How did you get into the industry?
From the age of 14, my life has been interwoven with the creative and media sectors. I embarked on my career journey as a journalist in print media and evolved into roles as a PR manager and marketer. This trajectory enabled me to understand the business demands of my profession intimately.
Over the past two decades, I've collaborated with content creators and their clients across sectors including tech, beauty, fashion, advertising, PR, marketing, and media. My roles have spanned marketing research, strategizing, budgeting, ad campaigns, and large-scale events. Now, my multifaceted experience equips me to discern the crux of any client brief and match them with the right talent to bring their creative visions to life.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I'm based in Kyiv, Ukraine. On February 24, life shifted dramatically for every Ukrainian. Despite the palpable threat, my family chose to remain in the country, standing by one another. Concurrently, I persist in aiding creative talents associated with my web service, Taker | Maker, in securing opportunities both locally and abroad.
Our mission is to facilitate seamless connections between Ukrainian creatives and international clientele, bolstering Ukraine's reputation as a nexus of creative brilliance. Our primary clients are founders and marketers in the creative and tech realms seeking apt creative talents to meet their content needs.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I would be delving into coding. Presently, I'm immersing myself in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and have already made significant progress.
Can you explain your creative process? What sets it apart?
My secret recipe involves a meticulous dissection of a client's brief complemented by in-depth research on their industry, brand, target audience, and competitors. This holistic understanding transforms me into an extension of their marketing team.
How would you define your style?
My modus operandi is anchored in being approachable, individualized, and unobtrusive. At my core are the principles of creativity, discipline, and open-mindedness. I never shy away from going the extra mile.
Which individuals inspire you? Do you have industry role models?
Certainly! On Instagram, I ardently follow accounts such as @mosseri, @young_emperors, and so on.
What guidance would you offer budding creatives seeking opportunities?
Maintain a positive outlook, uphold responsibility, and stay genuine. Delve deep into the project brief and never hesitate to seek clarifications. Cultivate empathy, avoid overshadowing others, and prioritize genuine relationships.
What advice would you extend to professionals aiming to expand their clientele?
Make earnest efforts to comprehend your clients, their consumers, their aspirations, challenges, and psyche. Begin with basic respect, which should ideally burgeon into mutual trust and rapport. And as always, consistently strive to exceed expectations.
Which tools/kit/software are indispensable to you?
Google Meets, LinkedIn, Keep, Trello, Slack, Notion.
How do you fuel your inspiration and motivation?
I'm an eternal learner. The thrill of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and insights is an unending source of motivation for me.
Which work achievement holds a special place in your heart?
Undoubtedly, it's the inception of my brainchild – Taker | Maker, a web platform that curates content creators and facilitates on-demand content creation.
If you had the power to alter one facet of the industry, what would it be?
Combat ageism.
Could you suggest any websites, books, or other resources?
Websites: https://qz.com, https://www.wired.com, https://www.entrepreneur.com
Books: "Everything is Negotiable" by Gavin Kennedy, "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown, "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt.
Resources: HubSpot’s YouTube channel, and the Quartz Obsession podcast.
