What did you do before February 24?
My main focus has always been on design and illustration. I work primarily at an agency where I handle advertising posters and various commercial projects. In my personal time, I concentrate more on illustration, working on personal commissions or pieces for exhibitions.
How did the full-scale war start for you?
I live in Kyiv on the 20th floor of a building with panoramic windows. On February 24, we were awakened by the sound of explosions and saw the sky glowing red towards Boryspil. We started packing our things, and by 8 a.m., our neighbor knocked on our door to tell us we were the only ones left on our floor. That’s when our “interesting” journey began, thanks to our neighboring country. We moved from house to house, spending some time at our parents’ place in Boryspil. In early March, as the situation became more tense with the Russians advancing from Brovary and occupying Irpin, we headed to western Ukraine. We left Boryspil on March 8, and the next day, Russian missiles struck the city.
When did you start drawing again?
I created my first piece on March 3, while sitting in the basement in Boryspil. There was no shelling there, but we could hear cannon shots and fighter jets flying very low overhead. In the basement, we couldn’t tell if they were Ukrainian or not. The atmosphere was tense, and I needed something to occupy my mind.
Illustration and drawing are my escape into my own world where I can find calm. It’s a way for me to express my inner feelings on paper or a tablet.
On March 3, I completed my first illustration, and it felt like a small victory. I was glad to be able to share my experiences on social media, where people responded with compassion and shared their own stories. I realized that this made me feel better, and it also seemed to help others. So, I kept drawing, even while sitting in the basement.
Has the balance between your work-related creativity and personal projects changed after February 24?
Yes, I’ve received more collaborations and offers from various volunteer initiatives. I realized that my contributions at my main job, while helpful, weren’t making a significant financial impact. So, I started using my artwork to help. These pieces are sold through specialized funds, with proceeds going to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine or those affected by the war.
I create paintings on large canvases, as well as designs for posters, T-shirts, and stickers. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by like-minded people who help with distribution.
My mission isn’t to make money from this, but to help in the way I know best.
Have you noticed interest from people in other countries on your page?
Most of the feedback I receive is from the Ukrainian diaspora who lived abroad before February 24, but I also get attention from foreigners. Many people have reached out to express their sympathy and support. I’ve even received orders from other countries with messages like, “I know you’re from Ukraine, and I want to order something patriotic to show solidarity.”
In your opinion, what is the role of art in this war?
Let me tell you a story. I studied at the Educational and Research Institute of Printing and Publishing at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute to become a book illustrator. Our group was mostly girls. One day, our professor said, “If a war starts, every profession should be useful. The boys will go to the frontline, and you girls, what will you do? Draw military posters saying ‘Go Army’?” He was being satirical, and we all laughed because we couldn’t imagine a war actually happening. At the time, it seemed like our profession was impractical.
However, now it’s clear that digital art is incredibly powerful in society. People print posters and bring them to rallies and mass meetings, using them to convey our feelings and experiences through images.
Writing a text is impactful, but adding a visual element makes it resonate even more deeply.
So, if I have the ability to do it, I will keep doing it until the end, because I know this way I can reach out to someone.
Original version published on September 8, 2022 in collaboration with Online media outlet Svidomi.