Bye, 2022. Come back, 2023

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Summing up 2022 evokes complex emotions, but reflection is an important process for everyone who works in visual culture. Analyzing the events and achievements of the past year helps us better understand current trends and developments. This is especially relevant for professionals in the fields of art, design, and media, as it provides an opportunity to assess the impact of cultural changes and adapt to new challenges. We asked nine illustrators and designers to reflect on their vision for 2022 and share their hopes for 2023 through visual art. The results will provide candid and insightful interpretations that answer the questions: "What was your 2022? What are your expectations for 2023?

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2021 has come to an end, and we are looking forward to what 2022 will bring us. This new year opens up many opportunities and challenges for us. We can hope for improvement in various areas of life, including health, economy, and social relations. How events will develop in 2022 depends on our actions and decisions. We expect the new year to be a time for positive changes and new beginnings.

An illustrator and art director are key figures in the world of visual art and design. Illustrators create unique images that can be used in various media, such as books, magazines, advertising materials, and digital platforms. Art directors, in turn, are responsible for the visual design of projects and the coordination of a team of artists and designers. Both professions require a high level of creativity, skill, and the ability to visualize concepts. Experienced illustrators and art directors can significantly improve the quality of visual content, which is essential for the successful promotion of brands and products in the market.

Many of my acquaintances have similar thoughts about the global events of the past year. I have never experienced such a strong emotional impact from reading the news as I do now. This time has been especially difficult, and the number of sad events that bring tears has increased significantly.

In 2022, our family left Russia. We had planned to do this, but we did not expect it to happen so soon. I perceive all the events happening in the world through the prism of the present and future of my son, who will turn two in early 2023. I observe how quickly neural connections form in children and how easily they can be adjusted depending on their environment and experience. These changes highlight the importance of choosing the right environment for a child's development and upbringing.

This year has been a time of stark contrasts: from the endless horror caused by global events, deaths, and human rights violations, to the profound love that filled my heart at my son's first conscious words, his hugs, and kisses. These moments of joy have become a source of strength and hope in the face of global upheaval.

Work has acquired new meaning and depth. It has become clear that at the team level, equality and democracy require significant time investment, a huge amount of resources, and a high level of responsibility from all participants. It is important to understand the micro- and macro-connections that affect team effectiveness and overall results. Each team member must understand their role and contribution to the overall process, which contributes to the creation of a harmonious and productive work environment.

In the coming year, I wish everyone strong vitality, so as not to lose hope and boldly change for the better what can be changed. May each of us find the strength to overcome difficulties and strive for positive change.

My mother always says, "I'll keep tending my garden even if the apocalypse comes tomorrow." This phrase emphasizes the importance of nurturing your passions and how true passion endures even in the most challenging circumstances. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it's a way to maintain harmony with nature and find solace in any life situation. Even in times of uncertainty like the apocalypse, the desire for beauty and life remains strong. Gardening symbolizes hope and resilience, showing that despite difficulties, life goes on.

Freelance illustrator, teaching illustration and interactive design at the HSE School of Design. Specializes in creating unique visual solutions and teaching students modern illustration techniques. Professional experience and deep knowledge in the field of design allow us to effectively transfer skills and inspire future specialists in this creative field.

Designer and illustrator, as well as a teacher at the School of Design of the Higher School of Economics (HSE). Experienced in creating visual concepts and graphic solutions, as well as teaching students modern design and illustration techniques.

The artist and illustrator, author of the projects @nenasilie and "Thingism", creates unique visual works that reflect her individual style and profound ideas. Each work is filled with meaning and emotion, which makes her work relevant and in demand in contemporary art.

I'm an illustrator at Yandex Practicum with a degree in history and a strong sense of empathy. My experience allows me to create visual solutions that not only inform but also evoke an emotional response. I strive to ensure that each image conveys the essence of the material and helps students better absorb information. My work is focused on creating high-quality content that meets modern requirements and user expectations.

The year passed like the gray wolf from a fairy tale: quickly, without delay and without regrets. In this context, it became obvious that nothing can replace human understanding and support. Interaction and compassion between people become key aspects that help to cope with difficulties and overcome obstacles. Human connections and the willingness to help each other play a vital role in our society.

The gray wolf no longer poses a threat to us.

A graphic designer and publisher with 20 years of experience in Moscow is a unique figure in the design world. Despite his significance in the professional field, he remains one of the most unknown designers in Estonia. His work is characterized by an original style and a high level of creativity, which makes his contribution to graphic design particularly valuable.

An illustrator and artist, as well as a teacher working on the Reddit platform. Specializes in experimenting with various artistic techniques, including 3D art and augmented reality (AR).

I am a designer and tattoo artist specializing in creating unique and eye-catching tattoos. Combining artistic approach and technical skills, I develop original designs that reflect each client's individuality. My work includes not only tattooing, but also meticulous planning and consultation to ensure every element of the design meets your wishes. I strive to create an atmosphere of trust and comfort so that each client feels confident throughout the process.

I am a rock climber and understand the critical importance of having reliable holds. The right holds play a key role in the success of a climb, ensuring safety and confidence on every step. The importance of quality equipment and proper technique cannot be overstated, as this determines not only the results but also the overall experience of this exciting sport.

When the holds are few and small, the route becomes challenging. However, when the holds are numerous and large, the task becomes easier. However, conquering difficult routes promotes training, conditioning, and strengthening of skills. Thus, the variety of holds on the route directly affects the level of difficulty and the training process.

In 2023, I would like to try my hand at an easier route for variety.

A multidisciplinary designer, specializing in curating and mentoring. With a wide range of skills, I successfully combine various design fields to create unique and functional solutions. My experience includes working on projects that require a creative approach, as well as leading a team and training new specialists. Focusing on innovation and contemporary trends, I strive to make a meaningful contribution to every task I undertake.

In 2022, I designed a modular typeface, which was used in posters for an exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery. This typeface is based on the research of Russian constructivists, especially the work of Lyubov Popova, her intersections of power and set design for the play "The Magnanimous Cuckold." Over the course of the year, I've used this font extensively in various projects, launching several design pieces, including a furniture and jewelry line.

I use two main techniques for working with text. The first involves writing individual words or phrases with letters. The second technique involves overlapping letters, which creates interesting intersections and visual effects. These methods help add variety to the text and make it more engaging.

In the text, I've highlighted two key three-letter words that hold special meaning for both the past and future years. These words symbolize the changes and hopes I associate with the past and the events to come.

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