We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Natalya Bilousova ("NB").
Natalia is a designer from a small Ukrainian city on the Sea of Azov. She specializes in designing brand identity, labels and packaging. She developed complex projects that favorably represented the business of clients . She is actively engaged in delivering workshops on design for people who want to improve their skills in presentation texts, provide simple design solution for their businesses and make visuals for social media. Natalie takes part in arranging workshops with invited experts for the Berdyansk community. Although she likes designing logos and brand identity she is also in love with lettering and creating hand-made jewelers.
Natalya Bilousova Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Natalya Bilousova.
Natalya Bilousova Design - Tsarsky Reserve Paper Packaging
Designer Interview of Natalya Bilousova:
DI: 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?
NB : Design has always felt like my destiny. When I was a child, I spent most of my free time designing crafts and clothes for my doll. My love for design started early—I even earned my first bit of money in grade 3 by creating a poster for my classroom. Even though I tried to follow a different path and got a master’s degree in math, I realized that my heart was truly in design. It's always been a part of me, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
NB : While I don't have my own design studio or company, I have extensive experience as a freelance designer. Currently, I work as a permanent designer at a Canadian agency. This has allowed me to grow and collaborate with a diverse range of clients and projects, enriching my skills and passion for design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
NB : For me, design is more than just a job — it's a lifestyle. Design is about seeing the world creatively and finding beauty and function in everything. It's a constant journey of learning, experimenting, and growing. Whether I'm working on a project or just taking in my surroundings, design shapes how I think and feel. It's a core part of who I am
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
NB : I really enjoy designing packaging and creating designs for everyday products. There's something special about making common goods look beautiful and functional. I also have a passion for animation and hand lettering. Animation allows me to bring stories to life in a dynamic way, and hand lettering gives a personal, artistic touch to my work. Combining these elements keeps my creativity flowing and makes every project exciting.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
NB : I don't really have a favorite design project because each one has a part of me in it. I believe that my best work is still ahead of me. I prefer to focus on growing and improving with each new project, rather than bragging about past achievements. Every design I work on teaches me something new and brings me closer to creating my best work in the future.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
NB : If I'm not mistaken, it was a printed booklet with the business card for the company owner.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
NB : It's hard to pick just one favorite material, platform, or technology — it's like choosing a favorite color; it often depends on the context. I particularly appreciate working with soft-touch paper for its tactile quality, and I find Pinterest (yes, I'm not original) to be a great source of inspiration and ideas. Each material and platform brings something unique to the table, enriching my creative process in different ways.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
NB : I feel the most creative when I’m traveling and meeting new people. There’s something about experiencing different cultures and perspectives that really sparks my imagination. Being in new environments and connecting with others often inspires fresh ideas and approaches in my work.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
NB : When I’m designing, I always make sure that the design works well and does what it’s supposed to. I also aim to make it look great and feel cohesive. I try to stay true to the brand’s style while also bringing in fresh and creative ideas. By keeping these things in mind, I work to create designs that not only meet but exceed expectations.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
NB : When I’m designing, I feel incredibly inventive. It’s like my mind is constantly buzzing with new ideas and possibilities. There’s a thrill in exploring different creative solutions and bringing them to life. It’s a mix of excitement and curiosity, driving me to experiment and push boundaries to create something unique and impactful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
NB : When my designs are realized, I feel the most pleasant emotion of all: the satisfaction that the job is done and everything is now live. There’s a great sense of accomplishment and joy seeing all the hard work come to life and make an impact.
DI: What makes a design successful?
NB : When functionality, aesthetics, innovation, and creativity come together, the design not only meets its objectives but also leaves a lasting impression.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
NB : This answer is based on the previous question, as it highlights important factors like aesthetics, functionality, innovation and so on, that make a design successful. The artistic part of my personality first notices aesthetics. If something looks bad, the clear message and functionality will likely fail to achieve their purpose.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
NB : From my perspective, designers have a big role to play in both society and the environment. We need to think carefully about how our designs impact people and the planet. This means being mindful of using sustainable materials and creating things that are kind to the environment. As we spend more time in the digital world, it's super important that our designs are accessible to everyone, no matter their abilities or circumstances. This means making sure our digital creations are easy to use and navigate for everyone. By prioritizing accessibility, we not only reach a wider audience but also show that we're committed to designing in a thoughtful and inclusive way. Essentially, it’s about ensuring that what we create not only looks good and functions well but also contributes positively to the world around us.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
NB : The design field is evolving rapidly, and with the advancements in AI, I think we might see incredible changes, like being able to design our own personalized digital environments. The possibilities are definitely intriguing. As we explore these new frontiers, it's also important for designers to remember their social responsibilities. Ensuring that our designs are accessible to everyone and address social issues remains crucial, even as technology advances.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
NB : I haven’t had an exhibition yet, but I'm definitely interested in organizing one in the future. It would be exciting to find the right opportunity and location to showcase my work.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
NB : My design inspiration comes from a variety of sources. I find visual platforms like Pinterest incredibly helpful for discovering new ideas and trends. Traveling also plays a big role; experiencing new places, trying new foods, and meeting different people all contribute to my creative process. People, in particular, are a major source of inspiration — everyone has unique stories and perspectives that can spark fresh ideas. By staying open to these diverse influences, I’m able to feed my creativity and bring new elements into my work.
