Diellza Sopi, an accomplished graphic designer, visual artist, and illustrator. With two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in Graphic Design and Visual Arts from International Balkan University (IBU), Diellza’s career has flourished thanks to her passion for art, dedication to her craft, and the skills she honed during her time at IBU.
A Passion for Art and Design
From a young age, Diellza Sopi had a strong connection to the world of art. Her passion for creativity and storytelling naturally led her to pursue studies in both Graphic Design and Visual Arts, a decision that would shape her career. "Each field I explored offered unique experiences that guided my journey," Diellza shares.
Her academic path began with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, where she worked on redesigning and illustrating a children’s book. This project, which involved collaborating with local and international publishing houses, helped Diellza refine her skills and find inspiration through the works of her favorite illustrators.
Her second bachelor’s degree, in Visual Arts, led her to focus on UX/UI design. As part of her studies, Diellza worked on redesigning the IBU-Hello system, collaborating with the IT team. This experience expanded her knowledge beyond the world of design, introducing her to the technical side of creating a seamless user experience.
Diellza’s master’s thesis focused on her lifelong passion for painting, resulting in the creation of a series titled Sublime Horizons. The project, which explored natural landscapes, allowed her to combine technical skill with artistic expression and remains one of the highlights of her academic journey.
Valuable Lessons at IBU
Reflecting on her time at IBU, Diellza credits the university with providing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that laid the foundation for her career. "IBU served as a bridge between my studies and my professional career," she explains. "The professors were passionate about their fields, and their guidance helped me refine my skills and think critically about my work."
Through internships and workshops, Diellza gained hands-on experience that taught her how to navigate the professional environment, preparing her for the challenges of the design world.
Building a Career and Gaining Recognition
After three years of serving as a Teaching Assistant at IBU, Diellza made the decision to focus entirely on her career as a full-time graphic designer. In this role, she worked closely with the IT team and Media department, further developing her skills and learning about the intersections of design and technology.
Alongside her full-time work at IBU, Diellza also pursued freelancing, taking on a wide range of design projects. These included packaging designs, illustrations, and social media content creation, all of which helped her build a diverse portfolio. She also works as an illustrator for a publishing house and as a part-time graphic designer for a design and marketing company.
Some of her most notable projects include:
- An NFT project
- Design work for the EU Commission Conference
- Game character designs
- Published book designs in collaboration with authors
- Branding for companies
- Packaging design for products currently on sale
- Participation in numerous collective exhibitions
Each project has played a key role in Diellza’s growth as both a designer and an artist, helping her to develop a well-rounded skill set and gain recognition in the industry.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Like any successful professional, Diellza has faced her fair share of challenges. From dealing with creative blocks and tight deadlines to navigating technical issues, the road hasn’t always been smooth. However, Diellza’s approach to these obstacles has been one of persistence and self-belief. "No matter how tough things get, I always remind myself that I can do it," she says. "With determination and patience, any challenge can be overcome."
This mindset has not only helped her push through difficult moments but has also fueled her continuous growth as a designer and artist.
Looking Ahead: New Horizons and Creative Challenges
Looking toward the future, Diellza is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. She believes in setting clear goals for her projects but also embraces the unexpected moments and surprises that come along the way. "I try to stay open to new possibilities and adapt my plans as needed," she says.
In the years to come, Diellza hopes to take on larger-scale projects, collaborate with other artists, and continue pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Her ultimate goal is to keep evolving, exploring new creative challenges, and finding innovative ways to express herself through design and art.
Diellza Sopi’s journey from a passionate art student at IBU to a successful graphic designer and visual artist serves as an inspiring example of how education, perseverance, and creativity can come together to shape a fulfilling and successful career. As she continues to grow in her field, there’s no doubt that Diellza’s work will leave a lasting impact on the design and art communities.
