Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Kopach.
Hannah, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Since I was born, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I’ve been inspired by my uncle, a graphic designer from Chicago. Growing up, I was surrounded by his friends from the art world – David Csicsko, Tom Bachtell, and Steve Musgrave, just to name a few. All hailing from Chicago, I was influenced by their different techniques and styles.
I’ve never thought for a second that I’d take a different path in life – art and graphic design was my passion. I worked alongside my uncle for several summers at his graphic design firm, Toolbox, Inc. I enrolled in design classes early in high school and was an assistant to my teacher my senior year. I chose to continue my education at the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, where I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and an Entrepreneurial Management Certificate. Throughout my college career, I built close relationships with my professors, worked as a designer for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for two years, did freelance design for nonprofits, including The Trevor Project and Science Olympiad, had my take at sports marketing and design during a practicum with the Chicago Blackhawks, and was the Creative Director for the largest student organization on campus, University of Iowa Dance Marathon, an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer patients and their families at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Without the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Like I said before, I’ve been inspired by the artists I grew up with, especially my uncle. I’ve worked in lots of different areas, including paint, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking – I was happy University of Iowa exposed me to all of these mediums. My area of choice, however, has always been graphic design. As a designer, I always want my work to be helpful to the viewer. I want them to see the piece, learn and take away something from it. Because I’ve worked for a lot of larger organizations and businesses, I would describe my work as professional and corporate. Sometimes I wish I could break out of this shell, but it’s hard! That’s when I look to other artists for inspiration.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I am constantly looking at other people’s artwork on social media. Social media has given us a new way to connect with friends, peers, and people around the world. I love seeing what other people are creating and finding inspiration in their work. Even though I graduated, I also try to keep up with the art scene back at school – find out the latest visiting artist, see what friends are having BFA shows, what events are happening around the community. Iowa City was a great art hub – there are some crazy talented folk coming out of that school, just watch out!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Now having a full time job as a Marketing and Design Coordinator at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, I don’t do as many personal projects as I did in college. My work consists of supporting our agents with any marketing and design help that they may need. I am very busy, but still try to incorporate my creativity in every project I complete. I post freelance work on my Instagram and have my online portfolio, soon to be updated!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hannahkopach.com/
- Email: hgkopach@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hannahkopachdesign
Image Credit:
Hannah Kopach
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