Hi, I'm Ihor Kirpichnikov

Senior Graphic Designer at Superside

From finance to design — writing about the craft and AI

My Journey

My story begins in an unexpected place—the world of spreadsheets and financial statements. After studying finance and economics at university, I jumped into the financial sector with both feet. For several years, I worked in banks and financial institutions, navigating the fast-paced world of numbers, deals, and deadlines.

It wasn't all monotonous number-crunching, though. There were memorable moments with colleagues, exciting business trips to new cities, and the adrenaline rush of closing significant deals. Of course, there were also those late nights at the office that became all too familiar—but every experience taught me something valuable about discipline, attention to detail, and working under pressure.

The Creative Awakening

Despite enjoying the challenges and camaraderie of finance, I felt a creative spark within me that needed fuel. That's when I discovered graphic design—a world of colors, shapes, typography, and limitless creative possibilities.

Self-Learning Phase: I started teaching myself through online tutorials, YouTube videos, and relentless practice. The more I learned, the deeper I fell in love with design.

Formal Education: Hungry for structured knowledge, I enrolled in a European Design School—an eye-opening experience that immersed me in diverse design philosophies and advanced techniques.

Continuous Growth: I completed over a dozen specialized online courses, constantly expanding my skills and exploring new design horizons.

Industry Experience: I joined design companies where I could apply my skills professionally. One particularly exciting role was with a company that operated massive 8-color printing machines—where I learned the intricate details of large-scale print production.

Today

Currently, I work as a Senior Graphic Designer at Superside, a dynamic company that keeps me engaged with challenging and diverse projects across global brands. Alongside the day job, I've always been curious about where design is heading—especially now that AI is reshaping how we work. This blog is where I explore that.

About This Blog

ikagency.com is my personal notebook on design. I write about graphic design, typography, and the AI tools changing the craft—what's working, what's overhyped, and how designers can actually use these tools well. No services, no sales pitch. Just notes, experiments, and things I've learned along the way.

Let's Connect

Whether you're a seasoned designer, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about where technology and creativity intersect—I'm glad you found your way here. This is a space for learning, experimentation, and thinking out loud about design.

Thanks for reading.