I’m a designer and illustrator with a background in Art History. I studied at Masaryk University (Brno) and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design and Visual Culture at IADE in Lisbon. I focus on editorial design, typography, branding, and concept-driven visual communication, and I have experience developing visual identities, print materials, and self-initiated design projects. As a freelance graphic designer, I produce commissioned illustrations and visual assets for independent clients. I value cross-cultural communication (Czech, English, Russian) and am eager to contribute strong visual thinking, cultural awareness, and creativity within a professional design team.…

Valeriya Stepanova

I’m a designer and illustrator with a background in Art History. I studied at Masaryk University (Brno) and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design and Visual Culture at IADE in Lisbon. I focus on editorial design, typography, branding, and concept-driven visual communication, and I have experience developing visual identities, print materials, and self-initiated design projects. As a freelance graphic designer, I produce commissioned illustrations and visual assets for independent clients. I value cross-cultural communication (Czech, English, Russian) and am eager to contribute strong visual thinking, cultural awareness, and creativity within a professional design team.…

Available to hire

I’m a designer and illustrator with a background in Art History. I studied at Masaryk University (Brno) and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design and Visual Culture at IADE in Lisbon. I focus on editorial design, typography, branding, and concept-driven visual communication, and I have experience developing visual identities, print materials, and self-initiated design projects.

As a freelance graphic designer, I produce commissioned illustrations and visual assets for independent clients. I value cross-cultural communication (Czech, English, Russian) and am eager to contribute strong visual thinking, cultural awareness, and creativity within a professional design team.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Czech
Advanced
Portuguese
Intermediate
Belarusian
Fluent
Russian
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at Markana Media
June 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Freelance, project-based. - Designed logo concepts and visual identity materials for early-stage businesses. - Created branding directions and supporting visual assets. - Contributed to projects from concept development to final presentation.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-employed
February 2, 2025 - Present
- Designed promotional posters for independent clients. - Developed self-initiated projects focused on editorial design, typography, and visual storytelling.
Freelance Artist/ Illustrator at Self-employed
September 7, 2019 - Present
- Produced commissioned illustrations and applied visual work for independent clients. - Completed a mural commission for a GourmetPhile restaurant, managing communication throughout the project. - Built early professional experience through client-based art and illustration work.
Design Editorial Designer at Self-employed
March 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Design Editorial Designer focusing on Brand Identity, Typography, Layout & Composition, Visual Storytelling, Print Design, Poster Design, Concept Development, Illustration, and Motion Design (basic).

Education

MA in Design and Visual Culture at IADE, Lisbon, Portugal
February 1, 2025 - March 19, 2026
BA in Art History at Masaryk University
September 1, 2019 - January 1, 2024
MA in Design and Visual Culture at IADE, Lisbon
February 1, 2025 - March 20, 2026

Qualifications

Certificate of Merit Arts Section
January 1, 2017 - March 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Retail, Software & Internet
    paper SOLD: Anti-gentrification campaign

    SOLD is a critical design campaign that reframes gentrification as a visible act of purchase, erasure, and displacement. The title refers to the way cities, neighbourhoods, and cultural identity are gradually packaged and sold as products. Developed as a fictional public campaign, SOLD translates research on housing pressure, tourism, and urban transformation into a bold visual system. Through posters, street interventions, editorial pieces, and digital applications, the project uses repetition, protest aesthetics, and direct language to challenge narratives of “revitalisation” and expose the social cost of commodifying the city.

    paper Logo design for Markana Media

    For this project I created the logotype. The identity translates partnership into a simple, recognisable M-shaped symbol. Formed by two abstract figures in a handshake, it expresses connection, trust, and long-term growth through a balanced, approachable form. The wider system uses minimal shapes and a restrained palette to position the brand as clear, strategic, and scalable.