‘Every Apple Clears a Path’ is a charitable initiative created by Ukrainian farmer Serhil Zubar, where proceeds from each apple sold go towards demining contaminated areas in Ukraine. With nearly 200,000 square kilometres of former battlefields, villages, roads, and even backyards still riddled with mines, this ongoing crisis prevents many from returning to their homes. Serhil launched this project not only to raise awareness of the issue but also to challenge stereotypes about Ukrainian farmers. Ukrainian farmers can be young, educated, entrepreneurial, and tech-savvy.
The illustration for the apple box was created as part of a 28-day branding illustration challenge organised by Inkygoodness in May 2024 and won the 1st prize. The task set by art director Julia Donchuk was to create a single vector illustration featuring a specific set of characters – a Ukrainian family of four – wearing traditional Ukrainian outfits with a modern twist. The brief also included mood boards, which inspired other elements, sceneries, and colour choices. Each character needed to be placed on a separate layer, allowing the artwork to be rearranged and adapted for different box formats.
Adobe Illustrator was the main tool I used to create the final illustration. To develop the concept, I started with extensive pencil sketches and thumbnails, exploring different compositions and refining character details. These were then scanned and digitally redrawn in Procreate on an iPad, where I experimented with colours, and layout arrangements. Using digital elements created in Procreate, I assembled the composition before vectorising it in Illustrator. The final design ensured the adaptability needed for different packaging dimensions.