OCA PEOPLE: ALEXANDER SYVAK

OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.
My name is Alexander Syvak, I am the director of MediaCompass and publisher of the international maritime magazine Shipping. I started my media career in advertising and since then my team and I have successfully developed the transport media business. In particular, our magazine ‘Shipping’ is a leading information platform in Ukraine and beyond. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we organised annual international transport exhibitions such as the Black Sea Transport Forum TRANS EXPO ODESA. This helped us to establish ourselves in the maritime industry, become an important media partner for our clients and build our readership. Since 2022 we have been a media partner for conferences on transport, maritime and grain. Our work is very varied and includes a lot of creative work.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative space or life?
AS: My path into the media business was largely intuitive. Starting with advertising, I realized that information services and communication play a key role in the transport industry. The company Media Compass, founded in 1992, was initially involved in the advertising and information business in the automotive sector.
People who create something unique and work for the benefit of society, our country, its economic and industrial development became my role model. My teacher is the experience gained during years of work in difficult conditions of the Ukrainian market. Each exhibition and each issue of the magazine is an opportunity to learn, to develop and to share it with the world.

OCA: What is your main achievement in 2023-2024?
AS: I consider the main achievement in 2023-2024 to be the further development of Shipping magazine on the international stage. We have significantly expanded our readership. It is also worth noting that in the conditions of the war in Ukraine, every company makes enormous efforts to preserve its team and company.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?
AS: The uniqueness of our work lies in the fact that we create information products that have no analogues in Ukraine. Our magazine ‘Shipping’ and the transport forums we organize have become not only a place for information exchange, but also a platform for creating new business connections. We bring together key players in the maritime and transport industries, creating a space for dialogue and cooperation, which makes our activities indispensable for the industry.
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OCA: Tell us, please, about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects that you have already taken part in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?

AS: The Eurasian Creative Guild (London) has been an important platform for me to exchange ideas and network with colleagues from different countries. Unfortunately, due to the war, I have not had the privilege of attending a number of events and meetings organised by the Guild to discuss key issues in the development of the media and creative industries. But I am sure that my team and I will soon be able to participate in ECG events, and it will be a unique opportunity for us to present our projects and share experiences with international partners..

OCA: What is your motivation and the main aim of your creativity?
AS: My main motivation is to see the fruits of our labour and its impact on the development of the industry. We create high quality information products that help companies make a name for themselves on the international stage. My goal is to contribute to the development of the Ukrainian maritime industry, support young professionals and offer innovative solutions that will drive the market forward, even in such difficult times for the country. Today, Ukraine’s maritime industry is subject to daily rocket and drone attacks, and some seaports remain under occupation. The grain corridor and global food security, which depends on Ukrainian exports, are under threat. That is why it is important for us to make every effort to support the sustainability and development of Ukraine’s maritime exports.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people, just starting their career?
AS: Do not be afraid of difficulties and believe in your idea. Every path requires perseverance and constant learning. It is important to find your niche and do something that really benefits society. Look at your competitors as a source of inspiration, but create something unique. And above all, never stop evolving.