Get to know one of Freepik’s Top Contributors: Irina Kulkova
We got the chance to interview one of our top contributors Irina Kulkova. Based in Helsinki she talks about the inspiration and motivation behind her designs. As well she mentions just what makes her love using Freepik as one of her platforms.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in your spare time?
I’m originally from Russia, for the last 6 years I’ve been living in Finland. I did my Master’s studies here and stayed after that. I’m currently living and working in Helsinki. If I’m not drawing and designing, I’m most probably hanging out with fellow creative people, taking walks in the forest or by the sea, playing board games or exploring neighborhoods of Helsinki.
Botanical designs are my favourite, I just go outside and get inspired by nature
When did you first start designing? Were you always passionate about designing?
I started studying graphic design in 2015. I graduated with a degree in European Heritage & Information Society Studies (already sounds like zero perspectives, right)? I was looking for a job and was very tired of applying again and again. Meanwhile, I went back to a forgotten hobby of painting, just to relax. And a friend of mine told me that painting was cool, but it would be much better and even profitable if I combined it with graphic design skills. I had nothing else to do, so I started watching tutorials and practicing.
How did you become interested in design? When did you start working in the industry?
I think I wasn’t interested before I actually started working and getting paid. I didn’t take it seriously, it felt more like a fun thing to do. I was just doing my thing and didn’t pay attention to what was going on in the industry. At some point I started posting my drawings on Instagram, checking what other people were doing and following trends.
I had a collection of illustrations that didn’t bring any income. I started googling what I could do with them and ended up on Freepik.
Where did you find the inspiration for your Freepik wedding invitations?
Out there! Botanical designs are my favourite, I just go outside and get inspired by nature. Also, I happen to have a supportive community of creative friends, we exchange ideas and motivate each other. And of course the Internet, it’s important to follow trends and understand what’s hot.
Tell us about your portfolio: How many vectors/icons (photos) have you designed throughout your career? What style are you most comfortable working in?
First I wanted to say a lot =) but then I can recall some Freepik designers who have thousands of uploads, so my 400 look more than modest =) Miscrostock is not my primary occupation, it’s more of a side project and provides an extra source of income. My main activities are custom made wedding and logo designs, I also sell cards with my floral and botanical designs in physical shops.
I think the designers who specialize in microstock platforms should definitely give Freepik a try. Those like me, for whom microstock is not a primary business, can make a great additional source of income.
What advice or tips would you give anyone starting out as a graphic designer and photographer?
Try not to compare yourself to others at the beginning. It’s good to look at professionals and get inspired, but it’s important not to think that you are not good enough. I remember looking at beautiful floral designs and thinking that I was hopeless. But I forgot that people who created that beauty had been working hard for years and I had just started.
What made you decide to work with microstock platforms?
In the beginning, didn’t have many custom clients, so I simply didn’t know what to do with my work. I was drawing and practicing a lot, I had a collection of illustrations that didn’t bring any income. I started googling what I could do with them and ended up on Freepik.
And what advice would you give people who are thinking about getting involved with microstock platforms?
I would suggest giving it a try, because microstock platforms are a great way to understand what people like, test your works and improve your style.
What made you take the step to join Freepik?
2 reasons: it looked cute and the applying guidelines were very clear.
Which do you think are the main advantages of working with Freepik’s contributor model in comparison with other platforms?
Freepik is very contributor friendly, the uploading guidelines, the contributor panel, quick email responses, the organizational side, in general, is very pleasant and, what is even better, personal. It feels like being a part of a great community.
What advice would you give to other designers who want to be contributors on Freepik? Do you have any tips on how to succeed on our platform?
I think it’s important to follow what is hot right now but still stay true to yourself. I know it takes a lot of time and effort to develop your own style, but it’s nice at least to have recognizable features. So users, who see your designs once, want to go to your page and see what else you have there.
Would you recommend that other designers join Freepik as contributors?
I definitely would! I think the designers who specialize in microstock platforms should definitely give Freepik a try. Those like me, for whom microstock is not a primary business, can make a great additional source of income.
