding of design.

In my opinion, three main benefits of participating in design awards and competitions are:
1. Improving professional skills through experience exchange and feedback.
2. Gaining recognition and expanding potential client networks.
3. Motivation for continuous improvement and creative growth.

Design competitions help advance a career because they open new opportunities, connect you with industry peers, and push you to constantly improve.

Being named Designer of the Day is a great honor and responsibility for me, as it means my work is recognized and valued.

I've always been fascinated by the idea of creating something beautiful that also has meaning and makes a difference. Design is not just a job for me — it's a way to express myself, share my ideas, and help others develop their brands and business. I love that design allows me to combine creativity with practical solutions, support others, and turn my dreams into reality.

I choose to become a designer — it was entirely my own decision. Design is something I'm passionate about, and it's my way to express myself.

I most enjoy working on logos, brand identity, and the overall visual style of a brand. It allows me to convey a company's values through visual language. In the future, I'd love to work on more comprehensive branding projects that combine different types of design — from logos to packaging and web design.

I don't consider myself a design legend yet, but I think the most important thing for young designers is to stay open to new ideas, be persistent, and learn from mistakes. It's also crucial to believe in yourself, but not be afraid to ask for advice when needed. And, of course, to love what you do.

In my opinion, a good designer creates high-quality and visually appealing work that meets the client's requirements. A great designer goes further — they understand the context, ask the right questions, identify the real needs, and offer solutions that inspire and have deeper meaning.

For me, good design is design that works — it fulfills its purpose, helps the user, and supports the brand or product. It should be thoughtful, visually appealing, and easy to understand.

Good design isn't just about aesthetics — it's about effective communication. It helps a brand stand out, builds trust, and makes it easier for users to interact with the product or service. Investing in good design is an investment in your business's growth.

If I had the time and opportunity, I would love to work on a project for a luxury brand. It would be exciting to develop an identity that conveys a sense of luxury, elegance, and sophistication.

I'm inspired by an incredible number of talented designers — I admire their work and always feel a true sense of wonder when I see how they bring their ideas to life. But if I think about the first designer I discovered early in my career, it would be Paula Scher — her work is incredibly inspiring.

I believe that to become a better designer, it's important to keep learning, analyze design in everyday life, and not be afraid to experiment. Personally, I regularly take courses, study work that inspires me, and practice by creating my own projects. This helps me grow and improve as a designer.

Many people have supported me along the way — my family, friends, and colleagues. But my biggest supporter has always been my husband. His belief in me and his help have been a true source of inspiration and strength. I feel very lucky to have so many people around me who support me.

I have faced — and steel face — many challenges: a lack of confidence, fear of starting something new, and feeling like I don't know enough. But over time, I've realized that these feelings are normal — and with persistence and learning, I'm gradually overcoming them.

It's important to communicate your idea to the client as clearly as possible, so they understand why this solution is the best choice for their product or brand. A presentation should explain the main idea and demonstrate how the design works in different contexts. Good visuals, examples of application, and mockups help the client see the potential of the design and imagine it in real life.

Right now, I'm working on two projects: one for a sustainable energy company and another for a real estate agency. Right now, I'm focused on these two projects. In the future, I plan to keep growing as an independent designer, participate in exhibitions and competitions, and earn new awards. Next, I'd like to start thinking about opening my own design studio.

I think the field of design will move towards greater personalization, technology integration, and creating unique user experiences. AI, augmented reality, and new innovations are already becoming part of design. But for me, the most important thing is that design stays human-centered, because emotions are what create a real connection between a brand and its audience.

It really depends on the project itself — each one has its own scope, complexity, and requirements.

My process always starts with research — I study the market, competitors, and target audience.

In my work, I use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, Figma, and occasionally Procreate for illustrations. For video editing, I use CapCut and Captions. As for equipment, I use computer, phone, and iPad.

My favorite color is red. My favorite place is the village house where I used to visit my grandparents as a child, as well as the sea, which I've come to love lately. My favorite season is autumn, but I also love winter, especially the first snow and winter holidays, and spring, when everything starts to bloom and new life begins.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a nurse. And thank goodness that didn't happen. But I've always been a creative person with a deep interest in art. As a child, I attended many creative workshops and dreamed of heaving an exciting and artistic career.

I don't have my studio yet — I currently work as a freelance designer. However, opening a design studio is a big dream of mine, and I'm steadily working towards it. I already have a vision of what it could be: a creative space, exciting projects, and a team of like-minded people. I hope one day this dream will become a reality.

Design is not just about creativity and imagination but also about in-depth analysis, effective communication, and problem-solving for brands. It is a process of generating ideas, finding solutions, and continuous learning. The best part is that all these aspects seamlessly come together in one profession, making it exciting and multifaceted.

I especially enjoy working on logos and brand identity projects. I love creating visual solutions that help brands express themselves clearly and communicate effectively with their audience. It's a combination of strategy and creativity — and that's exactly what inspires me.

It's hard for me to pick just one favorite project — each one is a new challenge and exciting in its own way.

My first task was creating visual content for social media advertising campaigns for IT courses. This experience allowed me to combine creativity with an understanding of the target audience and the specifics of digital marketing.

