Ryta Portnova is a Content Creation and Online Marketing student at SAE Lverpool who originally hails from Ukraine.
She moved to the UK as the conflict in her homeland began and started working in a restaurant before joining SAE in September 2024. Many of her subsequent projects have aimed to celebrate Ukrainian women and culture.
In our interview, she shares more about her work and how her studies at SAE have helped develop her creativity. If you’re interested in joining a similar course, then contact our team now.
How did you get started in photography? Have you always had a passion for this?
I was never interested in photography from a photographer’s perspective. Despite the fact that I had experience in photography on the other side of the camera – as a model. The first time I picked up a professional camera was here at university, and I really liked it. I think the main motivation was the right choice of subject for the photo, which inspired me a lot.
How did you find your way to SAE?
It was a very spontaneous decision. I have been doing offline business all my life, but I have also tried to keep up with modernity and new trends and implement them. I took various small courses in design, content and online marketing. After I lost my offline business, I finally decided that I need to immerse myself more in online work. In addition, for me it is a chance to show my uniqueness and creativity.
How has the course been useful for you? What have been the most important things you’ve learned?
When it comes to photography, everything was new to me. I am very grateful to our teachers, because to teach you how to shoot with a professional camera in three months is a very short time. But we did it!
I am really proud of my projects and want to thank the lecturers again for their patience and the experience they have shared.
your work aims to celebrate your homeland of Ukraine – could you go into some more detail on the different projects?
Despite the multi-nationality of the UK, Ukrainians occupy a very small percentage of the population, especially until 2022. I think that many British people did not even know what kind of country it is and where it is located. And I am very pleased that I can tell and show a little more.
If we talk about university projects, then they are connected with Ukraine. For example, a website created for a Ukrainian woman who bakes desserts here in England, or my podcast showcasing stories about how businessmen who remained in Ukraine have survived and developed during the war.
With these projects, I do not want to cause a feeling of pity, I wanted to convey to others that, despite the very incomprehensible times that we are experiencing, there is still a place for development and creativity. And ordinary people prove this every day.
In terms of extracurricular projects, this is the organisation of charity events. I am currently preparing for the May event, Vyshyvanka Day, together with a Ukrainian designer who currently lives in Liverpool. We are currently sewing ancient national costumes and modern versions. This project inspired me to create the show.
What are you hoping to do after the course?
I want to continue working in this direction to improve my video skills. And create my own brand. I already have a few ideas. Hopefully, my studies will help me implement them.
Are there other areas of content creation you’re looking to explore as part of your studies?
Of course, it would be ideal to understand them all. At the moment, the most understandable is photography. I plan to continue doing photo and video, and in the future, I may consider more podcasts too.
What would you advise anyone looking to study the degree?
Education is the best thing you can do for yourself. This is something that no one can take away from you. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for my knowledge and skills. It’s not always possible to get support from your family or the government. Therefore, in any unclear situation, only your experience and knowledge can act as a real support.
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