From engineering graphics to abstract painting, from financial reports to creating life-inspiring interiors – Iryna Kuts' journey is full of unexpected turns and vibrant colours. Today, we'll talk about how courage and self-belief can turn a dream into reality, and creativity into a profession.
Iryna, you recently underwent significant changes in your life. How did you come to the decision to switch careers and pursue interior design and painting?
It wasn’t an instantaneous choice, but rather a long journey, built from many small steps. Engineering graphics, descriptive geometry, and drafting were always my favourite subjects at university. Additionally, I completed quite a few different courses in design and art. I felt that through colours, textures, and forms, one could convey emotions, change the atmosphere, inspire people. And that creativity was my element. For a long time, I followed the “sensible” path of a stable career in finance within a large corporation. But I always dreamed of having my own studio and wondered: if I were to pursue a career in design and interior art, would I be as successful? With my move to the UK, I finally decided to start all over again, just like 25 years ago. It was scary, but there was a feeling of freedom inside. And my experience in business stayed with me, after all.
What difficulties did you encounter on your journey to opening your own studio in the UK?
Honestly? Everything. A new country, a new language, a different mentality, different rules of the game. At first, it was like a video game on “hardcore” mode – figuring out how to become self-employed, finding a place for a studio and contacts for exhibitions, dealing with rent, marketing, plus realising that the market and tastes here are completely different. But I believe if you truly want something, difficulties are just a phase. I started studying the local art market, adapting and refining my style, building contacts, applying for grants, participating in various fairs and festivals. And most importantly – finding my audience. After all, art isn’t just a painting, it’s an emotion that resonates with specific people. I was very motivated by winning the Golden Time Talent 2024 international competition and further communication with like-minded people, the competition participants. The Golden Time Talent team provides tremendous support to all contestants and simply makes them believe in their own talent. And I am very close to this approach to people, especially now, during the war in Ukraine, when we all so need such a positive attitude and positive emotions.
How does your previous experience in engineering and finance help you in your current activities?
Oh, I always say, “Art is 50% creativity and 50% business.” Artists shouldn’t ignore the second part in our time, otherwise, the paintings will remain in the studio. As an engineer, I always see structure – how colours and shapes interact, how to create a composition with balance and depth. And finance and business – how to move forward and monetise creativity. Strategic business planning, project management, business processes, risk and crisis management, supply, sales, and logistics management, financial accounting, and teamwork – this is my real experience for two decades. So my past is not ballast, but a superpower.
What was the most unexpected challenge when opening a studio in the UK? What surprised you the most about the British art market?
The most unexpected challenge? The feeling that I’m in a quest with endless levels – bureaucracy and red tape. Every step requires lengthy approvals and waiting. You might get a response to a letter after three or four months. It’s especially difficult when you’re a foreigner: the rules seem unfamiliar, everything moves very slowly and conservatively, and sometimes it feels like you’re being tested for resilience.
But what really pleasantly surprised me was the support and respect for artists. In the UK, art isn’t just a hobby, but a full-fledged profession that’s taken seriously. People appreciate original works, are interested in the artist’s history, and ask a lot about inspiration and technique.
Authenticity, personal style, and emotional message are highly valued here. Unlike some other countries where a “decorative” style is more in demand, the British audience seeks depth and uniqueness.
And one more thing – the openness of the art market. It’s not just about “being able to paint,” but about being a personality, telling your story, communicating, participating in exhibitions and competitions. People buy not only a painting, but also an idea, a meaning, an emotion that you put into it.
How do you manage to find a balance between commercial and purely creative projects?
This is a perpetual question for any creative person. I’ve found this approach for myself: to separate periods of “free creativity” and commissioned work. When I create something for sale or for clients, I take into account their wishes, interior trends, but always maintain my individuality.
But when I work “for myself,” I give myself complete freedom – I experiment, try new techniques, play with textures. It’s funny that sometimes these works attract the most attention and become commercially successful.
The main thing is not to turn art solely into business, otherwise, you can lose passion. But also not to dwell on pure inspiration – because when you can earn with creativity, you have more time for your favourite thing. It’s all about maintaining balance.
How do you think art and design can influence human psychology?
