Interview with Yana Okoliyska

Yana Okoliyska ("YO") interviewed on Monday, 16 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

YO : I have been working in the field of design and advertising for more than a decade. Over the years I have gained extensive experience in design and visual communication. I have been involved creatively with a large list of local and international brands, among which Audi, Coca-Cola, Henkel, Mattel, Procter & Gamble, Unilever.

How did you become a designer?

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.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YO : Techniques and style depend on the project itself and its communication goals. Good design can be evaluated based on overall aesthetics, attention to the detail, relevance and originality, emotional impact over people.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YO : When I design there is a very wide array of emotions I feel: from childish curiosity, to deep enthusiasm, pure joy, relentlessness and urge to make a change for good. But above all, empathy is what is most important and relevant when designing.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

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

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YO : A design is successful when it is relevant and true to the brand or client. There is no exact recipe - it might be spicy, sour or sweet, it doesn’t matter. The most important is to be authentic to the brand. And it is ready when it tells the whole story.

What is your biggest design work?

YO : My project for BALIN is a very special one. BALIN is a brand offering beautifully crafted toys that educate,inspire and delight.Their aim is to promote healthy active play, develop social and emotional skills and foster knowledge about the environment through fun and engagingplay experience.BALIN is a brand with purpose. We developed all aspects of their communication:from the design of their logo and branding assetsto the colors and shapes of their toys and characters...and then we brought them to life in a series of charming illustrations.Each character has a name and story behind,helping to build an emotional connection with children

Who is your favourite designer?

YO : I have been especially inspired by Jessica Walsh, Nikki Sunga, Bianca Guimaraes, between others.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

YO : I love the possibility to maintain an independent spirit while enjoying the scale of working within a larger network of carefully handpicked collaborators based on their outstanding executions. This way I am flexible enough to handle any size of a project, always keeping an eye on the creative process.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

YO : I believe all of us have the obligation to do our best for our society and environment regardless our profession. It could be a pro bono design work, support a cause or just inspire others to do good.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

YO : Design awards give lots of opportunities for designers and agencies. It is a recognition for the work done, a hallmark of quality and a proof that designers could deliver relevant and compelling visual solutions.

Yana Okoliyska Profile