I am Mariia Bykova, an artist and illustrator originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, now living and working in Offenbach am Main, Germany. I am passionate about drawing and constantly learning to see the world through my art, inspired by Ukrainian artists such as Hanna Sobachko-Shostak, Kateryna Bilokur, and Maria Prymachenko. My creative process is deeply influenced by their work and my first Petrykivka painting teacher Olena Skytsiuk. My work spans painting, illustration, and photography. I have exhibited extensively in Ukraine, Germany, and Denmark, and currently present my artworks through galleries in Japan and Ukraine. As a member of PolymerFM e.V., I actively participate in various cultural and educational projects supporting the local arts scene in Frankfurt.

Mariia Bykova

I am Mariia Bykova, an artist and illustrator originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, now living and working in Offenbach am Main, Germany. I am passionate about drawing and constantly learning to see the world through my art, inspired by Ukrainian artists such as Hanna Sobachko-Shostak, Kateryna Bilokur, and Maria Prymachenko. My creative process is deeply influenced by their work and my first Petrykivka painting teacher Olena Skytsiuk. My work spans painting, illustration, and photography. I have exhibited extensively in Ukraine, Germany, and Denmark, and currently present my artworks through galleries in Japan and Ukraine. As a member of PolymerFM e.V., I actively participate in various cultural and educational projects supporting the local arts scene in Frankfurt.

Available to hire

I am Mariia Bykova, an artist and illustrator originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, now living and working in Offenbach am Main, Germany. I am passionate about drawing and constantly learning to see the world through my art, inspired by Ukrainian artists such as Hanna Sobachko-Shostak, Kateryna Bilokur, and Maria Prymachenko. My creative process is deeply influenced by their work and my first Petrykivka painting teacher Olena Skytsiuk.

My work spans painting, illustration, and photography. I have exhibited extensively in Ukraine, Germany, and Denmark, and currently present my artworks through galleries in Japan and Ukraine. As a member of PolymerFM e.V., I actively participate in various cultural and educational projects supporting the local arts scene in Frankfurt.

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Work Experience

Artist and Freelance Illustrator
January 1, 2015 - Present
Creating artworks and freelance illustrations while based in Offenbach am Main, Germany, since 2015.
Freelance Photographer at Museums, galleries, auction houses and artists
December 31, 2015 - August 19, 2025
Worked on freelance photography projects servicing museums, galleries, auction houses, and individual artists in Ukraine and Germany.
Staff Photographer at Gudimov Art Project (Ya Gallery, Ya Design, Gudimov Music)
December 31, 2009 - August 19, 2025
Photographer for the Gudimov Art Project involving galleries and music projects in Kyiv.
Staff Photographer at Telegraaf Magazines Publishing House
December 31, 2007 - August 19, 2025
Photographer working for various magazines (What's On, Domus Design, Glance, Panorama, Lyubimaya) based in Kyiv.
Office- and Project Manager at HERA International
December 31, 2004 - August 19, 2025
Managed office and projects in Kyiv, Larnaca (Cyprus), and Neulengbach (Austria).
Secretary at Embassy of Ukraine in Cuba
December 31, 1998 - August 19, 2025
Secretarial work at the Ukrainian Embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
December 31, 1997 - August 19, 2025
Secretary supporting operations in Kyiv.

Education

Illustrator, Professional Training Course Illustration at Animation Workshop, VIA University College
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Photographer at Victor Maruschenko’s Photo School
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Master’s Degree in History at Taras Shevchenko National University
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001

Qualifications

Bridge Scholarship
June 1, 2021 - August 19, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other