Blanca Doba is a self-taught designer from Romania whose work centres on warmth, nostalgia, and cinematic storytelling. Teaching herself through daily practice, YouTube tutorials, and real-world design briefs, Blanca creates brands that feel deeply human. Drawing on Y2K influences, textured visuals, and narrative-led thinking, she is exploring a path between brand identity, creative direction, and visual world-building.
Tell us about where you study/studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers and if you are self taught, how did you do it?!
I’m self-taught. I started experimenting with Photoshop back in middle school just as a hobby, and recently I wanted to dive deeper into Illustrator as well—so I learned it through YouTube tutorials and a lot of trial and error to really understand the tools. I’ve been practicing almost daily over the past year and began participating in design briefs so I could think each brand all the way through, from creative direction to logos, imagery, and real applications.
I’m really enthusiastic about creating brands that feel warm, personal, and human-related. They all carry a touch of nostalgia; some lean into bolder, Y2K-inspired approaches, which reflects the fact that I’m a millennial still very much in love with my childhood memories. My creative approach probably comes from my love for a good, cinematic story. I began my creative journey by designing theatre and movie posters, but I discovered that through branding you can also tell a very specific story directly to the audience.
I’m still figuring out whether I want to focus on full brand identities or eventually move toward purely creative direction—or even movie props, since I’m a big admirer of Annie Atkins’ work. It feels like there’s so much to discover and learn, and I’m fully enthusiastic about all of it.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I love using Photoshop for creating textured, layered visuals, and I’m still learning a lot in Illustrator. I also enjoy experimenting with visuals in Midjourney—I think AI can be a great tool when used wisely and creatively, especially when a project doesn’t have the budget for extraordinary photoshoots.
Right now, I mostly work alone and at any hour of the day or night, because I want to challenge myself to create on command rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. It helps me understand my limits and build discipline around my creative flow.
I’ve collaborated with other designers and illustrators and genuinely enjoyed the process, so I’m definitely open to working in a team as well. Being self-taught can feel overwhelming sometimes, and I do wish I had a professional mentor—especially for technical guidance—but I’m grateful to have friends in the field whom I can ask for advice. Their support means a lot; having another trusted eye and a community that lifts you up makes the journey feel much less lonely.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
I love seeing new products appear on the market with amazing branding — especially in Romania, where for a long time it felt like branding wasn’t a major focus.
Now things are starting to shift, and it’s so inspiring to watch. For example, I love the Suculent Soda by Pomodoro Design and the Dozz Soda can created by AIN'T Agency.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2026, both for the world and your career?
I’m hoping for the world to slow down a little and find some peace. It feels almost impossible lately, which is heartbreaking, but I’m trying not to lose hope and to do as much as I can as an individual — small acts, small kindnesses, anything that helps.