Employee Highlight • Inna Valchuk

Meet Inna, our Creative Design Specialist, who contributes to building and evolving ARSGEM's brand across all touchpoints. She ensures that every visual—whether it's a social media post, internal document, or event collateral—reflects ARSGEM's brand look.

"The combination of creative thinking and technical skills is crucial to succeed in my role. Key competencies include problem-solving, effective communication, creativity, and teamwork." - Inna Valchuk

PART ONE • MEET INNA

Briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Inna Valchuk, and I am a Creative Design Specialist. I recently celebrated my two-year anniversary at ARSGEM.

What makes your role unique?   

As a Creative Design Specialist, my role is unique because it offers a comprehensive view of ARS/Global Emergency Management from multiple perspectives—service, marketing, internal communications, and brand strategy. This broad understanding allows me to shape the company's visual identity in a way that's not only consistent but also deeply aligned with our values and goals. 

In my role, I actively contribute to building and evolving ARSGEM's brand across all touchpoints. I ensure that every visual—whether it's a social media post, internal document, or event collateral—reflects ARSGEM's brand. Internally, I collaborate with various departments to support their goals through effective visual communication, helping to foster clarity and cohesion across the compan

What’s your favourite part of your job, and why?

My favourite part of the job is shaping and maintaining ARSGEM's visual identity. I enjoy the challenge of translating abstract ideas into clear, consistent, and engaging visuals that resonate with both internal teams and external audiences. It's rewarding to see how strong design can elevate communication, build trust, and help define how people perceive the company.

Inna working in a coffee shop

How do you define success in your role?  

To me, success in a creative role means consistently growing—both creatively and professionally. It's about staying current with evolving design trends, continuously exploring new tools and technologies, and deepening my expertise in specific areas that elevate the quality and impact of my work. At ARSGEM, I've had the opportunity to enhance my skills through hands-on experience with various Adobe Creative Suite tools, while also experimenting with emerging AI technologies. I also view success as developing soft skills, like leadership and collaboration. That's why I've been actively working on my ability to lead projects, give and receive feedback, and effectively support team members. These goals help me ensure that I'm not only meeting immediate expectations but also building a strong foundation for long-term growth in the field. 

Can you share a recent challenge you faced at work and how you handled it?

 A recent challenge I faced was managing multiple design responsibilities at once—social media content, internal documents, and branding support for a new company initiative—all with overlapping deadlines from different teams. As the in-house designer, I often wear many hats, and this period required extra organization and focus. To manage it effectively, I used our team's task calendar to prioritize and schedule each request clearly, ensuring that progress was easy to track and deadlines were visible. I also relied on my personal to-do list to stay focused day-to-day, and crossing off completed tasks gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivation. This system helped me stay organized, meet deadlines, and maintain a high standard of quality across all projects.

Teamwork is a big part of what we do.

How do you help create a strong, collaborative team environment?

One of my favourite aspects of my job is working closely with my team. I believe that a strong, collaborative environment starts with a positive attitude and mutual respect. I contribute by fostering open and honest communication, actively listening to others, and making sure everyone feels heard and valued. I also believe in sharing knowledge and supporting one another's growth—whether that means jumping in to help during busy times or encouraging ongoing skill development so we can all improve together.

What skills have helped you succeed in your role? 

The combination of creative thinking and technical skills is crucial to succeed in my role. Key competencies include problem-solving, effective communication, creativity, and teamwork. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, strong typography skills, and a solid grasp of design principles are essential. To grow in a design role, it's important to stay adaptable and focus on continually developing your skills.

Inna with her computer

How do you keep up with industry trends and best practices? 

I stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices by regularly following design blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts from creatives and agencies I admire. I also enjoy exploring platforms like Behance and Dribbble to see how others solve visual problems, especially in branding and digital content. When time allows, I take short online or in-person courses to build specific skills. Staying curious and connected to the design community helps me bring fresh ideas into my work and keep evolving as a designer.

Our core values are Trust, Integrity, Exceeding, and Teamwork. 

Where do you see these values in action at ARSGEM?

