Excellent diploma defenses in the Graphic Design major

03 July 2025

Two of the most outstanding students in the Graphic Design major at Varna Free University — Vanesa Sabkova and Nadezhda Hristova defended their diploma projects today and were awarded excellent grades.

Vanesa Sabkova impressed the state examination committee with her author's development of the font 'Rodovest' — inspired by the Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet and church calligraphy. The project went from a drawing with golden ink to a fully functional font with two stylistic sets, Cyrillic and Latin. In her work, Vanesa includes examples of the font's application — cards, a book cover, typographic posters and culturally oriented communication. She works under the scientific supervision of Assist. Prof. Ani Dimitrova, who congratulated her for her courage, consistency and high quality of implementation. Assoc. Prof. Diana Sotirova highly appreciated her respect for tradition, and Assoc. Prof. Kapka Manasieva, Head of the Department of Arts at the university, emphasized the strategic decision to develop the Latin script font, which expands its potential. During her studies at Varna Free University, Vanesa, who is Vice President of the Student Council, created a cover and illustrations for a book offered on Amazon, and implemented a number of graphic solutions for the Consulate General of Italy in Bulgaria.

Nadezhda Hristova presented not just a graphic concept but a fully functional interactive educational mobile application 'Zufi' designed for students from 1st to 4th grade. The application offers a quiz game, a choice of animated characters (such as a panda, an otter, a platypus, etc.), virtual stickers, a store, notifications, challenges and game mechanisms. Nadezhda has developed designs for over 150 screens and has implemented rich visual and functional elements. She works under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viktor Petkov, who emphasized her diligence, discipline and exceptional creativity. Her project received high grades for excellent organization, thoroughness and masterful stylization. During her studies, Nadezhda won a competition announced by Varna Free University and became the author of the design of the packaging of the university candies.

The diploma defenses of Vanesa Sabkova and Nadezhda Hristova demonstrate the high quality of the education in the Graphic Design major at Varna Free University. Students work in-depth on real projects, develop their own visual language and professional portfolio. The individual attitude of the teachers, combined with a practical focus and modern technologies, creates a creative environment in which any idea can turn into a realized project. The university builds a vibrant and supportive community in which original concepts are born and the future visual artists of Bulgaria and Europe are shaped.