DI: 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?
NB : I would describe my design style as vibrant and clean. I’m really drawn to bright colors, which add a dynamic and energetic feel to my work. I also love using grids to create structure and balance, which helps keep things organized and visually appealing. Simplicity is a key characteristic of my style; I believe in making designs straightforward and uncluttered so that they communicate clearly.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
NB : I currently live in Canada, but having lived in Ukraine, I definitely felt the influence of my country's cultural heritage on designs. In Ukraine, I noticed a strong historical impact on design solutions, especially in font design. Many designers skillfully blended historical shapes with modern interpretations, creating a unique fusion of old and new. This blend of tradition and innovation was both inspiring and educational. Living in different cultural contexts has enriched my design perspective, offering a range of influences and approaches that I continue to draw from in my work.
DI: How do you work with companies?
NB : When working with companies, I typically start by understanding their needs and objectives. This involves discussing their vision, goals, and any specific requirements they have for the project. I then collaborate closely with them throughout the design process, providing updates and seeking feedback to ensure the design aligns with their expectations. My approach includes thorough research, creative brainstorming, and iterative design to refine and perfect the final product.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
NB : When working with a designer, companies should start by clearly defining their goals and expectations for the project. It’s important to look for a designer whose style and skills align with your vision and needs. Reviewing their portfolio can give you a sense of their work quality and versatility. Open communication is key — make sure to discuss your ideas, provide feedback, and keep the dialogue ongoing throughout the project. Finally, consider a designer’s experience and references to ensure they have a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
NB : My design process starts with research to understand the project and its goals. Then, I move on to sketching and brainstorming ideas. After that, I explore different concepts and gather feedback from clients. Finally, I refine the design based on the feedback to make sure everything aligns perfectly.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
NB : Some of my favorite design items at home are my coffee machine, the Benq Halo monitor lamp, my MacBook, and my soft couch. I also absolutely love the mountain view from my window, even though it's not designed — it's a beautiful addition to my space.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
NB : A typical day for me starts with a nice cup of coffee to get going. I usually spend about 10 minutes doing yoga to get centered before jumping into work. My day is filled with working on design projects and collaborating with clients and colleagues to bring ideas to life. In the evening, I really look forward to having something special for dinner with my family, whether it's trying out a new recipe or just enjoying a favorite meal. Before bed, I unwind with a relaxing face care routine.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
NB : Keep doing what you love and don’t be afraid to show your work and ask for feedback. Stay curious and passionate about what you do. Aim to make just a small bit of progress each day — 1% can make a big difference over time. Keep going and keep growing!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
NB : On the bright side, it's incredibly rewarding to see the impact of your work and how it can make a difference. The design community is vibrant and supportive, making it easy to connect with others who share your passion. However, there are also challenges. Every piece of work often carries a personal touch, which can make criticism feel more impactful. Imposter syndrome can creep in, leading to doubts about your skills. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, which can sometimes be disheartening.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
NB : y focusing on clear, simple solutions, ensure that the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it more impactful and accessible for everyone.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
NB : Curiosity is super important because it keeps you exploring new ideas and staying up-to-date with trends. Being open to the world helps you gather inspiration from all sorts of places and tackle different design challenges. Good communication is crucial too, so you can work well with clients and team members and make sure everyone’s on the same page. And of course, passion is what drives your creativity and dedication, making you excited about your projects and pushing through any obstacles.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
NB : n my design toolbox, Adobe Suite is my mainstay — Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign are the tools I rely on most. I also use Figma for interface design and prototyping. My MacBook is essential for everything I do, and I often use a high-quality graphics tablet for more detailed work. Books and resources are really important for keeping inspired and learning new things, so I have a collection of design books and regularly check out Pinterest for fresh ideas.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
NB : Oh, time management can be a bit tricky for me. I get so wrapped up in the design process that I sometimes lose track of time and dive deeper into projects than I initially planned. Procrastination also creeps in, especially when I’m faced with a blank canvas and finding it hard to get started. I’m constantly working on finding a better balance between enjoying the creative process and staying on track with my time.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
NB : The time it takes to design an object really depends on the project. It could be as quick as a few hours or as long as several months. Each project and client is different, so the timeline can vary quite a bit
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
NB : The most frequently asked question I get is often, "What kind of design do you specialize in?" Sometimes, I also get asked if I do interior design, but my main focus is on graphic and visual design.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
NB : One of my most important job experiences was transitioning from freelance work to a permanent role at a Canadian design agency. It was a significant shift that allowed me to work on larger projects and collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
NB : I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of clients, including both small businesses and larger organizations.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
NB : I really enjoy packaging design because it's exciting to see the final product on the shelves in grocery stores.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
NB : Looking ahead, I want to concentrate on consumer goods and packaging, and continue building my career here in Canada. I’m excited about the opportunities to explore new projects and further develop my expertise in these areas.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
NB : I work as part of a team, collaborating closely with a Creative Director, strategist, copywriter, and account managers.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
NB : I’m currently working on some font designs, which are like my lifelong projects. They’re something I’m deeply passionate about, but I often wish I had more patience to see them through to completion.
DI: How can people contact you?
NB : May email is always open for new contacts, so don't hesitate to say "Hello": data.poshta@gmail.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
NB : Nothing to add. Thanks for inviting me for this interview