March 1, 2025 • Posted by Design Bay Area
Volodymyr Shostakovych is a Ukrainian designer based in Marin with over 20 years of experience and works with startups and clients across various fields, from fintech and cybersecurity to robotics, AI, healthcare, agriculture, and construction. We recently sat down with him to hear more about his experience transitioning to the SF Bay Area design community. Our CEO, Dawn Zidonis, sat down with Volodymyr to hear more about his experience in our region.
Tell us a little about your background:
Before rejoining my family in Marin, California, I came from the Ukraine where I originally pursued a medical career, and earned a master’s degree before pivoting to design. Later I earned an additional degree in UI/UX and graphic design. I operated successfully as a designer for 20 years during the ongoing challenges we faced in Ukraine.
Like many, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced me to send my family to the U.S. while I initially remained behind working throughout, leaning on my American network for support. “That period reaffirmed my resilience and passion for design.” Says Volodymyr. “Today, I’m based in the U.S., designing for startups across fintech, AI, healthcare, and beyond—while always staying connected to Ukraine, both personally and by supporting those who stayed by donating. My journey has been shaped by crisis and creativity, and like many Ukrainians, I’ve learned to rise and rebuild, again and again.”
What challenges do you face as a designer in the SF Bay Area?
The competition is intense. It’s one of the most competitive markets I’ve ever worked in. To succeed here, you really have to push yourself. I’ve always been a workaholic, but in the Bay Area, I’m operating at full capacity. It requires juggling multiple a lot at once, so I recommend to designers new to the Bay Area to be able to persevere and have strong time management/multitasking skills.
What would you say are your biggest successes as a designer in the SF Bay Area?
Honestly, being here is a success in itself. After all that I’ve been through, I found my second wind in the Bay Area after escaping the Ukraine. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to connect with clients or deliver the right solutions but I was able to champion building relationships and my work ethic speak for itself.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. I’m like a sponge, soaking up visuals from architecture, art, cars, industrial design, new places, and new people. All of that fuels my creative energy. When it comes to process, I’m a big believer in deep research and building out mood boards.
Whats your favorite tool you use daily as a designer?
Figma all the way. I use it more than Illustrator now. It’s intuitive, powerful, and constantly evolving. I have so much appreciation for the team behind it. Honestly, I think Figma could end up replacing several other tools altogether—it’s that good. Probably similar to many designers of a certain age, Adobe Photoshop was my first love.
I’m constantly learning, especially about new tools and technologies. Figma’s evolving fast, and I’m still exploring features like text variables and its new AI capabilities. I follow tutorials and educational videos, and I try to apply AI tools in real-time. I’m particularly interested in how AI is reshaping our workflows.
How do you see the future of design evolving—especially with AI?
I’m cautiously optimistic. Design is a layered, intuitive craft. Sure, AI can generate layouts or ideas, but it can’t replace the human touch—the vision, the listening, the ability to diagnose and solve a problem like a doctor would a patient.
That said, AI already plays a big role in my workflow. I see it as a tool that expands what we’re capable of—not a threat. I’m excited to see how far it can go, and I’m actively experimenting with it. AI opens up new possibilities, but the heart of design still comes from us.
What do you do for fun when you are not working on client projects?
Tennis is my therapy. When I moved to the U.S., I couldn’t bring much with me—but I made sure to pack my tennis racket. I play at least once or twice a week. Marin has a great tennis community and beautiful public courts.
I’m also a big fan of walking in nature. I try to take two short walks a day—quick 40-minute resets. The Bay Area is stunning, so even a short stroll feels like a recharge. With so much going on in the world, especially in Ukraine, these walks help me stay grounded.
What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant—and why?
Ah, finally—a question close to my heart. I’m a total coffeehead, and finding good coffee in the U.S. was surprisingly hard at first. Ukraine’s café culture had really evolved over the last decade, so my standards were high.
Now I have my go-to spots in Marin County:
- Firehouse Coffee in Sausalito
- Philz Coffee
- Endless Quest Roasters in Corte Madera—it reminds me most of Ukrainian cafés. Highly recommend it!
As for food, I don’t eat out as often, but I love Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Hook Fish Co. in SF and Joe’s Tacos Lounge in Mill Valley are my top picks. And yes, I’d trade Ukrainian borscht for a good burrito—though a perfect borscht still holds its own.
About: Volodymyr
Volodymyr Shostakovych, is a Ukrainian graphic and UI/UX designer with over 20 years of experience. He originally pursued a medical career, following in the footsteps of his parents, earning a master’s degree before pivoting to design. While still in medical school, he began experimenting with digital art and eventually took on design internships, helping academic staff with visual materials. After graduation, he fully transitioned into design and later earned a second degree in UI/UX and graphic design.
Over two decades ago Volodymyr launched Vova Design, working with B2B and B2C clients including John Deere, Hyundai, and various food brands. By 2005, he was leading major campaigns, including advertising for augmented reality cinemas. In 2008, he was honored with a bronze award at the Kyiv International Advertising Festival. However, the global financial crisis that year hit Ukraine hard, and many clients disappeared, prompting a shift toward new industries and opportunities.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 disrupted the market again so he pivoted to cultural and social design projects in Dnipro, while also beginning to establish a client base in the U.S.—particularly in the Bay Area startup scene, where he found a niche creating visually rich yet editable presentations. This led to a growing portfolio and client network, eventually including UI/UX work and web design.
Like many, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced him to send his family to the U.S. He remained behind working throughout, leaning on his American network for support. “That period reaffirmed my resilience and passion for design.” Says Volodymyr. “Today, I’m based in the U.S., designing for startups across fintech, AI, healthcare, and beyond—while always staying connected to Ukraine, both personally and by supporting those who stayed by donating as a way of thanking those fighting for the future of Ukraine. My journey has been shaped by crisis and creativity, and like many Ukrainians, I’ve learned to rise and rebuild, again and again.”
“This is my story—a story of resilience, challenges, and new beginnings. We can’t always predict or change events, but we can emerge from them with new experiences and opportunities. Sometimes a disaster is not only a fall but also the starting point for new growth. The main thing is not to give up and keep moving forward.”