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about

I'm ilka apocalypse, a multidisciplinary designer, photographer and architect with extensive experience in creating visual projects for international clients. Holding a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of São Paulo (Brazil), complemented by a year as a visiting scholar in the Master’s in Design program at Politecnico di Milano (Italy), I combine analytical and structural skills with an artistic eye. I now live in Portugal and work remotely with clients around the world.

 

The experience of living in a few different countries over the years has shaped me into a global citizen and an advocate for freedom for all beings. I find endless inspiration and learning opportunities in exploring new places and in connecting with people, nature, cultures and languages. Working with clients from so many different backgrounds is an extension of that — it brings the same sense of discovery and learning to my daily work. When approached with kindness and openness to diversity, I truly believe these are the richest experiences one can carry. This perspective fuels my creative process, allowing me to translate complex emotions into clear, yet soulful, visual narratives.

 

Passionate about all forms of art, I consider myself a multifaceted professional who is able to make unusual connections between different subjects. My constant aim is to create original, human-centered projects while maintaining structured and cohesive solutions.

education

Universidade de Sao Paulo (FAUUSP), Brazil

2011 – 2017

/ Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo e de Design

/ Architect & Urban Planner

Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy

2014 – 2015

/ Scuola del Design
/ Visiting Scholar, Design Exchange Program;
/ Full Merit Scholarship granted by CAPES, Brazil.

Decatur High School, United States of America

2007 – 2008

/ High School Diploma

prizes,
exhibitions,
publications

(2025) Vistaprint article "Top 10 graphic design trends to experiment with in 2025"

(2024) designboom article "10 inspiring graphic design trends for 2024"

 

(2022) 99Designs “Creativity with a Conscience” award

/ Nominee

(2022) Jacobin Brasil "O trabalhador coletivo livre", portrait of Sérgio Ferro.

 

(2020) Design Competition for the new IPVC Institutional Brand | Viana do Castelo, PT

/ Honorable Mention

(2019) Book Rodrigo Brotero Lefèvre e a ideia de vanguarda no Brasil. Author Miguel Antonio Buzzar. SESC Edições. Portrait of Sérgio Ferro.

(2018) ArchDaily Brasil, "Sérgio Ferro: ensino, crítica e artes plásticas", portraits of Sérgio Ferro.

(2015) Fuorisalone, Design Week | Milan, IT

/ Exhibition “Aesthetics of Misery” — “La Cattedrale” project.
/ Exhibition “DesignXDesigners” — “Turisti in Centro Italia” photo-essay.

(2015) Interni Magazine (n. 5, May 2015)
/ Featured Publication "The Young People of Piazza Bausan": design works developed at the Politecnico di Milano Design Lab, led by Professors Andrea Branzi and Michele De Lucchi.

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“I was looking for a brand & graphic designer to bring my nonprofit to life and reached out to Ilka after discovering her work online. From day one, she listened deeply, embraced our vision, and guided us through every decision with confidence. The brand package she created is a smart blend of strategy and creativity, and it’s elevated everything we do. Ilka is professional, responsive, and a joy to work with. The value was excellent, and I continue to rely on her as part of our team. I can't recommend Ilka highly enough!"

Debra Alexander

Co-Founder, PlantPowered Foundation, Inc.

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