Kate Khapilina

Graphic Design & Digital Art Instructor

IT Academy Step Georgia • Part-time

May 2025 - Present • 1 yr 4 mos

I currently work as a graphic design and digital art instructor, teaching students both creative fundamentals and practical industry tools. My teaching areas include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, graphic design theory, advertising design, digital drawing, packaging design, branding, and visual identity development. In my classes, I combine design principles with real-world workflows, helping students understand composition, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, branding strategy, layout, and professional presentation. I also teach practical software skills, from image editing and vector illustration to preparing polished design projects for print and digital use. A strong part of my work focuses on developing visual thinking and helping students turn ideas into clear, functional, and aesthetically strong design solutions. Teaching keeps me constantly engaged with design trends, new tools, production techniques, and creative problem-solving. It also strengthens my ability to communicate ideas clearly, organize complex projects, and approach every design task with both creativity and structure.

Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Self Employed • Freelance

Dec 2015 - Present • 10 yrs 9 mos

I work as an independent graphic designer and illustrator, collaborating with clients worldwide on custom branding, logo design, illustration, and visual communication projects. Over the years, I have completed thousands of freelance projects for small businesses, entrepreneurs, authors, creative brands, and private clients. My work includes: • Hand-drawn and watercolor logo design • Brand identity and visual branding • Character and mascot design • Children’s book and digital illustration • Vector illustration and artwork preparation • Packaging and print design • Custom graphics for digital and commercial use I manage projects from the initial concept and client brief through sketching, design development, revisions, and final production-ready files. Working with international clients has given me extensive experience in creative problem-solving, visual communication, project management, and adapting designs to different industries, audiences, and brand styles.