VYSHYVANKA“She Carries Culture – Ukrainian Identity Through Illustration”
Problem To Solve
My desire to connect with and share my own cultural heritage through the power of visual storytelling. I felt a personal connection to the richness of Ukrainian traditions and saw an opportunity to express this through my design skills.
I created a series of culturally rich illustrations that celebrate Ukrainian identity through the depiction of women in national costume and the incorporation of symbolic cultural elements.
Process
I began by researching Ukrainian national costumes, traditional patterns, and significant cultural symbols (horse, sunflower, etc.). I created mood boards to establish the color palette, tone, and overall aesthetic. I also did initial thumbnail sketches to explore different compositions for the postcards.
My process involved iterative sketching, digital illustration using Procreate and careful attention to detail in both the figures and the surrounding patterns.
My design process was deeply rooted in research, my childhood memories and a desire for authentic representation. I spent time understanding the significance of the national dress and the chosen symbols. I then translated these elements into detailed digital illustrations, focusing on creating a balance between the figure and the decorative elements. The iterative process of sketching and refining allowed me to explore different compositions and ensure each Illustration was visually compelling and communicated its intended message clearly.
Sketches
Final Sketches
After multiple rounds of ideation and thumbnail sketching, I developed three final compositions: one featuring a Ukrainian woman with a traditional Easter egg (pysanka), another with a vibrant flower wreath (vinok), and the third with bees—symbolizing nature, community, and resilience. Each composition is carefully crafted to balance the figure with meaningful cultural symbols, turning each postcard into a small, expressive celebration of Ukrainian identity.
To deepen the storytelling, I included a short cultural phrase on the back of each card, such as: “A Vyshyvanka is more than a shirt—it’s a stitched story of Ukrainian pride and tradition!” These postcards are meant to inform, inspire
Roles: Illustrator, Designer, Cultural Storyteller
Skills: Illustration Composition, Cultural Research, Print Preparation, Procreate