John Alekseev was born in the city of Dnipro in Ukraine, in the family of a teacher and a policeman. He graduated from the National Metallurgical Academy and has a degree in intelligent networks Computer technologies. His sensitivity was expressed in both writing and visual arts. He wrote “The Voice of Silence”, a poem book and his over 40 paintings were exhibited in various galleries. He also created a yoga and meditation group in which he taught for 3 years. Before building a graphic designer career in advertising, where he worked for McCann, Cheil, TBWA or Mullen Lowe, he had an event manager career, coming up with the design and concept of events and organizing big concerts.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY THE INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE COMMUNITY CAN HELP ITS UKRAINIAN CREATIVE FELLOWS NOW?
This is a difficult time emotionally. Many of the creative industries went to war, to defend our country, freedom and democracy in the world. Many have left the country. There is no advertising on TV channels now, only a marathon of military and diplomatic reports. The creative community can help in cities where creatives have temporarily arrived, settle in their homes, help with equipment, and help with the search for projects. Now the ground for big ideas how to stop the war, how to put pressure on the governments of countries for more decisive action. We must understand that every hour of delay costs many lives.
THE STORY OF YOUR WORK/BUSINESS, BEFORE THE WAR & NOW. HOW GOOD LOOKS LIKE IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Before the war everything was fine, I met with friends, created and implemented interesting projects. We had a lot of laughs and great moments. After the start of the war, emotions of pain, panic, fear and injustice constantly fly in my head, but faith, anger, courage and confidence appeared that we would win this war. Every day there is an air raid, it is so loud and piercing that it makes you sick and you constantly listen to explosions.
ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO UKRAINIAN CREATIVES
Ukrainians are a creative and hardworking nation. Tip – look at finished projects.
A SAMPLE OF YOUR BEST WORK
Recently, I really enjoyed working with Lena Petitti di Roreto, director from London, on a project for Nemiroff. There were snakes, tattoos, beautiful shots and alcohol, everything that I love. Our team did a good job, I think.
A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY
Oh, it was a wonderful carefree time when there was no war. I remember I was about 6 years old, I took a pencil and drew a portrait of my mother; she had to stay still for quite a while-). The portrait is still stored somewhere in her apartment. A little later, I began to paint Egyptian frescoes from temples on large sheets of my height. I’ve created robots from boxes of milk and juices. For as long as I can remember, I have always been inventing something, drawing, creating, being a rebel and a romantic at the same time.
A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM REFLECTING THE BEAUTY OF YOUR CULTURE
Ukrainians have been approaching everyday life creatively since ancient times. Decorate houses and rooms in authentic patterns such as Petrikovka for example. Each family decorates eggs for Easter in a different way. Traditional clothing is vyshyvanka with bright patterns, and each region had its own patterns and colors. We have many unique musical instruments, such as trembita, bandura, cymbals, bugai. And many different traditions associated with the seasons, such as Ivana Kupala, Kolyadnytsy, didukh burning.
UKRAINE SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR
We have a beautiful big country, with its own traditions and sights. We have beautiful people and delicious traditional cuisine, which differs in its dishes in different regions. We broadcast freedom and openness to the whole world.
THE BEST THING ABOUT UKRAINIAN CREATIVITY IS
Diligence, cohesion, creativity, attention to detail
RECOMMEND AN UKRAINIAN CREATIVE THE WORLD SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
In fashion you should discover Ruslan Baginsky and Ksenia Schnaider. In architecture and interior solutions – Mahno studio and Balbek bureau, I’m design by Alyona Bondar. If you are interested in illustrations, explore the work of Nikolay Kovalenko or Braty.studio.
WHAT IS YOUR CAUSE AND HOW OTHERS CAN HELP?
I am a Ukrainian who wants peace and freedom, not tyranny and dictatorship. This is my reason. I call on all creators to create projects and cover the events of war, injustice, murders of children in Ukraine in order to stop this and make sure that this really does not happen anymore in the modern world.
HOW PEOPLE CAN FIND YOU IF THEY WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU?
I’m happy to answer any questions, you can find me on behance, instagram and facebook.