Artmask group

I have been working in design for over 18 years, but this journey started much earlier—ever since I was a child, I loved drawing, experimenting with form and color, and, most of all, surrounding myself with beauty. I was always fascinated by how well-designed things can influence people's emotions and experiences. This passion naturally led me toward design, which has become not just my profession but also a way to express myself and shape the world around me.

We’re a design studio working at the intersection of business and art. We create bold ideas, apps, platforms, websites, video and 3D animations, to help companies succeed. We think holistically, considering everything from company history to product and services. We use them as pillars shaping the brand’s identity. We believe our generation deserves bold ideas and pioneering companies.

Design is a reflection of who we are—it shapes our experiences, evokes emotions, and influences the way we interact with the world. It’s something we connect with on a personal level, whether consciously or subconsciously, and it plays a crucial role in what we choose to trust and surround ourselves with every day.

I love designing works that combine aesthetics with functionality, creating experiences that not only look beautiful but also serve a meaningful purpose. Whether it’s branding, user interfaces, or product design, I enjoy projects that challenge me to find the perfect balance between creativity and usability. I’m especially drawn to designs that evoke emotions, tell a story, and make a lasting impact on people’s lives.

One of my favorite projects is the logo and visual identity redesign for the National Museum in Poznań. It was a unique opportunity to blend tradition with modernity, creating something that would reflect both the historical significance of the museum and its openness to contemporary trends. The project required careful attention to preserve the institution's heritage while giving it a fresh, modern look that would attract today’s audiences. The challenge was finding the perfect balance between these two aspects, which made the project incredibly rewarding.

The first project I created for a company was a logo for a small, local business. It marked the beginning of my professional career in design, so it holds a special place for me. I had to balance simplicity with uniqueness, creating something that would be easily recognizable and memorable. This experience taught me the importance of understanding a brand's identity and values in order to create a design that authentically represents it.

My favorite material is definitely paper – its texture, feel, and possibilities for printing allow me to create unique, authentic designs. When it comes to technology and platforms, I particularly appreciate Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop. These powerful tools give me full creative freedom while providing precision and control over every detail of the project. With them, I can bring my most ambitious ideas to life.

I usually feel most creative when I have a moment of peace and quiet, where I can focus on my work without rush or pressure. I also find inspiration in travel and everyday situations—observing people, nature, or art. These moments often spark new ideas and solutions in my mind. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping away from my desk for a moment to gain a fresh perspective on a project and feel a burst of creative energy.

When designing, I focus primarily on the balance between aesthetics and functionality. I want the design to not only look appealing but also serve its purpose and be user-friendly. Consistency is also crucial to me—both in color schemes, typography, and the overall visual tone, so that the design is recognizable and coherent across different contexts. Additionally, I always try to incorporate elements that evoke emotions and capture attention, creating a unique experience for the user. I also always include a hidden message, symbolism, and references to the roots of the project, making the design more authentic. Subtle details that reflect the brand’s history, values, or the culture it comes from allow me to create a design full of depth, with an additional emotional and intellectual layer that the audience can uncover.

When designing, I feel a range of emotions that change depending on the stage of the process. In the beginning, there’s excitement and energy—when the idea sparks, I feel thrilled by the possibilities the project holds. As the process continues, my emotions shift to focus and satisfaction from overcoming the challenges required to bring the vision to life. There’s also a sense of joy when I see my ideas come to life and take form. Finally, when the project is complete, I feel proud of the outcome, but also a slight nervousness about whether it will meet others' expectations.

When my designs come to life, I feel a mix of pride, satisfaction, and excitement. It’s an incredible feeling when I see my ideas, which I’ve worked on, take shape and start functioning in the real world. It’s also a moment of reflection, when I notice how my designs impact the environment and the audience. There’s often a sense of joy that I’ve contributed something valuable and unique to the world, but also a little bit of anxiety because there's always the desire for the next project to be even better.

A successful design is one that effectively blends aesthetics with functionality, meeting the needs and expectations of users. It’s important for the design to be not only visually appealing but also practical, intuitive, and easy to understand. Consistency is another key aspect of success—a design must be coherent in every detail, from color schemes to typography. Moreover, a successful design emotionally engages the audience, evoking the right reactions and building a strong connection with the brand or product. Ultimately, the design should be timeless, durable, and adaptable across different contexts.

When judging a design as good or bad, the first aspect I focus on is its functionality. The design must first and foremost fulfill its purpose—being useful and easy to navigate. Next, I look at the aesthetics—whether the design is visually pleasing, well-balanced, and if the colors, typography, and other elements work together harmoniously. Another important aspect is consistency—the design should be cohesive across all parts, from visual identity to functional details. Finally, I assess how the design emotionally impacts the audience and whether it has the potential to evoke the desired response.

From a designer's perspective, responsibility toward society and the environment is a crucial aspect of the job. First and foremost, designers should create projects that are inclusive and accessible, ensuring they are useful to a wide range of users. It's important to consider the needs of diverse groups, regardless of age, ability, or culture, during the design process. Moreover, designers bear responsibility for the impact of their work on the environment. The selection of materials, technologies, and production processes should prioritize sustainability and minimize negative effects on the planet. Designs should be durable, recyclable, and reduce waste. Designers also play a role in shaping societal and cultural values, so it’s their responsibility to create work that promotes positive attitudes and helps build a more conscious and better society.

