Egor Shtefan

About

Hello everyone, my name is Egor Shtefan, I am a 3D artist with an architectural education, the ten-years architectural practice and an architectural license behind. Why I have jumped from the design to the archviz is another story, but I like the archviz. Generally, because I have an opportunity to work with the architects and studios from all over the world, and I am not linked to the location.

In 2004, I got acquainted with 3DsMax for the first time having often created working visualizations for my designs in the course of my architectural practice. But in 2017, I decided to be seriously engaged in the commercial archviz. Since that time I have managed to work with a studio from Israel (3Division) and a very talented Ramka studio from Kyiv.

Attitude to 2014

My attitude to 2014, occupation of the Crimea and a part of Donbas. All this was very unexpected and painful for me. My childhood and student years are connected with the Crimea. Where I have not been there, it cannot be counted, how many of my hikes and various adventures are connected with the Crimea. Having occupied the Crimea, Russia has stolen a part of me. After 2014, I was not talking about any visits to occupied Crimea.

The war in Donbas also tragically passed on my family, therefore, I had something to tell the authors of the expression “What were you doing within eight years?” Generally, my activities during this period were connected with the volunteer designs, depressed cities in Donbas and the architectural competition in the same region. I also completely abandoned the commercial designs with Russian counterparties, travels to Russia and its satellites.

I have the great plans connected with a relocation before the war. I have assembled a powerful and very compact workstation about which, by the way, I have a detailed highlight on Instagram.

24th of February

On the 24th of February I had a dramatic day for me, maybe like everyone. After that, when my wife and I realized what had happened, we were having heated arguments with our mothers on the subject, whether to remain or to evacuate (from Kyiv) almost the whole day. In the long run, on the 24th of February, late in the evening, after the hysteria and pressure from relatives, we loaded the most necessary things and our mothers into the car and went to the West.

The first day and a half I had spent behind the steering wheel getting to Ivano-Frankivsk wherein we stayed in the flat of our friends. Then, we have rented a flat. The first weeks can be described by the word “a chaos”.

Volunteering and Army

Then, after that when we have rented a flat, and I have become convinced that my closest relatives have been in safety, I started to search something to do for myself. I had an opportunity to take some orders for the archviz, but I was not able to be engaged in creative activities – my head was spinning from the news, and I wanted to do anything for the common good, for a victory.

Within a certain period of time, I tried to be a volunteer and help my wife with her powerful volunteer projects, but a little latter I had decided for myself that some my skills could be useful in the Army and went to the Military Enlistment Office. Looking ahead, I must say that I still failed to use these skills, but I was not worried about that.

Generally, my decision was a shock for my family. I understood this. Therefore, without consulting anybody, I put my family before the fact. Then, they have accepted my choice.

All clients asked, whether I needed anything. Some of my end customers also went to war, and we are keeping in touch already on a military theme. Somebody helped as a volunteer and with the equipment.

All friends and colleagues are constantly asking, whether my unit needs anything, and all this is very pleasing. Supporting one another and uniting of the Ukrainians are the most pleasant impressions for me during this terrible war.

The service takes place in spurts: sometimes I have the impression that I got stuck in any place as in the limbus or in Groundhog Day, then suddenly an order to start packing is given to you, and you are sent to any new location from the hiding place. Lots of stories have already been collected, and all this is an archive for gatherings with friends and relatives after the war.

As a good, I can note that all soldiers and officers (with minor exceptions) are very friendly to each other (I was expecting much worse). As a bad, it is the fact that a lot of stupid Soviet habits and military bellendery are still present in the Army. It is possible to publish a whole book about the latter, which will be very funny for everyone besides the militaries.

Attitude to Russians

I do not maintain relations with the relatives from Russia for a long time. As to the friends on the social networks from Russia, there have remained just a few adequate contacts, with which I sometimes communicate. Very many colleagues have left from there.

The Future

This war will last for long unless any miracle happens. Thus, perhaps its intensity may be reduced, because it is difficult to maintain such intensity of military operations being observed in the autumn and in the first half of the summer. But now I see neither quick recipes nor ways to end it. In my opinion, even Putin’s death will not change the situation radically.

However, after the victory, Ukraine is expected a quick revival and recovery. Glory to Ukraine, Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Death to the Enemies!

We are very thankful to Egor for finding the time for this short story. If you like it too, please say thanks and support the author below in comments on his socials — instagram.com/egorshtern