Altan Design

We were happy to collaborate with the Shevchenko Foundation on the design and layout of their 2026 Annual Report.

The Foundation plays an important role in supporting Ukrainian Canadian arts and culture, helping artists, organizations, and cultural initiatives bring their ideas to life. The report brings together many of these projects and reflects the creativity, energy, and diversity of Ukrainian cultural life across Canada.

For us, this made the project especially inspiring. While working on the publication, we explored the stories behind many of these initiatives, and listening to the Foundation’s Kultura Rising podcast brought even more context and inspiration to the creative process. All of this helped shape the report's visual language, rhythm, and character.

The 2026 Annual Report is now available to explore online.
https://shevchenkofoundation.com/

Earlier this winter, our studio created the commemorative coin design for the Vyshyvanka Association of Canada to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Vyshyvanka Day in Canada.

The design draws inspiration from Ukrainian embroidery traditions and the rich visual heritage of Indigenous cultures in Canada. One side features traditional Ukrainian floral ornamentation, while the other presents a stylized red-and-white maple leaf interpreted through decorative forms. Behind them, a textured, fabric-like structure references the textile foundation of embroidery, extending symbolically from East to West and connecting both cultures through heritage, craftsmanship, and shared identity.

Projects like this require not only a creative vision, but also a deep understanding of the production process itself — including the possibilities and limitations of sculpting and minting technology. Throughout the process, we collaborated with the producers to refine the artwork, relief depth, textures, and compositional balance to ensure the final piece would translate successfully into metal.

Last week, we were honoured to attend the Ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where the commemorative medals were presented to Members of Parliament and leaders of the Ukrainian Canadian community.

We would like to sincerely thank the Vyshyvanka Association and Volodymyr Palagniuk for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful cultural initiative and celebration.

Event photography by Maryna Shum and Misha Lytvynyk

Happy International Design Day!

“Design is not art. Design is solving problems.”
- Otl Aicher
The real skill isn’t making something look good, it’s making it work so well no one questions it.
Hard Truth: If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s decoration.

“Design is not art. Design is solving problems.”
- Otl Aicher

The real skill isn’t making something look good, it’s making it work so well no one questions it.

Hard Truth: If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s decoration.

We are looking forward to being part of this upcoming event with the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association (UCPBA Toronto) — a community that brings professionals and entrepreneurs together to connect, share knowledge, and support growth.

We’ll be sharing insights on brand development, focusing on how clear positioning helps present your brand and business more effectively.

Mark the date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Trident Events, 145 Evans Ave., Toronto
🎟️ Register here: https://startups360_UCPBA.eventbrite.ca

Topics of the forum:
• Funding insights & access to capital
• Sales strategies that drive growth
• Branding & market positioning
• High-value networking with founders and professionals

It is a great opportunity to gain practical insights and meet the right people. Hope to see you there! 👋