They have a much stronger influence than it seems. Colours, shapes, textures – all of this affects the subconscious. For example, warm shades evoke a feeling of cosiness, while cold ones – calmness and freshness. A person spends most of their life at home and in the office. The space that surrounds us influences our thoughts and mood, helps to relieve stress or exacerbates it. Therefore, ergonomics, comfort, and beauty are definitely important for us.
Abstract art is particularly interesting: it has no specific plot, but it speaks to a person in the language of emotions. Someone sees chaos in one painting, and someone – harmony. And that’s the whole magic.
I believe that through art, you can not only decorate an interior, but also change the mood, inspire, even heal.
This is exactly what we talk about regularly in my Instagram blog “Teatime with psychologists,” where psychologists, a doctor of medical sciences, together with me and a guest from any other profession, reflect on the importance of art and design, art therapy, and their impact on our health.
What is your favourite or most significant project at the moment? Why?
One of my favourite, most vivid, and inspiring moments is participating in and winning the Golden Time Talent 2024 international competition. It was something incredible! When I applied, I didn’t even think I could win a prize. But the most valuable thing about this competition isn’t even the victory itself, but the people I met there.
Talented artists from different countries, incredibly creative, open, and passionate about art – that’s the real value. We still communicate, exchange ideas, inspire each other, and even plan joint projects and exhibitions with some.
This competition not only gave me recognition but also strengthened my belief that I’m on the right track. Sometimes we doubt ourselves, but such moments prove: if you are passionate about your work and move forward, everything will definitely work out.
How do you find a balance between work and personal life?
Balance isn’t “50/50,” but the ability to feel the moment. Sometimes I immerse myself in work 100%, and sometimes I consciously disconnect and devote time to myself, family, and friends.
I’m learning not to blame myself for resting. I’m a workaholic, and it’s difficult for me, especially now that I’m developing a business. But pauses are part of the process. It’s in them that new ideas are born.
I travel quite often, for work or privately, which gives me a boost of energy, inspiration, and new impressions. I love concerts, theatre, festivals, and fairs. And I constantly try to develop, learn new things, as it’s a workout for the mind.
What inspires you in your artistic practice?
Inspiration is everywhere. In the noise of the rain, in the shadows on the wall, in the bright lights of the night city, or in a conversation with a stranger. Sometimes it’s music, a sunny day, or a trip to a new place, and sometimes it’s just an evening with a glass of wine and reflections on life.
I am inspired by people’s emotions. I love to see how a person looks at a painting or examines a new interior of a house/office and suddenly feels something important – joy, admiration, nostalgia, peace… And this is really very valuable to me, because then I also feel my demand, and this also inspires me.
What advice would you give to artists who want to not only create, but also make money from art?
For most artists, if they don’t yet have their own agent, there’s usually the same problem – working themselves to the bone, not enough time, and you’re faced with a choice: either paint a picture or engage in your market promotion – social media posts, reels, marketing research. As a rule, for most, the former is more pleasant, and for me, by the way, too, I’m no exception. But modern life dictates its own rules. Stop thinking that art and business are enemies. The truth is, if you want to live by art, you need to learn to sell not only paintings, but also yourself, your story, your philosophy.
My TOP-3 tips:
Build a strong personal brand – social media, website, recognisable style, all of this works for you.
Learn to communicate with buyers and look for new opportunities – talk about your art in a way that makes people want to let it into their lives.
Don’t be afraid to value yourself – if you yourself doubt the value of your work, people will feel it. Your art has value, it’s your knowledge, experience, invested time, and it’s important to be able to convey this value.
What are your plans for the future in the field of art and design?
I love movement and development, so there are many plans! I don’t always have enough time to implement them, but to summarise:
Create a series of large-scale works that combine emotions, textures, and space, and exhibit them in a gallery.
Continue to develop art courses so that more people can discover the freedom of abstract art.
Launch collaborations with other designers and brands – art lives not only on canvas, but also in interiors, clothing, and decorative items.
And develop the business, staying true to myself and inspiring people to creativity.
What advice could you give to those who are thinking about changing careers?
If you have a fire burning inside you, don’t ignore it. Yes, it will be scary, yes, it will be difficult, but…
Start in parallel. You don’t have to quit right away, you can test the new field step by step.
Learn from those who have already gone this way – books, courses, mentors, communication.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment – it won’t come. Take the first step now.
