Yana Okoliyska

Specialized in Graphic Design.

Yana Okoliyska

About Yana Okoliyska

Yana has worked in the field of advertising for more than a decade. Her work has gathered international acclaim from multiple print and online publications and was honored with several international awards. Over the years Yana has gained extensive experience in design and visual communication for advertising and has pushed boundaries with an array of non-standard projects. She has been involved creatively with a large list of local and international brands, among which Audi, Coca-Cola, Henkel, Mattel, Procter & Gamble, Unilever. Her work is characterized by strong concepts, carefully crafted design solutions and cutting-edge visuals with incredible attention to detail. After years of working as lead designer and art director at local agencies Yana decided to step up and take the challenge further. With a strong belief in the power of visual communication and the urge to create an effective and lasting impact over people Yana established her own independent creative studio focused on art direction and content creation for advertising – SQUARED. Located in the city of Sofia and counting with a dedicated and restless team of creatives, SQUARED is able to drive businesses anywhere in the world, surprising with unbounded creativity and bold ideas.

  • Winner of 4 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Graphic Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Social
  • Advertising
  • Graphic
Not Always Fun Print Ad

Not Always Fun Print Ad

Social Design

Barking good branded content

Barking good branded content

Advertising Design

Joy of Playing Brand Identity

Joy of Playing Brand Identity

Graphic Design

Enable Change Brand Identity

Enable Change Brand Identity

Graphic Design

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Interview with Yana Okoliyska

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I have been drawing and creating since I remember. Career in design and advertising was a natural evolution of my urge to explore the impact of visual communication.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SQUARED is an independent creative studio focused on art direction and content creation for advertising. We work for brands and agencies providing them with outstanding design solutions from initial concept to final delivery. From concept, through creation and production we create visual experiences that surpass expectations. But above all... we aim to make a difference.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a way to recreate emotion, trigger a reaction, infuse a state of mind.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I find craft very immersive. Craft work in all its possible shapes.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
One of the things I enjoy the most is interweaving seemingly opposite materials, styles and techniques to create a unique piece with its own storytelling.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I feel the boost of inspiration and adrenaline that encompasses each new task and exploring the possible ways of creative direction and all the possibilities ahead.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
My process is very meticulous and I take care of all the little details, while keeping on focus those aspects of the design that would best convey the message and feeling needed.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
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.
What makes a design successful?
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.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Besides of overall aesthetics and consistency, I consider relevance.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I believe all of us have the obligation to do our best for our society and environment regardless our profession.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The “design field” is evolving with a fast pace. We are witnessing new ways of communication every day. And while designs are becoming more technological, complex and alternative I believe the core is the same - creativity.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I believe all those who are working in the creative industry are insatiable in terms of inspiration, relentlessly curious and open to new ways of storytelling.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
The three major pillars of our studio are concept, creativity and craftsmanship. Those are the three ingredients needed for a stellar design experience.
How do you work with companies?
I work for individuals, brands and agencies depending on the project. It all starts with a good brief.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I follow a very meticulous process and love to share every single step with my clients. Every brief is thoroughly explored on its own merits, challenges and opportunities. I look for a powerful concept to develop a unique and memorable design solution. And then try to go beyond, take the challenge further both in terms of technique and concept, to deliver a high-impact visual communication and find the right narrative to tell the story in the most compelling way.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I can get use of loads of things, especially with craft projects. But I always end up using software, which in my case is Adobe Creative Cloud.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I am trying to achieve an adequate balance between working, worrying and enjoying my family and life.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends on the complexity of the design and the communication tasks.
Who are some of your clients?
I have worked for a large list of local and international brands, among which Audi, Coca-Cola, Henkel, Mattel, Procter & Gamble, Unilever.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
It depends on the task. 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.

Designer of the Day Interview with Yana Okoliyska

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

Extended Interview with Yana Okoliyska

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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.
How did you become a designer?
I strongly believe in the power of visual communication to create an effective and lasting impact over people.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
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.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Be curious, get inspired and have the urge to improve constantly.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design can be evaluated based on overall aesthetics, attention to the detail, relevance and originality, emotional impact over people.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
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.
What is your day to day look like?
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.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
The one and only ingredient is passion for what you are doing. Nothing more.
What is your biggest design work?
I like to see compelling stories told in a visually attractive way.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Be curious, get inspired and have the urge to improve constantly.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is the face and feeling of your brand or story, the way they interact with the world.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My family has always supported me with any life decisions I have taken.

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