PRATT INSTITUTE
Christina Ukolov is a multidisciplinary designer and artist from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She is currently completing her MFA in Communication Design. She believes in unity and collaboration being the ultimate producer of unique ideas, rather than individualism and competition. Inspired by the fantastical and the mundane, she hopes to design for good, for people, always.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
My fellow peers, books, folktales, ghibli films, performance, and the world around me. There is inspiration to be found in every nook and cranny.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
There are so many aspects of design I’m interested in: Production design, publishing, and even urban planning. As long as I can help tell people’s stories, I’m happy 🙂
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
Working with communities! It’s been one of my favorite aspects of my program. Being able to help and identify communities in need and come up with design solutions.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? EITHER TODAY OR HISTORICALLY?
Historically, Klimt. His work with patterns, colors, and evoking nuanced feelings are incredible. Today, my professors, such as Karen Dunn, Kevin Gatta and Caroline Matthews are very inspiring. Their design, and approach to type have challenged and inspired my own practice and design thinking.
WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, OR WATCHING?
I’m currently reading “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, listening to The Crane Wives, watching the new season of Arcane!
DO YOU, OR DO YOU PLAN TO, DESIGN FOR ANY CAUSES OR CHARITIES, I.E., DESIGN FOR GOOD?
I plan to and would love to. If that can be any aspect of my career, it’s a dream.
DO YOU FEEL THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS PREPARED YOU TO FIND A JOB?
Absolutely. I feel I’ve discovered skills, friends and paths I wouldn’t have even considered at my program.
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