Daniela Fujimoto is a graphic designer from Ukraine who currently resides in cold Madison, WI. In 2019, she graduated with a BS in Graphic Design from Southern Adventist University. Daniela enjoys houseplants and has a deep love for dark coffee. She is currently available for freelance projects.
Welcome Daniela, thank you for taking the time to share your story with us, can you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Daniela Fujimoto, I love to travel and experience new things. I have lived in Ukraine, Great Britain, and the United States and am currently living in the United States. I have a passion for many things; photography, fashion, and interior design are among the top.
Can you give us a little back story on how you are where you are today as a graphic designer and what does your role entail?
I graduated in May 2019 and since then I’ve been working for myself as a freelancer. It has been great, I have a lot of plans to grow as a graphic designer and push myself to get better. Also, I’ve been focusing a lot on my youtube channel for example right now I am doing daily vlogging for the month of August.
You graduated with a BS in Graphic Design from Southern Adventist University, could you tell us a little bit more behind your practice of study and do you plan to further your education within the creative industry?
Graphic design is my dream career, I love how flexible and creative it is. I am so glad I choose this major and I see myself doing this for the rest f my life. Art classes in Southern were so fun and inspiring, I already miss art school, but I am not missing general classes haha. I am definitely keeping up with the industry right now to stay current and up to date with trends in graphic design. Also in the future, I can see myself taking some workshops like calligraphy, typography, printmaking, etc.
What sparked your initial passion to want to work as a graphic designer?Â
I always was pretty creative and artsy. When I was thinking about what I want to study in college I definitely wanted it to be related to art. Actually, when I came as a freshman I was a film major, but one week into college I switched to graphic design. Graphic design is just perfect for me because I am creative, really active and I always had taste for art and fashion.
What is your typical approach to your design work for your clients?
I like to be really personal with my clients and connect on the deeper level to understand not just about the brand they are creating for, but also who they are and what they are looking for. Also, I like to be really communicative so the client can feel comfortable and confident that I will create exactly what they are imagining and even better.
What has been your most rewarding client case study to have worked on to date throughout your career?
I would say Rozalia Jewelry, she is an LA-based jewellery designer. I do a lot of her branding, posters, and flyers. I love how I could connect with her and create gorgeous designs which fit her needs and helps to grow her business. Plus she introduced me to a lot of other people who became my customers as well.
What heavily influences your graphic design work and what online/offline design resources are you using for inspiration?
Everything around me inspires me, for example, I love to just sit in a coffee shop and just look at people to walk by, or I just ride on my bicycle around the neighbourhood. Simple things in life are inspiring and help me to come up with new designs. Also, I like to scroll on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.
Can you name 3 graphic designers you think are the ‘movers and shakers’ of the industry?
- Jessica Hische
- Jessica Walsh
- Chris Do
What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?
Knowing who I am, what makes me and staying true to myself.
What have you got planned throughout the rest of 2019?
I am working on a few graphic design project at the moment for my portfolio. Also, I am in the process of coming up with a business plan for my future business (which is a secret for now) but I will start sharing about it eventually in my YouTube channel.
Twitter: @danaursulenko
Instagram: @danaursulenko
YouTube: A Dana Kind Of Day
Website: https://www.danaursulenko.com
Image taken by Alexis Dimmer
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