Gradwatch 2020: Designer Annie Kobyluch, Glasgow Faculty of Artwork
Annie Kobyluch does razor-sharp graphic design by mixing type and image in pieces that are heavily inspired by the editorial world. She had done creative work of one kind or another for years before studying graphics, and said she was drawn to a discipline that offered more structure than something like painting or fine arts.
"My A-level graphics teacher once called it 'visual problem solving'," she told CR. "And I really like that."
Kobyluch was part of a relatively small class in Glasgow that worked alongside 19 other students and said this created a tight, collaborative environment. "I think one of the best things the GSA taught me was that nothing is really finished. Everything can always be tweaked and refined," says the designer.
“When I got to Glasgow they wanted us to bring in as many ideas as possible and explore them as much as possible. I really liked that, and I think that's why I do the work I am – because of this mindset of generating ideas. "
Kobyluch became particularly interested in magazine and book covers after trying her approach in New York Times Magazine – which she calls a personal favorite – as well as a Penguin series by John Le Carré. For the designer, it is the space in which these spaces enable “visual word games” that make them so attractive.
However, she also says that she enjoys spending time on longer-term branding projects that give her space to experiment with her ideas while creating something that makes sense.
Lockdown obviously had an impact on Kobyluch, which means she hasn't had a graduation show, graduation, or final due date – which she describes as a bizarre experience, especially after years of mental preparation for all of this. She said she was concerned at the beginning of the lockdown, especially reading alarming stories of layoffs in the creative industry.
"I thought that I recently graduated, no one will want to hire me because they don't know what situation they are in, no one will want to do internships," she told CR. "But I've found that all you have to do is contact people by email and ask. Everyone I've received by email has been very nice, but 99% of the time the question was," We're not doing internships right now , but thanks for getting in touch. "Even though you've just given me feedback on my portfolio, which was really helpful, talking to people made me a little more optimistic."
Kobyluch has managed to track down an internship for this year and is hoping to eventually secure a job in branding or editing a magazine. In the long term, she has ambitions to complete a master’s degree.
anniekobyluch.cargo.site