Vladyslav Yakushenkov

More Than Pretty Pictures: When Design Is Measured in Leads and Sales

Hi, hello! I'm Vlad, founder and art director of the design and marketing studio «Proekcia», which helps businesses attract customers and strengthen their brands.

We're not just about pretty pictures, abstract trust and brand recognition, but also tangible results in leads and sales. To achieve this, we create brand guidelines, websites and advertising campaigns on Google, Meta and other platforms.

The studio started more than 14 years ago. We went from freelancing to building a structured team that provides comprehensive support to businesses.

I'm motivated by the process of turning ideas into a form that delivers results. I also value the opportunity to work with very different businesses and explore how they operate, making them clearer and more engaging for their own audiences.

Evolution, Not Revolution: A Hobby That Became a Profession and a Business

How did the business idea come about?

The idea of starting my own business took shape gradually. I loved drawing as a child and later became fascinated by graphics software. That interest grew into a profession, and the profession — into my own business. There was no single turning point — it was evolution, not revolution. It essentially grew out of a hobby. Work is still my main hobby today.

Critical Thinking Instead of Magical Thinking — and Respect for Facts

What key skills helped you launch your business?

A love of creativity, systematic thinking and curiosity. Also, critical thinking rather than magical thinking — in other words, respect for facts, whether they are pleasant or not.

High Prices as a Filter and Client Relationships Lasting More Than 10 Years

Which decisions proved most effective for growing the company?

Quality work, which has always driven and continues to drive word-of-mouth referrals. High prices as a filter. Expanding our range of services — from delivering individual projects to providing long-term business support. We have been working with some clients for more than 10 years.

The Price of Hiring Quickly: Why Recruitment Costs More Than It Seems

Which mistake do you now consider your most valuable learning experience?

Probably the significant time and money lost through recruitment mistakes. Choosing the right people is far more important than filling vacancies quickly.

From CDs in Seventh Grade to the First Hundred Thousand

How did you earn your first $100?

Back in school, when I got a computer, I earned money copying music and film CDs. Computers were only just becoming available then. Since grade 7, this has allowed me to stop asking my parents for money, at least for my own entertainment.

How did you earn your first $1 000?

In my first year at university, I won a design competition on a freelance marketplace (placing first out of 60 participants) and received a prize of $1 200.

How did you earn your first $10 000?

The first $10 000 — that was the combined result of the studio's work with its first clients in its early years.

How did you earn your first $100 000?

The first $100 000 — also the result of the studio's steady work over time.

How to Make a Business Clear and Engaging for Its Audience

I can share practical experience in attracting customers online. I can help make a business clearer and more engaging.

In your experience, how do you systematize a business?

Systematization starts with dividing the business into separate functional areas, assigning people responsible and setting clear KPIs, along with regular routines that maintain a steady rhythm.

In your experience, how do you grow x2 in a year?

One of the key factors was expanding our range of services. We moved from delivering individual projects to providing long-term client support. Building lasting partnerships, rather than one-off deals, became the foundation of the studio's steady growth.