nikita ustyugov | somenik
communication designer & multidisciplinary creative
branding · editorial · 3D · product design
Final-year student at HSE Art&Design School (2023-27), self-taught since day one. Five years in design, from lead designer at SABAKU to branding and SMM for a China-based clothes-sourcing agency.
experience
# HSE Art&Design School, 2023-27
# SABAKU, Lead Designer, 09.25-06.26
# PODNEBESNAYA, Designer & SMM, 03.26-present
My approach
I work fast and read the client’s request well.
I dig deep into the niche before designing anything.
I’m curious about the whole world and want to try making everything.
so, here’s what I created
PODNEBESNAYA
Branding · Lead Designer · Chinese sourcing agencyConcept: One visual language for a sourcing agency, from identity to everyday social media. Problem: A young agency needed a recognizable face and a consistent presence. Solution: I built the visual identity, run the social media and hold the visual direction. I also take on freelance design projects for the agency’s clients.
Bez Ceremony
Editorial design · University projectConcept: A collectible newspaper that continues the 1896 Nizhny Novgorod industrial exhibition.Problem: Regional business and culture have no shared voice.Solution: A strict four-column A3 grid with oversized, expressive headlines.
Newspaper Layout SpecificationsPublication format: A3 Four-column modular grid Page margins: Top: 25 mm Bottom: 40 mm Inside: 15 mm Outside: 25 mm Column gutter: 5 mm Text aligned to the baseline grid Baseline grid increment and body text leading: 10 pt
3-5-8. SABAKU rebranding
Branding · 2026Concept: A numerical sequence shared by Asian cultures: 3 (Chinese philosophy), 5 (Japanese), 8 (Korean), all Fibonacci numbers.Problem: Team changes, unclear positioning and marketing mistakes stalled growth.Solution: A calm, nature-inspired identity built on simplicity, craft and longevity.
