«I love paper.»That was the first piece of the puzzle in the picture of my future.
When I turned ten, I hardly imagined that printing would become my profession. Perhaps I didn't even know the exact meaning of the word. But what I remember very well is the late 1990s and my daily route from school, which ran past a cardboard factory that made cardboard and paper packaging. I remember hiding and peeking into the basement windows, eagerly watching the production process in the workshop: how the printing press, the platen press and other equally fascinating equipment worked. It was spectacular and fantastic. Sometimes I forgot I had to go home. I must say that printing equipment at work still gives me that same childhood delight.
As often happens in life, our youthful dreams drive us forward. They come «bundled» with «random» events, encounters, people… And here I am, a student at the Publishing and Printing Institute of Kyiv Polytechnic (KPI). «I love paper!» I say confidently, almost defiantly, to a classmate who asks what I'm doing here.
Printed products surround us everywhere. We need them in our everyday lives; moreover, without them no specialist could develop, and there would be no scientific and technological progress or global change. I realised this during world history lectures, and I will never tire of thanking my teachers for their brilliant teaching. So already in my school years I «played» at printing as best I could: I made paper, experimented, ran a column in my lyceum's newspaper, did interviews, designed all kinds of wall newspapers, and went on tours of newsrooms and that very cardboard factory...Behind my choice of a publishing and printing degree back in 2007 was the chance to finally put my love of the production process into practice. Because it matters for the world, my country and people. That is how I will contribute to a better tomorrow.
From the age of 16, I worked from time to time at printing companies and advertising agencies. I tried my hand as a journalist-interviewer, publishing project manager and assistant director. Every project I worked on was a challenge and an opportunity to prove myself, improve my skills, understand what really matters to each side – «client and contractor», «manager and employee», «author and reader» – and realise the value of an intellectual product and the need to properly protect copyright.
Looking back, I see that every stage of my life prepared me to start my own business, giving me the chance to gain theoretical knowledge and, even more importantly, practical skills not only in production and technological processes but also in pre-press preparation.
Today I have the honour of being a publisher and working with a wonderful team. We will create books that enrich our readers' inner world, inspire and educate them. I strive for every one of our projects to be of the highest quality and to meet the needs of its audience.
Books have the power to change the world, broaden horizons and open up new opportunities. I am truly delighted to share this passion with you and to bring such publications to life!
With great enthusiasm and gratitude,Sofiia Savych