Aika is as international as they get. Kazakhstan born and raised, she's lived all over the world, and is now works between Paris, London and Amsterdam. She's a graphic designer, she's signed to a modelling and casting agency, and is also a guest lecturer in Branding in Paris. Is there anything this girl can't do? An all round icon, we're so inspired by her musings on life, work and purpose. Read on to get to know Aika, and follow her here.

Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

My name is Aika. I’m a multidisciplinary graphic designer and illustrator. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, lived in the U.K, Ukraine, U.S and now based in Paris, France. Growing up between Western and non-Western cultures, art and design have always been my most preferred ways of expressing myself and linking those environments. I think a lot of my personal work reflects that, with the majority of my research addressing socio-political subjects, yet my design and artistic approach has always had an ironic playfulness, yearning and vibrancy to it.

What do you do for work? 

I'm primarily a freelance graphic designer, working across digital and print. I specialize in visual identity, event design, editorial design, branding, illustration and art direction. I collaborate with clients locally and internationally, working between Paris, London, and Amsterdam. What I love most about my work is the variety—each project is a new opportunity to explore a different creative world, keeping me from being boxed into one specific industry. For example, over the past few months, I’ve been working with a film festival in Amsterdam, collaborating with an independent media platform in London focused on beauty, culture, and strategy, and designing event visuals for music-related collectives in Paris and Amsterdam. 

How did you get to where you are today?

After finishing high school in Kazakhstan, I knew I wanted to be in a place where I could provide myself with more opportunities, and to do something in the creative sphere. I never had Paris on the radar growing up, things just aligned at the time for me to come out here. I got a scholarship, and enrolled in a university. During uni, I sought out internships in graphic design, whilst also working at the school’s printmaking studio all four years.

My first design job was in 2019 at Le Doc Studio, assisting graphic designer Alex Balgiu, one of my favorite professors. Through all the corporate stuff that we were learning, he always had a unique perspective on graphic design as an extension of art, which really resonated with me, especially coming from a fine arts background. After graduating, I picked up cafe jobs and interned for different design studios. I worked at an independent studio in Strasbourg with graphic designer Salomé Macquet. I then worked at an international arts residency designing exhibitions, and later at a film production company, where I was part of the art direction team, working alongside film directors and music video producers.

Just over a year ago, I transitioned to freelancing. As much as it comes with its stresses at times, it’s been a very transformative process and I'm grateful for the flexibility and freedom it provides to also focus on personal projects, running a design studio with my best friend, being signed to a modeling+casting agency and co-teaching a Branding and Strategy course at that same university I graduated from.

What does living a good life mean to you?

Having the freedom to express myself authentically, to move through the world without boundaries. Embracing my own tempo, navigating through life’s ups and downs at a pace that feels right for me. Listening to my gut and allowing it to lead me, even when the path isn’t clear. Constantly taking chances on myself, trusting that my passions and instincts will guide me towards fulfillment. It’s about having a strong support system and community around me. Uplifting those I care about and building each other up. 

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

Move from the heart and work hard towards things you care deeply about, you’ll get to where you’re going one way or another

Who’s someone you look up to? 

My mom and my friends <3 

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

Fall in love with the process

What do you dream about?

That good life I described a few questions ago and the rest I'll keep to myself to not jinx it ;)

What is one thing you recommend?

Laugh and enjoy yourself more! Some things are never that deep

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

I could link a whole playlist for this. Sweet Female Attitude - Flowers or Erika de Casier - Do My Thing

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

The hammam at the Grande Mosquée de Paris with your girls or for a solo self-care day,