ARSGEM's core values are reflected in our day-to-day work and team culture. Trust is a key part of how we collaborate—there's a strong sense that everyone is accountable and committed to delivering their best, which creates a reliable and supportive environment. Integrity shows up in how we communicate openly and honestly, even when things get challenging, allowing us to stay aligned and move forward with clarity. Teamwork is evident in cross-functional projects, where different departments come together to share ideas and solve problems. And the drive to exceed is something I see in the attention to detail and high standards we hold ourselves to—whether it's in the way we continuously improve our internal tools or support one another during tight deadlines. 

PART TWO • WORK & GROWTH

What’s one piece of advice that has made a big impact on your career?

One piece of advice that has made a big impact on my career is to stop comparing myself to other designers and instead focus on my own growth. It's common in the design field to experience imposter syndrome, especially when constantly exposed to other people's polished work. I've learned that measuring progress against my past self, and not other designers, helps me stay motivated and confident in my abilities. That shift in mindset reminds me that progress is personal, and it helps me stay motivated and confident in my path as a designer.

What was your first job, and what did it teach you? 

My first job in the design field was as a Graphic Designer for the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF). I was responsible for designing a magazine layout that featured films, articles, special events, and more, as well as creating social media graphics to promote the festival. It gave me a valuable behind-the-scenes look at what goes into organizing a large-scale festival—from creative direction to logistics. That experience taught me how design plays a key role in shaping public perception and bringing events to life. It was a unique and rewarding start to my career.

Who was a mentor, teacher, or leader that made a lasting impression on you, and why? 

One person who’s made a lasting impression on me is Chris Do, the Founder and CEO of The Futur. His content has been a constant source of inspiration, especially when it comes to the business side of design and building confidence as a creative. He shares knowledge in a clear and practical way, making complex topics such as pricing, communication, and personal branding feel approachable. His mindset and teaching style have helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a creative professional overall.

If you could attend any event, past or future, what event would you choose, and why?

If I could attend any event, I’d choose the DesignThinkers conference in Toronto. It’s one of the most respected design events in Canada and brings together a wide range of creatives—from branding experts to UX strategists. I’d love the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, gain fresh insights, and connect with other designers who are passionate about pushing creative boundaries. The event is a great chance to explore new perspectives and apply fresh ideas to creative work.

Inna outside the coffee shop

What’s a small daily habit that helps you stay focused or motivated? 

One small daily habit that keeps me focused is reviewing and updating my task calendar at the start of each day. I take a few minutes to check for new design requests, adjust priorities, and shift deadlines if needed. Keeping everything organized helps me stay on top of my workload, manage time more effectively, and feel more in control of the day ahead—which keeps me motivated and clear on what to tackle next. 

PART THREE • A LITTLE MORE

What’s a hobby you’ve picked up that surprises people? 

A hobby that often surprises people is that I make pottery. As a creative person, I naturally enjoy working on hands-on projects outside of design, and pottery has been a passion of mine for over a decade. I originally learned the craft in various studios around Toronto, and in 2023, I began building my own home studio to create more freely. It's a meditative and rewarding process that allows me to express creativity in a completely different way.

If you had to pick one movie to watch forever, what would it be? 

If I had to pick one movie to watch forever, it would be The Godfather. I'm a big fan of the series—the storytelling, cinematography, and character development are timeless. No matter how many times I watch it, I always notice something new.

Favourite ice cream flavour?

Pistacio gelato is my go-to flavour!

Favourite music or artist?

I really enjoy music that blends neo-classical, ambient, and minimalist styles. Some of my favourite composers are Ludovico Einaudi, Fabrizio Paterlini, and Nils Frahm—whose work often includes subtle electronic elements. Their music helps me focus and sets a calm, creative tone for my day. 

If you could live anywhere (real or fictional), where would it be? 

If I could live anywhere, I'd choose the coastal side of Europe—somewhere in Spain, Portugal, or Italy. I love the relaxed pace, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture, all of which feel creatively inspiring. Being near the sea with access to great food and art would be an ideal lifestyle for me.

What is your favourite season and why? 

Definitely autumn! I love crisp fall mornings with fog over the river, the earthy smell of fallen leaves, and the satisfying crunch they make underfoot. There's something calming and nostalgic about the season that makes it my favourite.