Victor Ilie – When Education Meets Art and Becomes Inspiration

Victor Ilie, actor, pianist, and co-founder of Central Art Studio, talks about the power of art and education to transform lives and inspire future generations.

Victor Ilie is a complete artist, yet also a nonconformist of social values. His vision gravitates toward minimalism and common sense, all wrapped in an artistic note. At the age of seven, he began studying piano at the “Casa Sergiu Celibidache” Music School and became part of the Hellenic Dance Community, winning international awards. Through his contact with the stage, he developed a passion for acting and singing, later pursuing the Faculty of Acting.
His greatest boldness—to gain freedom through art in an amorphous society—was expressed through acting.
Theatre and visual art share a common point: the focus on the human being. Over time, Victor learned to immortalize characters, light, and shadow through photography. Out of passion for the human side, he is present at key life events through his photography (www.victoriliephotovision.ro).
His main passion drives him daily to guide children and teenagers through art, helping them gain independence and find their voice on stage.
Victor is the co-founder of Central Art Studio, whose motto is “Education through Art” (www.centralartstudio.ro), where he teaches acting and piano.
His motto is: “Change comes through education; art makes the difference.”

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence that would make those who don’t know you yet curious?
Victor Ilie: My name is Victor Ilie — I love life, people, and music. Those I love see me as a devoted family man; I see myself as a libertine dreamer.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what key moments have defined you?
Victor Ilie: I’m a lucky person simply because my family has supported me throughout my journey and believed in me enough to allow me to do what I love and build a career out of my passions. You know, I don’t feel like I’m working — I just enjoy doing what I love. The journey wasn’t easy — giving up a stable job and founding Central Art Studio 11 years ago with my wife, at a time when there weren’t so many extracurricular activities for children.

C&B: What was the most difficult moment since you opened Central Art Studio, and how did you overcome it?
Victor Ilie: The pandemic was probably the most difficult moment I’ve experienced as both an entrepreneur and an artist. When every kind of human interaction was shut down, Central Art Studio encouraged enrolled children (and parents) to use online chat platforms, and we quickly found a way to stay connected with them (even before public schools went online), bringing joy and dynamic activities that helped combat the anxiety caused by Covid panic. We found ways to continue both the after-school program and all artistic courses (acting, piano, painting) online.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Victor Ilie: Ever since I can remember, the stage has held a special meaning for me — it guided my life. As I like to say: “I caught the stage bug” 😊 — and I never escaped it. But it’s more than that; once I entered this reality, which changed me profoundly, I wanted to share it with others. It’s my way of contributing to change in society. That’s my role — to give something back.

C&B: What did you look like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Victor Ilie: Eleven years ago, I was a young dreamer who believed in himself — and once again, when someone believes in you and supports you, the road becomes easier. Of course, I had my fears — I still do — but experience and time make their mark. I believe it’s essential to believe in yourself!

C&B: If we met your team, what do you think they would say about you?
Victor Ilie: Hahaha! My team would say I’m a perfectionist — I can’t stand superficiality. Maybe sometimes I demand too much because I want things done well. But you know how it goes: we attract what we are, not what we want. I’m surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do — people who love children and put their hearts into their work. In this field, people come and go, but we always stay close to those who resemble us.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve ever made that changed your trajectory?
Victor Ilie: I was in my second year at the Faculty of Management and Marketing when I decided to quit because I wasn’t aligned with myself. I chose to follow my dream of being on stage, so the following year, I enrolled in the Faculty of Acting – Performing Arts.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or your way of making decisions? Was it a natural process or a learned one?
Victor Ilie: True leadership — skipping over academic theories — came through time, money, experience, hard work, life’s challenges, and most importantly, self-trust.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Victor Ilie: Life as an entrepreneur in Bucharest, in the field of education, is not exactly the most relaxing experience. But I love it — I’d be bored otherwise. I wake up with gratitude, but also with deadlines. My mind is full of lists and little moments of satisfaction. Every day I start knowing no two days are alike — I work with children and parents. There are many challenges, many moments when I have to find solutions, and others when I remind myself that I chose to be here.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Victor Ilie: I follow a simple principle: Life is a game — so why so serious?

C&B: How did you come up with the idea of opening Central Art Studio and naming it that way?
Victor Ilie: I started from scratch, participating in a festival dedicated to children’s artistic talents at the Romanian Peasant Museum. The first location was a small studio where we only held artistic classes. It was located in the city center — hence the name Central Art Studio — a simple, descriptive title. But my dream was bigger. In 2017, when my son Marc was born, I felt the need to shift gears and expand the business. I searched for a much larger space, which later became Central Art Studio – After School and Art Courses for Children (acting, piano, painting, dance, summer school, mountain and urban camps during holidays, photo sessions, and themed parties for children of all ages) — the hub that today brings together all the activities a parent could need in one place.

C&B: If you could send a message to those who follow your example, what would it be?
Victor Ilie: Have confidence in your own strength, perseverance, and faith. But above all, remember this: never forget your roots — they’re the ones that keep you grounded!

Through his passion for art and education, Victor Ilie has proven that when you truly follow what you love, you can transform the world around you.