We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lana Yanovska a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

As a Ukrainian, the devastating impact of the full-scale invasion of my country by rusia prompted me to take action. It was an instinctive decision for me to allocate a portion of my art proceeds towards aiding those affected by the war.

In choosing the organizations to support, I opted for ones that are actively involved on the ground and I have personal connections with. Many of the people working in these organizations are friends and acquaintances from my school and university days; others are familiar faces from my previous photography projects.

And because horrible things happen all the time in many places around the world, I donate to different causes every other month. Just like with the donations for Ukraine, I do my best to find an organisation that is active on the ground so that the resources would help where they are needed right away.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Ukrainian photographer and a printmaker based in Austria.

During my art studies in Germany,  I was more focused on photography and painting and had little room to explore printmaking. Though in the first year of the pandemic, circumstances forced me to scale back my photography work and suddenly gave me time and space to delve into the world of printmaking.

My main medium is relief printing with the diverse range of materials it offers. I primarily carve on classical linoleum, soft carve blocks, and wood; and print on paper, textile, and sometimes even directly on wood.

Working with these materials is challenging at every step, from the initial design and carving process to the inking and transferring onto the chosen surface. The unpredictable nature of relief printing keeps me on my toes, allowing for unexpected surprises and wonderful discoveries along the way.

As a photographer, my artistic perspective has been shaped by the way I see the world through the lens of a camera, so my own photography serves as a foundation for my printmaking practice. I believe that this combination of mediums not only adds a layer of complexity to my artistic expression but also invites viewers to engage with my work on multiple levels. It offers them an opportunity to explore the interplay between photography’s inherent naturalism and the stylized interpretation of linoprinting.

Printmaking also proved to be a great way to produce art that is accessible and affordable, with the means to replicate my artwork in multiples, making it more attainable for a wider audience. This accessibility opens up opportunities for art enthusiasts to own and appreciate my creations without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank – and makes art more inclusive.

Last but not least, sustainability is a fundamental part of my creative process. I place great importance on incorporating eco-conscious practices into my art-making journey, preferring locally sourced materials when possible and always using recycled or biodegradable packaging when shipping my art.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The way social media functions today​, with the algorhythms at play​, simply posting pictures and expecting them to be seen by a wide audience is a challenge​. I discovered that​ meaningful interaction and connection with other artists, enthusiasts, and potential customers were vital to challenge that. By commenting on and liking others’ posts, participating in discussions, sharing and promoting the creations of fellow artists, I was lucky to not only build a genuine community but also to find a wellspring of inspiration for my own artistic practice in the process.

Joining the Printmakers collective (https://www.theprintmakerscollective.org/) was a great next step in my creative journey and an opportunity to learn and grow within the art practice itself.
The collective spirit is also one of the reasons that I continue to grow as an artist, and I am grateful for the opportunities and insights that being part of such a community has afforded me.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being part of a supportive community is very helpful with building a reputation in the creative business, by connecting with like-minded artists and creators who elevate and support each other.

One of the next key elements is consistency. I place a strong emphasis on maintaining high-quality standards in my art and ensuring that my work reflects my commitment to sustainability.

In addition, I make it a priority to be responsive and receptive to the feedback I receive. Listening to my customers’ insights and quickly addressing their needs allows me to continually improve and tailor my art to better resonate with the audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/LanasMaking
• Instagram: lanas_making
• Other: www.yanovska.com

Image Credits
Lana Yanovska