Master degree at COFA UNSW
My Master of Design (Hon.) at COFA, UNSW focused on one question:
How can we improve children’s engagement with printed materials to support better learning outcomes?
My research shows that the more areas of the brain engaged in processing information, the stronger the memorisation and recall. I explored how to activate as many of these pathways as possible — story for narrative memory, colour for emotional response, sound and action for sensory cues, spatial awareness for orientation, and visual coding for recognition.
In short: designing visuals that teach, entertain, and stay in a child’s memory.
But my journey with children’s design began long before my Master’s.
Over the years, I’ve illustrated several children’s books and created my own comic book about the adventures of a Ukrainian boy in Australia — writing 20 stories and drawing all of the comic illustrations myself.
These projects shaped my understanding of how we see, learn, and connect with visual narratives — a foundation that continues to guide my work today.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
“Right to Be Free exhibition at Sydney Town Hall”
Right to Be Free was an art exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, created to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day and presented as part of the Freedom. Courage. Culture. performance at Sydney Town Hall in August 2024. The exhibition focused on fundamental human rights and freedoms — values currently under severe threat in Ukraine due to the unlawful Russian invasion. The visual artworks deliberately reflected the joyful, life-affirming aspects of freedom, while accompanying posters addressed the specific rights being violated. This contrast invited viewers to reflect on what freedom means, and what is at stake when it is taken away. Presented in the heart of Sydney, the exhibition formed part of a broader cultural program celebrating Ukrainian identity, resilience, and independence.
“Workshops at the Australiana exhibition”
There is a particular kind of magic in creating art surrounded by so many artworks. Working within the exhibition space was deeply inspiring, and behind us you could glimpse True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — AUSTRALIANA unfolding around the workshops. I am immensely proud of everyone who took part in the painting workshops during the Australiana exhibition. Scarlett banksia bloomed in every artwork, each one different, each one full of care and attention. The second workshop focused on native flowers, and the results were so strong that it became hard to tell which work was mine and which belonged to the participants. That level of engagement and confidence is something truly special. People often ask how to cope with stress, how to live with worry, how not to feel overwhelmed by the news from Ukraine. My answer is simple: respond in the way you can, and stay connected. Art, shared time, and human presence matter. Thank you to everyone who came to support, create, and be present. I hope these workshops brought moments of light and positive energy. We choose to live fully, to stay strong, stay together, and find joy in art and friendship — despite everything.
1 April 2026
“Upcoming Solo exhibition – Echoes of the Bush”
I cordially invite you to my solo exhibition Echoes of the Bush at Art Space Gallery – The Concourse, Chatswood. My admiration for Australian nature and close observation of my surroundings have resulted in a series of tree portraits and Australian bush textures. These textural works are made to be experienced in person. I would be delighted to see you at the workshops, conversations, and the opening night celebration. See you there!