I'm a multidisciplinary Art Director and Graphic Designer with over 8 years of experience specializing in editorial design, branding, and creative leadership. My background in fashion design enriches my visual storytelling across both print and digital platforms. I have a passion for underground aesthetics and creating cohesive brand identities that blend storytelling with strategic aesthetics, resonating with niche audiences. I founded and lead Excuse Agency, where I create editorial designs, illustrations, brand identities, and campaign visuals. I am experienced in directing campaigns, lookbooks, event identities, and streetwear collaborations, and I enjoy collaborating with underground fashion labels and digital publications. My expertise lies in building and mentoring creative teams and managing projects from concept through production.…

Yana Shmatova

I'm a multidisciplinary Art Director and Graphic Designer with over 8 years of experience specializing in editorial design, branding, and creative leadership. My background in fashion design enriches my visual storytelling across both print and digital platforms. I have a passion for underground aesthetics and creating cohesive brand identities that blend storytelling with strategic aesthetics, resonating with niche audiences. I founded and lead Excuse Agency, where I create editorial designs, illustrations, brand identities, and campaign visuals. I am experienced in directing campaigns, lookbooks, event identities, and streetwear collaborations, and I enjoy collaborating with underground fashion labels and digital publications. My expertise lies in building and mentoring creative teams and managing projects from concept through production.…

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary Art Director and Graphic Designer with over 8 years of experience specializing in editorial design, branding, and creative leadership. My background in fashion design enriches my visual storytelling across both print and digital platforms. I have a passion for underground aesthetics and creating cohesive brand identities that blend storytelling with strategic aesthetics, resonating with niche audiences.

I founded and lead Excuse Agency, where I create editorial designs, illustrations, brand identities, and campaign visuals. I am experienced in directing campaigns, lookbooks, event identities, and streetwear collaborations, and I enjoy collaborating with underground fashion labels and digital publications. My expertise lies in building and mentoring creative teams and managing projects from concept through production.

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Language

Russian
Fluent
English
Intermediate
Polish
Intermediate
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at Concept Store Spot2.55
January 1, 2021 - August 15, 2025
Designed women’s fashion collections and custom textile prints.
Fashion Designer at Art Ribbon
January 1, 2020 - August 15, 2025
Designed women’s fashion collections and contributed to garment construction, styling, and collection development.
Founder & Art Director at Excuse Agency
January 1, 2019 - Present
Founded and led a multidisciplinary team of 5 including journalists and photographers. Directed campaigns, lookbooks, event identities, and streetwear collaborations rooted in underground aesthetics. Designed and self-published EXCUSE, an independent magazine showcasing emerging creatives. Produced streetwear collections under the agency label, managing the entire process from concept to production.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Worldwide Clients
January 1, 2016 - Present
Created editorial design, illustrations, brand identities, campaign visuals, and produced visual content for retail branding and in-store marketing campaigns. Collaborated with underground fashion labels and digital publications.

Education

Fashion Design Specialization at Institute of Contemporary Art Belarus
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2021
Magazine Design Specialization at BBE Dmitry Gienko
January 11, 2030 - August 15, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Other