My name is Ivi Rebova. I'm a photographer and graphic designer from Slovakia. I live and work in Bratislava, but I frequently travel and live out of my suitcase for work - which I actually love.
How did you get started in graphic design? What is a turning point in your professional career?
In 2008 I finally managed to buy my first proper camera and I started to take photos - mostly concert photography. I did some photo journalism for few magazines and festivals.
My taste in photography changes a lot and I go through different phases… currently I’m obsessed with night photography and I like to experiment with old techniques… I like creating my own pinhole cameras, solargraphy, or turning my room into a giant camera obscura.
I’ve also always liked playing with Photoshop - I’ve learned everything by myself. I started to help friends with flyers, posters, wedding invitations , CD artwork and also artwork for books.
I think the turning point for me was few years ago when I realized that I should stop trying to be someone else. (I kept comparing myself to other photographer/designers who I liked and admired). When I started to do my own thing and stopped thinking about the success of others, everything improved.
I got more and more requests and things got a bit crazy in a good way :)
What is your ideal work environment? Do you prefer to work in your design studio all day long or prefer to mix a few activities?
I work mostly at home. I have my own room which I use and I’m slowly turning it into a lovely cozy design studio. :)
I love walking, cycling and running. They help to clear my mind and relax.
What design tools / software do you use for your work?
I use classic adobe software and PC, paper and pencil. I also like to use some photo editing apps for their filters, like Snapseed.
Where does your design inspiration come from? (Do you believe in 'inspiration' at all)?
Many of my friends are artists who continually inspire me. I love discussing art ideas with them.
The internet is also a very useful source of ideas.
Who are the designers you admire most and why?
As mentioned above I have lots of friends who I admire. One of my favorites is my dear friend Stefan Osciatka from Prague - check him out!