Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Skrypnyk
Hi Daria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a small kid, I was completely charmed and amazed by games. Growing up in Ukraine, access to games was very limited, so I played my favorites over and over again, dreaming that one day I would be part of that world.
I earned a degree in Computer Science, which helped me understand how computer graphics work, but in parallel, I was studying art on my own. I’m a self-taught artist, and that combination of technical knowledge and artistic curiosity shaped my path.
At some point, I landed my first job as a 2D artist. Very soon, I picked up animation and later transitioned into 3D graphics because I was eager to keep learning—especially where art meets technology. That curiosity led me deeper into different aspects of game production, from pipelines to creative problem-solving across disciplines. Eventually, I shifted my focus to immersive technologies, where I found new and exciting ways to blend technology and art in a more creative and interactive way.
Looking back, my journey wasn’t a straight line—it was driven by curiosity, a love for learning, and the belief that I could carve out a place in the world I once only dreamed about. Later on, I got an opportunity to move to the LA, and it became an important step in my journey. It meant navigating a new environment, adapting to different ways of working, and proving myself in a new industry landscape. It wasn’t always easy, but it gave me fresh challenges that helped me grow, refine my perspective, and expand my creative approach.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was quite a bumpy journey.
When I first started diving into digital art, it was extremely difficult. There weren’t many tutorials available, and most of them were in English, so the first challenge was overcoming the language barrier. On top of that, digital art tools weren’t as accessible as they are today, and there were no college programs for 2D or 3D art in Ukraine at the time.
Being self-taught was both exciting and frustrating. While learning on your own gave me freedom, it also made it harder to recognize and fix mistakes—there were no mentors to guide me, no clear path to follow. Industry pipelines, software, and how big studios operated were all a mystery, and with very few game companies around, internships weren’t really an option. I had to piece everything together on my own.
Once I landed my first paid job, things became easier—finally, my art was paying my bills. But that also introduced a new challenge: not getting too comfortable. Stability was great, but I knew that if I wanted to keep growing, I couldn’t stop. So after work, I kept pushing myself—studying, experimenting, and learning more, always looking for the next challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a diverse background in 2D and 3D art, animation, and immersive technologies. I do illustration and concept art, but my main focus is visual design—crafting experiences where art and technology come together.
Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of games, from casino to AAA, collaborating with different teams and adapting to various pipelines. My background gives me a strong understanding of development processes, allowing me to bridge the gap between art and engineering. I love working at the intersection of creativity and problem-solving, where design isn’t just about how things look but also how they function and feel.
I’m especially proud of where I am today—leading visual design for AR glasses. This field challenges me in the best way possible, bringing together everything I’ve learned and pushing me to explore new ways of blending visuals, interaction, and technology.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Persistence has been key—I’ve heard hundreds of “no” in the past, but I never let rejection stop me. It’s okay to be discouraged, but what matters is pushing forward.
Passion is just as important. Art isn’t just my job; it’s my hobby and something I truly love. That keeps me motivated through any challenge.
And lastly, never stop learning. I am trying to practice different media just to learn new ticks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artstation.com/daria_skrypnyk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariaskrypnyk_art
Image Credits
photos made by Isaiah Kang
