Meet Yana Kosteckova: Graphic Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yana Kosteckova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yana, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I value my mental health now than ever before. I’ve always thought people-pleasing was the best characteristic about me; putting others first and myself last has always been my “specialty.” Ever since my career has been taking off, I’ve learned the hard way how overwhelmed I get, even when I get the job done. When I’m working, I take the time to walk for 20 minutes a day, see my therapist once a week and meditate for 5 minutes (if I remember to). The most valuable piece of information my therapist told me is free time DOES NOT equal availability.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve had a long creative journey starting from when I was just a child. My grandparents introduced me to art at a young age and encouraged me to bring out my creative side. As I grew into adolescence, I had severe doubts about my skills. It didn’t take long for me to realize that there is no such thing as bad art, and to progress, I need to start somewhere. I was committed to learn as I go, and get better with every piece I made. In 10 years, my low-quality notebook sketches turned into digital illustrations and a professional graphic design career. Since then, I now have my own business offering creative services, a book feature, and an official interview! To be transparent, the journey wasn’t a breeze. Here and there, I still deal with negative self-talk and lack of motivation, but I remind myself it’s okay to feel these things. One lesson I’m still processing is my mental health is just as important as becoming successful in my career. Overall, I’m incredibly proud of myself in many areas of my success. My daily mantra is: “I am successful in my career and free of any fear .”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were coming to visit for a week, I would take them to my favorite places in Orange County. We’re starting the day driving down PCH, blasting Elton John and Tame Impala. I have to show them the shops along the coast, the Laguna Art Museum, and all the small art galleries. Later in the day, we would go to the Roller Skating rink for Disco Night. For one of the days, we would go on a hike and have a picnic near Aliso Viejo. Then off to the Irvine Spectrum for shopping and sushi at Robata Wasa. The best things to do are outside or while being active.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom. Thank you for being there are much as you could for a single mom working 3 jobs at a time. I wouldn’t be where I am without your love and support.

Website: http://ymk-studio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymkstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-kosteckova-160631148/

Other: https://society6.com/ymkstudio