Here’s how you can support the humanitarian effort and creatives in Ukraine
By Charlotte Hope-Shannon
As the news of the war in Ukraine continues to unfold it’s easy to feel helpless whilst we sit, separated physically from the catastrophe of Russia’s invasion, in our homes of immense privilege. With vivid reports of civilians fleeing their country, children orphaned at the border and pregnant women ambushed in targeted shelling, it is difficult to process such deliberate acts of aggression in 2022.
With this invasion dubbed the first tik tok war, various Ukrainian and Russian artists and creatives are taking photojournalism to a new unparalleled level, documenting the devastating impact of war as businesses, art and culture are ruined. According to the UNHCR, the number of civilians fleeing Ukraine has now reached over 4 million, making it the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
The creative industry works as a compass for our evolution, and it is a flame we must continue to fuel. Many Ukrainian artists and small businesses have been forced to abandon their work, as art and cultural representation has been devastatingly destroyed. Words simply do not suffice.
Creativity takes courage, and this is what, as an industry, we are always seeking to establish. So, whilst our feelings of helplessness are indeed justified, we must use the same creative courage seen within our industry of art to increase our support to Ukraine in ways previous wars have never seen.
So, from downloadable artwork and logo templates to ready-to-use assets and fashion initiatives, here’s how we can help support Ukrainian creatives and provide critical aid to families fleeing the conflict.
Etsy Small Businesses
Larina Magic Art: Artist from Kherson, Ukraine – beautiful original watercolour oil paintings and graphics available for immediate, digital download.
Artist from Lviv, Ukraine – children’s illustrations, nursery art, personalised gifts, mother & baby prints all available for immediate, digital download.
Embroidery artist from Kharkiv, Ukraine – embroidery PDF patterns for craft projects, available to download immediately.
Artist from Kyiv, Ukraine – Original artwork and digital listings available to download.
Other great businesses include:
Aradya Toys: Crochet toy maker from Kyiv, Ukraine – Crochet toy patterns available to download.
Olga Art UA: Artist based in Kharkiv, Ukraine – Paintings available for digital download.
Support more Etsy Sellers in Ukraine here.
My Wardrobe HQ Stand With Ukraine Initiative
My Wardrobe HQ are supporting Ukrainian designers through the sale of blouses made in Ukraine. This edit showcases the beautiful blouses personally designed by Snezhana, a supplier based in Ukraine, and her team who will receive every penny of sales made thanks to your support. This will give the designer and their team work to go back to and access to additional funds to help support their families. 100% of all revenue goes to Ukrainian small businesses.
Creative Market
Design focused marketplace, Creative Market, helps speed up your creative projects with carefully crafted assets that are easily customisable. Including thousands of fonts, graphics, templates, web themes, and design resources. CM have curated a list of ready-to-use assets from creators based in Ukraine and are donating $50,000 USD to the International Rescue Committee, which provides emergency aid for refugees.
TAT London
Interior jumble shop, TAT London, as selling items with all profits from these pieces going towards supporting the people of Ukraine.
Other Ways To Donate…
withukraine.org; Save the Children’s Emergency Fund; British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal; Choose Love Ukraine
