Марина

Maryna Sokolyan
Content & Visual Specialist: Research, Editorial & Illustration

CONTACT
[open contact info](look above in the "contact info" section)
[open contact info](look above in the "contact info" section)
Kyiv, Ukraine
LinkedIn profile
Visual portfolio

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Content, research, and visual specialist with a background in Sociology (MA) and 8+ years of experience across editorial, analytical, and design projects.
My strength lies in handling the full cycle of complex content: from qualitative research, fact-checking, and script editing to visual presentation, document layout, and concept visualization using both traditional methods (Adobe CS) and modern generative AI workflows.
Experienced in translating data, narrative texts, and abstract research concepts into clear analytical reports, book illustrations, and visual media.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Visual and Design: Layout and presentation design (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), data visualization, AI concept art and video tools (Google Flow, Krea, etc.).
- Editorial and Narrative: Text editing, terminology verification, script structure, literary editing.
- Research and Analysis: Qualitative research, content analysis, source verification, fact-checking, report writing.
- Languages: Ukrainian (Native), English (Fluent).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR, VISUAL CONTENT DESIGNER & EDITORIAL SPECIALIST
(May 2016 – Present)
- Visual Communications: Designed layouts, infographics, and presentation materials using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Generative AI & Concept Art: Utilized AI tools to develop cinematic storyboards, character design series, and pitch visual assets, combining prompt precision with manual post-processing and composite editing.
- Video & Audio Production: Created narrative book trailers and visual essays, handling full-cycle production: scriptwriting, AI video generation, video editing, and sound design.
- Data Analysis & Publishing Research: Authored independent analytical articles on publishing industry dynamics and genre distributions (e.g., Genre Portrait market analysis).
- Fact-Checking & Editing: Conducted detailed fact-checking, terminology research, and source verification for translated literary works and complex narrative texts.

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER, ROMYR & ASSOCIATES
(February 2003 – May 2016)
- Project Management: Managed complex client accounts, combining market research, communication strategy, and analytical reporting for global organizations (3M, Bosch, GSK, Nuance Communications).
- Executive Editor of "The Romyr Report": Directed editorial operations, led content development, and performed print layout design for a quarterly political analysis publication delivered to international corporate clients.
- Brand & Visual Materials: Designed project logos, visual identity assets, and presentation layouts for client communications and agency PR initiatives.
- Qualitative Research & Audits: Coordinated and participated in high-level qualitative research, including communication audits for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and reputation audits for global brands (e.g., Nestlé).
- Media Monitoring & Analysis: Conducted media coverage tracking, competitor benchmarking, and market environment mapping for pitch proposals and ongoing client strategies.
- Executive Reporting: Drafted complex analytical reports and strategic presentations for international institutions (IMF, UNDP).
- Training & Facilitation: Designed and delivered training for the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on conducting field interviews to assess economic expectations.

ACCOUNT MANAGER/ PROJECT MANAGER, ROMYR & ASSOCIATES
(October 1997 – January 2003)
- Media Monitoring & Content Analysis: Performed regular media monitoring, news analysis, and content categorization.
- PR Strategy Support: Contributed to research-backed strategy development and proposal preparation.
- Facilitation Support: Participated in communication training for UNDP representatives.

SCRIPT EDITOR (PART TIME), UKRAINIAN MEDIA GROUP (UMG)
(Jan 2006 – February 2007)
Wrote and edited screenplays for a TV-series. Worked with authors, directing their work from loglines to finished screenplays.

EDUCATION
Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (2002)
North County High School, MO, USA (1995–1996)

SELEСTED CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Content Marketing Certification, HubSpot Academy
Book Illustration and Design, Litosvita

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- “Genre Portrait" — Analytical Industry Overview (in Ukrainian), Independent Publication, 2025
- "Communication Audit: The Human Factor" (in Ukrainian), Kyiv-Mohyla Business Studio, 2004