Inside the Creative World of Nikita Obukhov: Visionary Designer and Founder of Tilda Publishing

Meet Nikita Obukhov, a uniquely passionate individual who has transformed content presentation through his creation of Tilda Publishing, a platform that empowers users to build stunning websites effortlessly. Rejecting the conventional commute, Nikita chooses to walk, embracing movement and mindfulness in his daily routine. He practices workout exercises and starts his mornings with wholesome porridge. Get to know the designer who is shaping the future of web design.

Nikita Obukhov

Designer, founder of Tilda Publishing, head of the FunkyPunky design studio, and web design course curator at the British Higher School of Design.

What drives your work?

As a web designer and art director, my primary focus is Tilda Publishing—a service that enables the creation of impressive websites quickly, affordably, and without large teams. I believe in its promising future, and it continually fuels my creative energy.

Besides that, I lead FunkyPunky, a design studio specializing in custom website projects, and teach an intensive course on 'Web Design and Digital Storytelling' at the British Higher School of Design, held twice yearly.

My inspiration comes from mountains, beautiful people, and excellent typography.

What is your professional background?

I graduated twice from the British Higher School of Design, specializing in Visual Communications—a two-year program for aspiring art directors led by Leonid Feygin, an exceptional mentor who shaped my understanding of design. Before this, I spent five years working as a designer but felt creatively stuck, which led me to pursue further education.

Previously, I earned a traditional technical degree from a polytechnic institute. Although it provided me with a systematic mindset and valuable connections, I realized that continuous learning combined with practical application is essential in the fast-evolving design world.

What skills are essential for a designer?

I love web design because it's highly interdisciplinary. The concept of a T-shaped professional fits perfectly here: deep expertise in one area combined with broad communication skills across various disciplines like photography, illustration, video design, and programming.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I tend to be a workaholic, which helps me stay focused and productive but sometimes limits my time for hobbies and casual conversations.

One of my dreams is to build a cozy countryside home with my own hands.

Describe your workspace.

I work in a fantastic studio at Artplay, featuring high ceilings and expansive windows that create an inspiring atmosphere filled with greenery and vibrant furniture. Together with my colleagues, I personally crafted much of the studio's furniture, including a large wooden table that serves as a hub for work and meetings.

We use moodboards extensively to set project styles and a large whiteboard for brainstorming and planning. My workspace is flexible—I move around the studio, working from different spots, with my laptop always close at hand.

My essential devices include a MacBook Pro 15”, a Wacom Intuos4 tablet, and an iPhone.

What software tools do you rely on?

• Tilda: Our go-to platform for most websites, enabling a 'Content First' approach that emphasizes text, images, videos, and illustrations, saving both time and money.
• Chrome Browser: My preferred browser for efficiency and reliability.
• Email Client: I avoid web-based Gmail for its sluggishness, opting for dedicated mail clients to stay responsive.

Push notifications keep me updated on payments and support requests, ensuring smooth operations. While I traditionally designed in Photoshop, I've embraced coding skills and now enjoy designing directly in the browser using tools like Coda.

On my phone, I manage communications for Tilda and FunkyPunky via separate email apps, and I organize notes and ideas using the Notes app synced with iCloud, which I find more effective than traditional planners.

For design collaboration, I recommend Codesign.io, a platform that simplifies file sharing and feedback with annotated screenshots.

I've minimized distractions by removing Facebook but still engage with Instagram for inspiration.

How do you enjoy downtime?

I’m a fan of podcasts, especially lesser-known gems like 'Model for Assembly' and 'Funk Functions,' which combine great music with insightful content. For relaxation, I listen to 'Music for Falling Asleep' to unwind after busy days.

At the studio, we often play QuizUp, challenging each other’s design knowledge in a fun, competitive way.

How do you organize your time?

Managing a startup involves countless exciting tasks, so planning is vital. We’ve adopted a routine of Monday business breakfasts, where we review past achievements and outline upcoming goals over coffee and pastries. This ritual helps maintain focus and align long-term objectives, such as improving support resources.

Do you have a morning ritual?

Yes, I always start my day with a bowl of porridge—a simple, nourishing meal that sets a positive tone for the day.

I'm happiest when enjoying cookies shaped like fish with a glass of milk.

How do you handle commuting?

I’ve recently given up driving to avoid traffic jams and increase physical activity by walking. I intentionally take longer routes through scenic areas to reach the office, hitting my daily goal of 10,000 steps. In summer, I sometimes bike to work; in winter, I prefer trams, aided by real-time transit apps for convenience.

Do you use paper in your work?

Absolutely. I’m an avid user of paper for sketching prototypes and jotting down ideas. Loose A4 sheets are more flexible than planners, and reviewing old notes is always insightful.

What role does fitness play in your life?

Workout is essential. We've discovered many excellent free outdoor gyms near our office, offering fresh air and accessible exercise options. Exercising together with the team after work is both enjoyable and healthier than conventional gyms.

Top Life Hacks from Nikita Obukhov

1. Books: Aspiring designers should start with Victor Papanek's 'Design for the Real World' and follow a curated reading list to build foundational knowledge.
2. Entertainment: For quirky animated series, adultmult.tv offers unique content like 'Mr. Pickles.'
3. Side Income: If you're creatively inclined but new to web design, use Tilda to create portfolios and websites for clients, turning your passion into profit.

Your life philosophy?

Firstly, challenge is essential. Comfort zones can lead to stagnation and even depression; recognizing this is key to growth.

Secondly, as the novel 'Solaris' puts it, 'Humans don’t need the cosmos; they need each other.' True fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships, not material possessions.

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