Sofiia Markova – Pursuing a Graphic Design Career after UJOP












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            * Sofiia Markova – Pursuing a Graphic Design Career after UJOP
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            Sofiia, a graduate of UJOP’s Arts and Architecture Foundation Programme [ URL "https://

            ujop.cuni.cz/UJOPEN-72.html?ujopcmsid=108%3Aarts-and-architecture-complex&utm_source=found
            +programme&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=SoffiaMarkova"] , arrived in the Czech Republic
            the age of seventeen with the ambition to pursue higher education in the field of art and 


            She is currently enrolled in the fourth year of the Bachelor’s programme in Graphic Design
            of Art and Design of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. Alongside her s

            co-founded a creative studio 21+21 [ URL "https://2121.studio/"] and actively collaborates
            design projects [ URL "https://markovas.com/"] . Her academic progress and professional de

            illustrate the effectiveness of structured preparatory education and the comprehensive sup
            international students at UJOP.
            ¨

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            * Adapting to a New Environment

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            Upon her arrival, Sofiia faced the challenges typical for young international students beg
            independent life abroad. She notes that “When I first arrived at the age of 17, there was 

            shock, but I really liked it here.” The primary challenge, she explains, was living alone 
            country: “The most difficult part for me was being alone abroad. But over time I got used 
            friends here, and now I’d say I’ve put down some roots.” Although cultural differences bet

            and the Czech Republic are not substantial, she recognized that learning to navigate throu
            important part of her integration.






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            * Academic Motivation and Choice of Programme
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            Sofiia’s interest in visual arts began early. “I’ve always drawn and had an interest in cr
            and I always wanted to do something in that direction,” she explains. By the age of fiftee
            already identified her goal of becoming an illustrator or graphic designer. However, she f

            available educational opportunities at home insufficient for her ambitions. “The quality o
            education in Ukraine didn’t meet my expectations, so I decided to study in the Czech Repub


            With the support of her family and the systematic preparation offered at UJOP Charles Univ
            successfully passed the competitive entrance examinations on the first attempt.
             






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            * Professional Development During Studies

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            Sofiia has actively pursued professional experience alongside her university studies. Foll
            internships and exposure to different studio environments, she sought opportunities to app

            practice. “Combining studies and work is a big challenge,” she acknowledges, which ultimat
            establish a creative studio [ URL "https://2121.studio/"] with her classmate. Her work foc
            visual identity and graphic design. Notable projects include:


            • Co-creating the visual identity for the UNESCO World Heritage site Žatec and the Landsca
              [ URL "https://zateckakrajina.cz/"]

            • Preparing an exhibition in Litoměřice, including layout and text design 
            • Designing promotional materials and exhibition texts for the Museum of Art and Design in
              "https://mudbenesov.cz/"]  


            Reflecting on this transition toward professional practice, she notes: “It is refreshing t
            I enjoy, and to do it with people I enjoy working with.”

             





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            * The Role of UJOP in Her Academic Success
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            Sofiia identifies the intensive Czech language instruction as one of the most valuable asp

            foundation year. “I reached a high level of Czech,and even now, after four years, Czechs o
            I speak very well — that always makes me happy.” The programme also provided targeted prep
            demanding admissions process at Czech art faculties. She highlights the significance of:


            • Art history and modern art history courses 
            • Portfolio preparation classes [ URL "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vBWLvEPvS0"]  

            • Extensive drawing practice, including figure drawing 
            • Guidance on the Czech studio-based education system 
            • Organised visits to universities and studios [ URL "https://eu.zonerama.com/UJOP/Album/1


            A daily sketchbook assignment proved especially useful during the entrance exams: “At the 
            understand why we were doing it, but in the end it helped me a lot. Sketchbook diaries oft

            about a person and help studio heads understand the applicant.”

            She praises UJOP’s teaching staff: “I would say the teachers were great. I never had any p

            them, and my results speak for themselves.”

            She also expresses deep appreciation for the administrative support provided during her tr

            in the Czech Republic: “Without the help of the study department, it would have been very 
            What I learned about visas, residence permits, and the system here helped me for years aft


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            * Integration Through Cultural Education

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            An unexpected but particularly impactful element of her preparation was the course on Czec
            “The course on Czech films helped me the most,” she explains. It enhanced both cultural un

            social integration, as many films portrayed historical or cultural narratives that helped 
            references and conversations in everyday life. In addition, she recalls positive experienc
            excursions to Czech cultural sites, including Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, which enriched

            the country and strengthened social connections with fellow students.

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            Sofiia’s academic trajectory and developing professional career demonstrate the strong fou
            by UJOP’s Arts and Architecture foundation programme. Her experience highlights the value 

            language instruction, structured artistic preparation, personalised administrative support
            education in enabling international students to succeed in the Czech Republic’s higher-edu