Nvard Yerkanian
Illustrator, Designer, Graphic Designer, Graphic Designer Illustrator
About
Armenian graphic designer and illustrator based in Venice. Her work draws on architecture and cultural heritage, alongside her role as co-founder and curator of WHY Graphic Design Festival.
SourceIn their own words
Instagram hides your posts unless you post a selfie or anything personal.
Your portfolio isn't meant to be an archive. It should be a curated selection that reflects the kind of work you want to attract.
What's helped me most is staying connected. For instance, engaging with communities like The Studio, where I can openly share experiences with people who truly understand the creative highs and lows.
I walk clients through my process before we even start. I make sure they know what to expect at each stage: what I'll deliver, when, and how feedback rounds are structured.
Always ask about the budget upfront. Nothing is worse than spending hours on calls and proposals, only to realise the client was expecting champagne on a soda budget.
If no one is hiring, make it anyway!
This space will only grow and get even better.
When you and your clients share the same mindset, respect each other's time, and truly appreciate the work, the relationship starts strong and only gets better as trust develops.
It's no longer a fleeting muse that appears and disappears at will; it's something I nurture, structure and trust.
Articles & interviews11
- How to survive Instagram's algorithm as a creative
The article by Tom May explores how creatives can maintain their wellbeing and confidence amid Instagram's changing algorithm. Featuring insights from illustrators, designers, and artists, it emphasizes detaching self-worth from engagement metrics and using the platform as a tool rather than a validation source. The piece encourages focusing on authentic relationships and creative integrity over algorithmic visibility.
- "Boost Your Portfolio with Expert Industry Tips"
Creative Boom’s article by Tom May compiles advice from designers, creative directors, and recruiters on how to build a portfolio that truly stands out. Experts emphasize storytelling, showing process, curating quality over quantity, and tailoring portfolios to target audiences. The piece highlights the importance of clarity, context, and personality in presenting creative work effectively.
- Creatives Adapt to Thrive Amid 2025 Economic Slowdown
The article explores how creatives across the UK are adapting to the 2025 economic slowdown and the rise of AI. Freelancers and small studios face reduced work and uncertainty, prompting many to diversify income streams, explore international clients, and emphasize human creativity. Voices from across the industry share strategies for resilience, authenticity, and adaptation in a changing landscape.