Anastasija Velichkovska is a student from the Design Bootcamp, Bachelor of graphics and scenography at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje.
“I chose the Graphic Design track because I wanted to get a master’s degree but at the same time, I wanted to study in a friendly environment. I believe that for а person who is an artist and a scenographer the graphic design is just another super-suitable skill in the skill set.”
How is your experience at the Bootcamp so far? Tell us a bit more about the vibes in the class?
Since all of us have a passion for Design, Bootcamp advances pretty fast. We as students are willing to learn and help each other, but most importantly, our instructors and the Brainster team are always here to support and motivate us. There has not been a class where I haven’t said “Wow, so this is how it’s done”, feeling joyful like I’ve just been shown some magic trick.
During the Bootcamp, you won first place at a competition for poster design dedicated to gratitude towards the medical stаff fighting the pandemic. The competition was part of the workshop you had with Decal. Tell us a bit more about your experience while working on the designs? Do you think that working on real projects is important during your studies?
Working on projects for clients while studying is extremely important because the brief from the client makes us think differently. Complete freedom sometimes also means comfort. We are certain that what we do is functional just because we like it. But the real projects show us that we need to find a balance between what we actually like and what we are asked to create. The experience I got from working on these projects was precisely that — finding that balance.
How does the designing process of yours look like? Where do you look for inspiration?
I put on some music, I take a deep breath and I start. The first thing is research and creating a mood board. The visual representation of my ideas helps me not to lose myself in the process. I always give myself the time I need to make sketches and brainstorm because I often forget to have fun or play around while working — a crucial component when creating something new, if you ask me. That is where I draw inspiration from.
Because of the unusual circumstances in the last couple of months, all Brainster Bootcamps shifted into a virtual classroom. Share with us your impressions from the virtual classroom.
During this state of a global pandemic, it is necessary to stay socially connected while distancing ourselves physically. We need to turn towards ourselves and slow down our everyday life. Doing this, we get a chance to learn everything we wanted but never had time to. The virtual classroom is the perfect opportunity to achieve this.
So far, which module from Bootcamp is your favourite?
I really can not point out only one of them. The program is so perfectly fitted that each module has its own significance. I’d have to say that the whole Bootcamp is my favourite “module”.
Some suggestions for all those in consideration of a career change?
In the very moment of becoming aware that we need a change, we cannot help ourselves in any other way than actually doing that change. If we begin with learning something new, we’re on a good path then.
