In this period, when we are driven by the artificial pressure of deadlines and you have the impression that everyone is running without a destination, it is important to take a break, to breathe, to ask ourselves questions, believes the artist Doriana Mărasoiu. Doriana graduated from UAUIM in 2017 and started experimenting with graphic design and illustration, in parallel with architectural practice. Since 2021, he has continued his work on his own account in the area of graphic design, as part of editorial, commercial, exhibition and social media marketing projects.
“In illustration I am deeply concerned with psychological, social, self-reflection and introspection themes. In a world that I often feel overwhelming and too fast-paced, I aim to create works that invite viewers to pause, take to consider their own emotions and experiences and to ask themselves questions”, says Doriana.
Doriana’s works can be seen in an exhibition Graphic Daysuntil November 10. Organized by the Graphic Front Association & Atelierul de gráfica, the festival has reached its 3rd edition and is structured on three categories of content, exhibitions, workshops and debates.
We continue to talk with Doriana about her participation in the festival, the creative process, the themes that concern her during this period.
Important milestones in your journey
I always thought I would have a linear path, but looking back, I often acted against comfort. I didn’t know early on that I would take admission in architecture, much less that I would end up doing graphics. To be honest, I didn’t even know what the examples of good practice were in these professions, for them they didn’t exist at home. I come from an environment where things were done independently of the rules, often without experts, specializations and training. Even less in what is meant by public space. Visual order and other notions that interest me and that I attach great importance to now did not exist.
When I was little, I was very curious and studious. The choice to embark on the path of architecture came as a response to my love for drawing, financial demands and my interest in several subjects from which it was difficult for me to choose, some in the humanistic sphere, others in the scientific-technical sphere. It was a good compromise, which over time helped me to keep my creativity, but also to discipline myself and structure my thinking.
I graduated from the Ion Mincu Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism in 2017 and worked in the field for several years. Throughout the faculty, however, I experienced several visual areas, through photography courses, object design workshops or volunteering in some associations as a graphic artist. After I graduated, I kept that curiosity and I’m glad I was able to act on my intuition when I took the next step. I worked, in parallel with my day job in architecture, on graphic and illustration projects, and although they exhausted me, I enjoyed each one of them.
After the first year of the pandemic, I took a break for a few months in which I drew and attended courses in graphics and art direction, because I was increasingly attracted to the visual field and also because, although architecture gave me a good foundation , I felt that I had many gaps. It was a time when I felt the need for a change, by getting closer to myself, my values and allowing myself to experiment with what brought me real pleasure. In the summer of 2021 I started out on my own, initially oscillating between interior design, graphic design and illustration projects, then two years ago focusing mainly on the latter two.
Illustrations by Doriana Mărăsoiu
The beginnings in the field
When I started my own business, I hoped to find an efficient way to combine everything I know and love to do. I didn’t have many expectations about my evolution in the visual field, but I did what was in my control: to be 100% involved in projects, to solve clients’ problems, to enjoy new relationships with them, to trust my collaborators and to I am constantly learning, whether it was administrative matters or related to the creative process.
The impostor syndrome constantly followed me during this period, but I think this is what led me to learn more, to keep my curiosity, to be open to advice, to be inspired and to try to absorb from the experiences and experiments of those I I admired them.
The fears came from perfectionism, that I wouldn’t get to do things that mattered to myself and others, and that I wouldn’t be able to support myself financially in the long run. They still exist, but over time I became gentler with myself and understood that there are solutions for (almost) anything.
Doriana Mărăsoiu and her illustrations. Photo credit: Anca Rancea
What has fundamentally changed (in your relationship with art)
I have always been drawn to art on an intuitive level. However, in recent years I have come to be able to explain why certain images attract me more than others, understanding the composition, the chromatics, the balance, the style. I feel that in recent years I have become more and more open to experiencing art and not just cataloging it aesthetically: I like it / I don’t like it, it attracts me / it repels me. I try to ask myself more questions than come up with answers and labels.
Illustrations by Doriana Mărăsoiu
What the experience brought
What started as a partially assumed experiment became over time a great responsibility. I feel more and more that my purpose is to leave behind correct, effective and time-valid visual solutions in graphic projects (branding, communication, marketing), as well as inspiration and emotion in personal illustrations.
Doriana Mărasoiu. Photo credit: Anca Rancea
The topics that concern you
In illustration I am deeply concerned with psychological, social themes, self-reflection and introspection. In a world that I often feel is overwhelming and too fast-paced, I aim to create works that invite viewers to pause, consider their own emotions and experiences, and ask questions. By leaving room for interpretation, I hope to foster a deeper connection with the viewer and inspire them to explore their lives, thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way to embark on their own journey of discovery.
Illustrations by Doriana Mărăsoiu
Participation in Graphic Days
Participating in Graphic Days allows me to present a curated selection of my personal and commissioned work from the past few years, reflecting my most authentic approach to storytelling and rendering concepts through images. The exhibition is rooted in the use of visual metaphors, negative space and introspective characters, all set in architectural or natural contexts. The combination of images creates immersive spaces of contemplation, inviting visitors to personally engage with the concepts presented and giving them access to their inner world.
I will be exhibiting alongside an illustrator I greatly admire, Ilona Polanski, who has a similar approach to concepts. Ilona is co-founder of the Czech Illustrators Association, which presents the current scene of Czech and Slovak illustration in the form of interviews and articles and organizes educational workshops. Our styles and ways of perceiving the world complement each other in this exhibition and encourage the audience to reflect on the psychological and social themes we address.
Illustrations by Doriana Mărăsoiu
Graphic Days community
I believe that graphic design is part of every aspect of our lives: urban space, media, publishing. From my point of view, Graphic Days represents a vital platform for creativity in Romania. This festival showcases exemplary work, serves as a role model for young designers and encourages networking opportunities crucial for growth. With workshops, exhibitions, articles, discussions and engaging projects, it educates the community about the importance of visual culture. I would really like it to attract audiences from various fields for the purpose of awareness and education. Although Romania has not always been a leader in graphic design, especially in the public space, we are starting to value the way we visually interact with our surroundings. Connecting artists and professionals can improve the environment, making it more organized and visually appealing.
Having an exhibition at this festival validates my work and inspires me to keep creating. I am extremely grateful to Ciprian Isac, the organizer of the festival, for the trust and curation of this exhibition. Being part of this movement is truly fulfilling.
The fears & responsibilities of a creator during this period
During this time, graphic designers face many challenges and fears. The pressure to create work that resonates with diverse audiences can be daunting, especially when dealing with sensitive issues. There is a responsibility to communicate carefully, balancing personal expression with social impact.
Designers must navigate the fine line between advocacy and neutrality, ensuring their work reflects fair values while also being accessible. In addition, the rapid evolution of technology and the saturation of visual content can lead to feelings of inadequacy or the fear of being overlooked.
I believe designers have a duty to promote awareness, provoke thought and inspire change. Through projects that encourage dialogue and reflection, we can contribute to a more informed and empathetic society. Taking this responsibility can turn challenges into opportunities for meaningful engagement and connection.
Source: www.iqads.ro
