Mariia, could you tell us how your career journey at Innovecs began? 

My journey at Innovecs started back in 2018 when I joined as a graphic designer for my first project with the company. That marked the beginning of my involvement in the gaming industry, and I’m still incredibly grateful for these experiences. They laid the foundation for my professional growth, accomplishments, and countless happy moments. Over these years, I’ve developed a strong bond with Innovecs; it has become something very close to me, almost like a second home. I deeply value the people I’ve met here, many of whom have become my closest friends. 

There have been countless memorable moments along the way. One of the most vivid memories is the New Year’s corporate party in 2021-2022 featuring MONATIK, a Ukrainian popular singer. That event stands out not just for the fun we had, but also because it was the first celebration after the pandemic began and the last before the full-scale invasion. It felt like a brief moment of peace before the storm. 

Did you encounter any specific challenges when transitioning from graphic design to the role of a 2D Animator? 

For me, the biggest challenge has always been growth. I love learning new things, constantly striving to acquire as much knowledge as possible and identifying the areas I want to focus on. I resonate deeply with the saying, “A good specialist should know everything, but excel in something.” 

After some time working as a Graphic Designer, I was promoted to Senior Designer. This role not only allowed me to fulfill my responsibilities but also to share my experience with the team, which I found incredibly satisfying. It became clear to me that I wanted to continue growing in this direction. 

My work was very diverse, requiring skills across many areas. But among all these directions, animation fascinated me the most. Eventually, I transitioned entirely to animation, becoming an Animator at Innovecs Games, and later, a Senior Animator. 

If you’re considering a career change, I suggest taking some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself what truly excites you, and gradually work on honing your skills in that area. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things — this can lead you to your true calling. 

Changing projects and roles made me realize the importance of soft skills. Unlike hard skills, we use them in any position and profession. This broadened my perspective on my career path, emphasizing the need for continuous development, not just in technical knowledge but also in personal qualities. 

For example, skills such as analytical thinking, adaptability, and adherence to corporate ethics help achieve effective communication with clients, which contributes to the overall success of projects. 

Every experience is valuable and can prove useful in the future. 

What motivated you most to transition from graphic design to animation? 

I firmly believe that the greatest motivation is genuine desire. However, it’s equally important that this desire doesn’t fade over time. Achieving a goal often requires a challenging and lengthy journey, but if you truly want something, the opportunity will always present itself. 

I was driven by the urge to learn something new and to explore a different side of myself as a specialist. While I had been working with static graphics, I was curious about what it would be like to bring still images to life with movement. Initially, it seemed like magic to me, and as I delved deeper into animation, I realized — it really is.  

What is your favorite book and why? 

Just like with movies, it’s tough to single out one favorite book. However, I’ll mention Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things,” not just for its content but also for the story that makes it symbolically important to me. It’s a cult bestseller, widely known in design circles, but I would recommend it to anyone. The book explains, in simple and precise terms, the approach to creating user-friendly things, helping readers view the design process from a consumer’s perspective. This book marked the beginning of my professional development.  My team lead gave it to me at my first job when I was still a junior. 

In 2019, Don Norman visited Kyiv for the KRUPA conference by Projector, where, in addition to giving a lecture, he signed autographs. Ironically, while everyone approached him with brand-new books, I came with my old, worn-out copy, with torn pages and signs of heavy use. This moment made the book even more precious to me. 

What is your favorite series or movie, and why? 

It’s always hard for me to choose a favorite movie or series because I enjoy so many different ones, and the choice often depends on my mood and what’s happening in my life. However, I’d probably pick “LOVE DEATH + ROBOTS” for its stunning visuals. I consider Albert Mielgo’s series to be a work of art, it’s impossible to comprehend how well he combines all the possibilities of animation, adhering to his own style, similar to painting strokes. 

What playlist do you listen to most often, and when? 

I’m a huge fan of rock music. I usually listen to playlists I’ve created myself or something from my collection of vinyl records — I have around 100 of them. Music is a constant companion of mine, whether I’m working, exercising, or just relaxing. I believe there’s a perfect song for any activity or mood. 

What YouTube channel do you watch most often? 

Although I’m subscribed to several YouTube channels, I don’t follow any particular one regularly. I watch videos more out of necessity  — these could be professional tips, recipes, hairstyles, or beauty hacks. 

What app would you recommend downloading on a smartphone? 

I’d recommend downloading the Pillow app for sleep tracking. I believe that sleep is the foundation of productivity and life in general. Pillow works in tandem with a smartwatch to analyze sleep in detail. Every morning, you receive a full report showing not only the duration of your sleep but also its quality, the duration of different phases, the number of awakenings, and so on. It’s interesting and motivates you to improve your sleep quality. Pillow also provides summary data, such as the average sleep duration over the last year or six months, as well as the optimal time to go to bed. 

Listening to Mariia’s story made me reflect on just how important perseverance and a passion for continuous learning are. Her journey from graphic design to 2D animation shows the value of following your dreams, even when it means stepping into the unknown. Our conversation inspired me to revisit some of my own creative projects that I’d put on hold. 

Stay tuned for more stories about growth and the incredible paths our teammates choose here at Innovecs.