Faculty Profile: Iryna Molodecky

Iryna Molodecky

Iryna is a professor of Advertising and Creativity, a Creative Problem Solver, workshop facilitator and creativity enthusiast. She has a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art from York University, a Masters Degree in Creative Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Creativity and Change Leadership from Buffalo State University's International Centre for Studies in Creativity. 

Iryna brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creativity and creative problem solving as well as over 25 years of experience as an award-winning art director and creative director at a number of Toronto ad agencies. There, she developed successful brands and campaigns, motivated teams and delivered results.

Her multi-disciplinary background in advertising, design and illustration has helped shape her 35 year career. Versatile and multi-talented, Iryna has honed her skills in all mediums including broadcast, print, web, video and a variety of digital platforms including an innovative interactive kiosk for Safeway. She also has several book designs and over 500 published illustrations to her credit.

Since 2008, Iryna has been a dedicated and passionate educator focused on developing her students’ ability to think and solve problems creatively, motivating them to reach their full potential, and guiding them to successful careers in advertising.

Iryna is a member of the Advertising and Design Club of Canada, the Art Director’s Club and The One Club of New York. She has been a judge for the ACE Awards (Advertising Club of Edmonton).

Iryna Facilitating Brainstorming Activities with Students

Please state which courses you teach within the post-grad program, and why are you passionate about this course(s)? 

The courses I teach are the two creative advertising courses: Creative Communication Arts and Creative Strategy and Development. Not only do these courses provide a foundation for developing creative communication materials (copywriting, design and digital skills), they also help develop creative thinking skills. I believe that the most important work and life skill today is creative thinking and creative problem solving which is why I place such an emphasis on it and weave it into all the lessons. 

How long have you been with Sheridan? What is your favourite part about Sheridan?

My creative journey in education began in 2008, when I left the advertising industry after 27 years to teach at Sheridan. It was serendipity that I started this next chapter of my life at an institution that was just beginning its own creative journey to be recognized as a global leader in undergraduate education renowned for creativity and innovation. In 2010 I joined the Creative Campus Task Force and have been an active member since. Being at an institution that is dedicated to preparing students for the 21^st century, and addresses the development of the whole person with a focus on creativity and innovation, has ignited my passion for learning and teaching for creativity. 

Advertising Class on Set of Video Production:
Pizzelle Cookies

What do you think the greatest strength of the post-grad program is?

Sheridan’s AdvertisingPost-Grad program is a comprehensive program that provides students with solid understanding of all roles within an advertising agency. Through applied learning, students obtain practical, critical thinking and creative problem solving tools, as well as current research and digital software that they can apply to any area of the industry. As professors, we care about our students, motivating and guiding them to successful careers in all areas of advertising. 

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a post-grad education in Advertising?

Advertising gives you a chance to exercise your creativity for a practical purpose. Unlike Marketing, it’s where strategy meets creativity. If you are someone who likes to work with ideas, who can think with both the right and left side of the brain, and who wants to explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving, then a post-grad education in Advertising may be for you. 

Iryna with Sheridan Students and Client