During the design process, I focus on creating unique and recognizable visual solutions that reflect the essence and values of the brand. It's important for the design to be simple, yet expressive and functional — easy to apply across different formats and media. I pay special attention to colors, typography and overall composition, as these elements shape emotional perception and help create a cohesive visual identity.

I love my work, the design process brings me joy and satisfaction.

I feel uplifted and deeply satisfied. It inspires and energizes me to know that my projects are being realized and helping companies grow. It's truly a joy to see ideas come to life and make a positive impact.

A successful design is one that effectively fulfills its purpose while remaining aesthetically appealing and clean to the target audience. It should reflect the brand's values, be recognizable, and evoke positive emotions. It's important for the design to be adaptable and work well across different contexts and media.

It's difficult to judge a design without knowing its concept and purpose. However, I primarily focus on the quality of execution and basic elements such as clarity of shapes, color harmony, and overall composition. I also consider the design's relevance — how well it aligns with current trends and audience needs. The design should be clear, unique and not cliché, in order to attract attention and remind memorable.

A designer must be mindful of their impact on society and the environment. This means creating ethical, inclusive, and accessible designs that respect diversity and support positive social change. It's also important to consider environmental aspects — using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and striving for sustainable development to ensure our projects do not harm the planet.

The design field is rapidly evolving, becoming more technological, interactive and user-centered.

Sometimes inspiration is hard to find, and it can be unexpectedly — for example, by seeing the shadow of an object on a wall at home. Generally, I'm inspired by many things: books, music, vinyl records, exhibitions, movies, architecture, photography and nature. It's important to stay open to the world and to notice beauty in small details, as this is what fuels my creativity.

I am Ukrainian and currently live in Italy. This allows me to combine influences from both cultures in my work. Ukrainian heritage inspires me with its symbolism and attention to detail, while Italy inspires me with its art. The advantage of this experience is diversity and the opportunity to experiment, while the challenge is finding a balance between different cultural influences.

First, there is an introduction and identification of the company's needs, followed by discussing the terms of cooperation. Then, a briefing takes place, after which I prepare and present initial design concepts. After that, revisions are made, and I deliver all necessary files. Throughout the entire process, I am always available, and I appreciate when the company maintains communication as well — this helps me quickly get answers to any questions and achieve the best result. After the project is completed, feedback is very important to me.

I recommend that companies clearly define their needs and goals before starting cooperation and remain open to dialogue and constructive feedback. It is important to choose a designer not only by their portfolio but also by their ability to listen carefully and understand the client.

My process always starts with research — I study the market, competitors, and target audience. I often use the method of associative circles to help define a strong visual idea. Then I move on to sketching by hand to freely explore forms and compositions. After that, I develop the concept digitally. At each stage, the design is refined and improved until I reach a final result that fully aligns with the original idea and project goals.

Don't compare yourself to other designers — only to the version of yourself from the past. Move toward your goals at your own pace, without chasing others. Don't forget to rest — creativity needs energy, and it's important not to burn out. And most importantly, believe in yourself, even when things feel difficult or don't work out right away.

One of the positive aspects is the opportunity to work with visual content and bring creative ideas to life, influencing how a brand or product is perceived. Design is a field that allows for continuous learning, growth, and participation in interesting and diverse projects.
On the downside, it's not always possible to do purely creative work every day. A lot of time goes into communication, revisions, and technical tasks. There's also the pressure of deadlines and the need to constantly explain and justify your decisions. But even these challenges help you grow and become stronger as a professional.

My golden rule in design is to always respect the details. Even the tiniest line or bit of spacing can change the whole feel of the design. I believe it's that careful attention to the little things that makes a design feel complete, high-quality, and trustworthy.

Creativity, visual thinking, attention to detail, adaptability, and patience.

In my work, I use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, Figma, and occasionally Procreate for illustrations. For video editing, I use CapCut and Captions.
I also have a solid collection of books on design and marketing, along with many recourses for inspiration, images, and fonts.

I try to plan my time: I keep a planner and write down my daily tasks. It helps me stay organized and manage my workload effectively.

It all depends on the specific project — the scope, complexity, and feedback process all effect the timeline.

Honestly, the most common question I get is: "How much does it coast?"
Followed by: "Where does the design start?", "What does the process look like?", and "How long will it take?"

One of the most important experiences for me was receiving my first collaboration requests, which unfortunately didn't turn into actual projects. They showed me that the path to getting clients isn't always easy.
I also remember my first client call — I was nervous, but it marked the beginning of my conscious professional growth.

My clients include business and agency owners, online education platforms, and handmade product brands. I also collaborate with some marketing agencies on a project basic and with companies in the sustainable energy sector.

I enjoy working on logos an brand identity the most. I love getting to know new brands — their story, values, and personality — and expressing all of that through design. It's something that truly inspires and excites me.

My plans are to keep growing, work on new exciting projects, and continue evolving as a designer. I've already taken my first steps toward recognition by receiving an international award, and I'd love to keep moving in that direction — participating in exhibitions, competitions, and earning new achievements. One day, I dream of opening my own design studio.

I develop my designs by myself.

Email: anyazhuk535@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 351 663 8011
Telegram: +380 68 960 78 03