Nikita Kaniukov
Art-Director, designer generalist,
content creator.
Ph.D. in design
Creative leader with 15+ years of experience in graphic design, branding, and team management. Proven track record of leading design teams, creating cross-platform visual systems, and delivering innovative solutions for global brands in 55+ countries. Expertise in aligning creative strategies with business objectives, fostering collaboration, and mentoring designers to achieve exceptional results.

Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and video production tools. Proficient in animation, motion design, and AI-powered creative technologies for generating visuals and enhancing workflows. Experienced in photography and video editing, seamlessly integrating multimedia elements into cohesive brand narratives.
Dear Ash Alwis and Team,

I am excited to apply for the Lead Graphic Designer position at Preply. With over 15 years of experience in graphic design, branding, and team leadership, I’ve successfully managed creative teams, developed cross-platform visual systems, and delivered impactful solutions for global brands in 55+ countries. As Art Director at Art-Stein Studio, I led the creation of cohesive brand identities for mobile apps, coordinating designers, developers, and contractors to achieve outstanding results.

Your mission to redefine language learning resonates with my passion for combining creativity with purpose. My expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, animation, and AI-powered design tools positions me to contribute innovative ideas and inspire your talented team. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and help Preply shape the future of education.

Best regards,

Cover letter and PDF portfolio

Best regards,
Nikita
Visual concept for Instagram and a social media advertising campaign for Language Course
Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Media Encoder, Gifox, Notion, Google Sheets

Client: Personal Client (UK)
My role:
• Visual concept and art direction.
• Photo and video shoot, three graphics, color correction, editing, sound design
• Direct work with the client, development and approval of the visual concept, mood boards, references.
Senior Product Designer, with a focus on creating educational content
Skills:
Design Systems: Created and implemented consistent design systems to improve user experience and scalability.
UI/UX Design: Designed user-centered interfaces with a focus on ease of navigation and accessibility.
Team Leadership: Led and mentored junior designers, ensuring timely and quality execution of projects.
Branding: Developed branding strategies and visual identities that strengthened the platform’s image.
Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams (product managers, developers) to ensure project goals and deadlines were met.
Achievements at Yandex Practicum:
• Developed an interactive educational course for aspiring product designers, focusing on branding, product creation, and visual communication.

• Led design efforts to maintain consistency across learning materials, improving the learning experience for users.

• Mentored junior designers, guiding them in creating on-brand visuals for various digital and print materials.
Yandex Practicum Course:
Product Design, 2023
Author: Nikita Kaniukov
Print design
Packaging Design
Social Media
«that one teacher»
I resonate with one of Preply’s brand ideas that teachers play a significant role in a person’s life. Language teachers are not only guides into a world of new connections and potential work opportunities but also professionals whose work is closely related to psychology. In this regard, I am particularly interested in participating in a project that can have such an intimate impact on people’s lives.

My child is learning Spanish at a local school and additionally Valencian on the Preply platform. It would be both interesting and meaningful for me to contribute to your project.

Best regards,
Nikita
Backstage
Nikita Kaniukov
+34635487983 (Spain)
inxnik@gmail.com