Believe, Achieve, Succeed: The Artistic Journey of Iryna Melnyk
What if you want to completely change your career, step off the beaten path, and embrace a new life filled with vibrant colors, boundless creativity, and uncharted territory? Meet Iryna, a remarkable artist whose journey embodies the spirit of transformation and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. Her story breaks out of convention, taking her from the world of business and finance to a place where creativity knows no limitations. She was born in a quiet area of the Kyiv region. In a world that often measures success in numbers and balance sheets, Iryna’s life is a testament to the power of artistry, resilience, and the pursuit of passion, even if she has a degree in economics.
Iryna is a talented artist hailing from the heart of Ukraine, Kyiv, whose art started at a young age, a passion that ran parallel to her academic pursuits. Despite not having formal artistic education, she garnered recognition in her school years through numerous drawing competitions. Her early years were filled with the exploration of various creative hobbies, from hiking to competing in outdoor adventures. But deep down, her heart longed for the world of art. In 2019, a life-changing year for Iryna, she took a leap of faith and invested in a laptop and a graphics tablet, embarking on a journey to teach herself Photoshop. She was determined to turn her artistic aspirations into reality. Through self-learning and a dedicated course, she honed her skills and built a solid foundation of knowledge. Along the way, she found herself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow artists who encouraged her every step of the way.
Amidst personal and national turmoil, Iryna’s life took an unexpected turn when she received a message from our Jigsaw Puzzle Universe community. It was a pivotal moment that would shape her artistic path and step into a new world of showing her creations to puzzle lovers. At the time, Ukraine was grappling with the horrors of war, leaving Iryna feeling desperate and uncertain about her future. To find solace and distraction from the harsh reality, she turned to her art, pouring her emotions onto the canvas.
She graciously described one of her most beloved works as a charming illustration of a whale soaring over the skies carrying tiny balloons, signifying her faith in the possibility of dreams and the strength of will. During her worst moments, she found peace and significance through her creative endeavors. As Iryna reflects on her journey, she expresses gratitude for the warmth and support she received from the Ukrainian art community. In these trying times, kind words and actions have proven to be powerful beacons of hope.
The war that raged around her was her greatest fear, with nights filled with explosions and uncertainty. Yet, she persevered, and her message to budding artists is one of determination and resilience. She knows that the path to becoming a professional artist is filled with defeats, failures, and relentless effort, but she encourages them to never give up, even in the face of adversity. When we asked her about her current projects, it’s clear that Iryna’s transformation into a 2D artist is a journey that continues to evolve with each brushstroke and digital creation. Beyond her inspiring past, her present is just as compelling.
Today, Iryna finds herself immersed in the world of artistry, not as an aspiring talent but as a seasoned artist on the cusp of a significant milestone. She’s currently putting the finishing touches on an illustration for a book, a project that encapsulates her growth and dedication to her craft. This project is a testament to her unwavering commitment to art, a dedication that has carried her through the highs and lows of her creative journey.
Iryna’s artistic evolution didn’t happen in isolation; it was nurtured by a series of serendipitous encounters that seemed almost fated. It all began with a chance encounter on Instagram, where she stumbled upon a webinar on drawing and design. At that time, Iryna didn’t even have a laptop, limiting her to creating sketches. Yet something about that webinar ignited a spark within her, propelling her toward her artistic destiny. The magic didn’t stop there. On a seemingly ordinary day, while working as a waitress at a restaurant, fate smiled upon her once again. Her shift had officially ended, and she was preparing to head home when a coworker made a simple request for her to stay just a little longer. Iryna agreed, opting to take one last table. Little did she know that this decision would change her life. Among the patrons at that table were familiar faces — individuals from the very school whose webinar had ignited her passion the previous evening. And among them was her teacher, the same person who had unknowingly set her on this remarkable path. These seemingly coincidental occurrences remind us that life has a curious way of aligning itself with our deepest aspirations. Iryna’s story is a testament to the profound influence of fate and determination, a reminder that sometimes, when you follow your heart, the universe conspires to create extraordinary opportunities.
In the ever-evolving narrative of her life, Iryna’s journey serves as an inspiration to anyone contemplating a leap of faith into uncharted territories. Her story is proof that even without a formal art education, unwavering dedication and an intuitive connection with one’s creative passion can pave the way to remarkable achievements. Iryna’s tale is a vivid reminder that, in the end, it’s not just about changing careers; it’s about pursuing a dream with unyielding determination and allowing the magic of life to unfold along the way. Her story is a fantastic source of inspiration for everyone, and we are happy to have her as a valued member of our creative Jigsaw Puzzle Universe community. You can find her fascinating illustrations and artwork adorning the digital canvases of our Jigsaw Puzzle Universe app if you’re itching to explore them.
