We were lucky to catch up with Oleksandra Korolenko recently and have shared our conversation below.
Oleksandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents recognized and nurtured my artistic talent from a very early age. I still remember one of the first drawings I was proud of—a knight in armor that I copied when I was just a child in daycare. That moment sparked something in me, and both my parents and my teachers saw that I had a talent.
Thanks to their encouragement, I joined creative art clubs and eventually attended art school. Later, when I finished high school, I was uncertain about what path to take. Many of my peers chose short vocational programs to start working as soon as possible. I, too, wanted to earn money, but my parents made a different choice for me—they encouraged me to pursue a full university education in a creative field.
They sent me to an art university, where I studied in the landscape design department for four years. That experience became a major foundation for my creative journey. The skills, discipline, and knowledge I gained there gave me a strong base that still supports my career today. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful they chose to invest in my growth, even when I wasn’t sure of my path yet.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a mural and airbrush artist with extensive experience. Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
During my time at the institute I discovered the airbrush technique, which instantly captivated me. From that moment, I began exploring and mastering it. Over the years, I have built a substantial foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience, which allows me to create striking, highly detailed, and expressive works that capture attention and transform spaces — making them feel unique, welcoming, and full of character.
My journey into the mural business happened gradually. It all started when I was invited to paint something on the wall of a private apartment. At the time, murals were not as popular as they are today, but the result exceeded expectations, and it sparked more and more commissions.
Today, I work on a variety of projects — from private homes to commercial spaces — always aiming to create artwork that not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes an emotional connection with the environment.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I began building my audience by simply sharing the artworks I was creating — intuitively, without a strict strategy. I wouldn’t say I’m a master at running social media, but I’ve learned that it plays a very important role today. It also requires a lot of time and attention.
My audience is made up of fellow artists who enjoy following my creative process, people who appreciate art and like to watch it being made, and, of course, potential clients who are interested in bringing unique artwork into their spaces.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes, there are several resources that have influenced the way I approach my creative career and business. One of the most impactful books for me was “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon. It helped me understand that inspiration is everywhere and that creativity is about connecting existing ideas in new ways.
I also found great value in watching interviews and talks by successful artists and entrepreneurs on platforms like YouTube and TED Talks — especially those that focus on building a personal brand and the importance of storytelling in art.
Additionally, I regularly follow art business podcasts and online courses that teach not only technical skills but also client communication, project management, and pricing strategies. These resources keep me inspired, help me adapt to industry changes, and remind me that being an artist also means being a strategist and a problem-solver.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oleksandrakorolenko.com
- Instagram: Alex.aero.pro
- Facebook: Oleksandra Korolenko
Image Credits
Oleksandra Korolenko