Interview
Vitaliy Yakin
United States
Vitaliy Yakin credits his love for cinema, video games, comic books and music for leading him into the digital industry.
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.
Hello guys! Thank you very much for this opportunity. My name is Vitaliy Yakin and I'll be happy to meet with you. I am a Director, Creative Director and Motion Graphic Designer. I have been working in the field of computer graphics and motion design for almost 15 years. During this time, I took part in many international projects. Worked with famous studios such as: ManvsMachine, The MILL, Tendril, Laundry and others. I have worked with brands such as: Apple, Microsoft, Logitech, SAMSUNG, Fender, LOEWE and others. I have a huge experience working on TV, Music Shows and Cinematography. Also I was very lucky to take part in international festivals and become a winner. I am the owner of international awards such as - PROMAX, CLIO Awards, VEGA Awards, NYX Awards, Media Brand, TEFI Award and others.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?
It was the love for cinema, video games, comic books and music that brought me to this field. Our profession dwells at the crossroads of modern technologies, digital art and entertainment. It
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
My job is really versatile. For the past 15 years I
4 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?
Motion Graphics. Because it combines the majority of CGI professions. Knowledge in this field can literally guide you all the way from an idea, script, film directing to animation and final cut/production. In other words, I can create an expensive movie all by myself. That
5 To you, what makes a “good” design?
The one that meets all the professional criteria. Design must be difficult to make but easy to perceive. It must contain attention to detail, typography and composition. Design has to be beautiful as well as functional and being able to meet the client
6 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
Mainstream. Full CG content with 2D and digital art elements. My design style is the way I work. It
7 Tell us about your design process.
Any of my projects starts with the idea. The original thought is what important. First, I come up with the idea, then I prepare a hand-scratched scene selection. I try to use paper in order to visualize what I
8 Where do you draw inspiration from?
My sources of inspiration may vary. There
9 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?
That
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2022 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Thank you so much! Oh, it means a lot to me. It
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
LOEWE was a very interesting project. It
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
To show everything we
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
As I said before, winning really motivates me. Taking part in a contest like that is my personal challenge. Winning it is the victory over myself. Moreover, it raised me as a professional in the eyes of my colleagues and clients. It means playing in the big league - high responsibility but great pleasure.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
1. Art can be a successful business. 2. Self-realization and self-identification. 3. Opportunity to be in trend of technologies.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?
The USA is the world
16 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I suppose that in the nearest 5-10 years we will be witnessing the implementation of AI all around. It will mark the beginning of great changes in the industry and will teach us how to think and work differently. It
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
Fear nothing. Only a bold man is willing to put his best foot forward when it comes to achieving success. So you definitely should reach out for the award that you deserved.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
I would recommend traveling more, exploring the world with your own eyes. If you enrich your life mentally and spiritually, you
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My family inspires me. My wife and two kids is my circle of strength. They share my ups. My job makes me forever young, meaning I can be closer to my kids. I can inspire them and they inspire me.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Never give up and never back down. It
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I do. I hope we will be seeing soon. I