The field of design is constantly evolving, and its future will be closely tied to the growing integration of technology, sustainability, and user interaction. We will increasingly see the importance of interaction design, UX/UI, and data-driven design as designers will need to respond to user needs in a more dynamic and personalized way. The future of design will also be shaped by the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), which open up new possibilities for designers. Artificial intelligence may assist the creative process by automating certain tasks but will also present challenges related to ethics and responsibility in design. Sustainability will remain a key element of the future of design, as societies become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment. Designers will need to use more eco-friendly materials and create designs that promote the longevity of products and minimize their negative impact on the planet.

Although I don't organize my own exhibitions, my projects have been featured in various exhibitions, including those recognized by the A'Design Award. The commemorative medal for the 19th Poznań Marathon has become part of the collection at the Museum of the Wielkopolska Uprising in Poznań, and several logos I designed have gained recognition and been published in prestigious design-related publications. Each of these events is an opportunity for me to share my passion and inspirations with a broader audience.

My inspirations come from many sources, both from nature and everyday life. I always try to observe the world around me, noticing details that others might overlook, and transforming them into ideas for projects. I am also inspired by travel—the diversity of cultures, architecture, as well as the traditions and art I encounter in different places. Many inspirations also come to me from books on art history, design, and from books about the golden ratio, which provide a crucial foundation for creating harmonious and aesthetically pleasing designs. I also often turn to literature on corporate design, as it helps me better understand the needs and values that should be emphasized in corporate projects. I feed my creativity with contemporary art, music, and film—each of these fields gives me a new perspective on forms, colors, and space.

Less is more... :) My design style is definitely minimalist yet full of details. I aim for every element of the design to have a purpose and function while maintaining an aesthetic harmony. I appreciate simplicity, but I'm not afraid to experiment with form, color, or typography to give the design a unique character. I always strive for a balance between aesthetics and functionality – the design should not only be beautiful but, above all, practical and easy to understand. This approach to design has evolved over the years, especially through the experiences I've gained working on projects that required me to create solutions that are both modern and practical. Attention to detail plays an important role in my style – the details may be subtle, but they are striking in their simplicity. I am also a fan of designs that carry a hidden message or symbolism – this adds depth and meaning for me.

I live in Poland, in Poznań, a city rich in history that blends tradition with modernity. Interestingly, Poznań is conveniently located just 3 hours away from both the sea and the mountains. This gives me a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from both the seaside landscapes and the picturesque mountain views, which are within easy reach. Poland, with its diverse landscapes, history, and culture, has a significant impact on my designs. I draw from tradition but also from contemporary elements that shape our national identity. The advantages of living and working in Poland include access to unique cultural resources and inspiring places. The ability to draw from local artistic and craft traditions allows me to create designs that are deeply rooted in the Polish context. On the other hand, a challenge can sometimes be the conservatism in the approach to design, especially in certain industries where traditional thinking still prevails. However, this also presents a great opportunity to introduce innovative solutions that break out of established patterns.

When working with companies, I always begin by understanding their needs, goals, and the values they want to communicate. Each project is treated individually, so establishing close collaboration with the client is key for me to fully grasp their expectations and vision. The process often starts with consultations where we discuss business objectives, target audiences, and the company's character. Then, I move to the research phase—analyzing the market, competition, and user preferences to create a design that will effectively communicate with the audience. After preparing initial concepts, I share them with the client and together we discuss possible changes and refine the details. It's important to me that the design aligns with the company's values while also serving its practical and aesthetic purposes. Collaboration, for me, is a process of continuous communication and iteration until we achieve the final result that meets the client's expectations. With the vast majority of clients, we establish long-term relationships, and often we become friends. These kinds of relationships not only allow us to create successful projects but also to continue nurturing and developing the creative line we've established as their needs and trends evolve. Long-term collaboration enables us to respond effectively to changes and adapt the design to new challenges.

My suggestions for companies looking to collaborate with a designer are based on a few key principles. First and foremost, it's important for the company to clearly understand its needs and goals that it wants to achieve through working with a designer. A well-defined goal and vision help both the company and the designer in executing the project. It's also important to remember that design is a process that requires openness to communication and change. Often, new ideas emerge during the project that can influence the final result, so flexibility and collaboration at every stage are essential. Openness to innovative solutions is also key, as well as avoiding sticking to old patterns and doing the same thing that others in the industry are doing. Often, companies in a given industry get used to repeating what their competitors do, which can lead to stagnation. A well-chosen designer will help step beyond those patterns, creating something unique that will set the company apart from others. It’s valuable for the designer to be open to experimenting with new ideas and technologies, rather than simply replicating what’s already popular in the market. When choosing a designer, it's also important to check whether their style aligns with the one you like. Every designer has their own unique approach and aesthetic, so it's important that their style matches the vision and identity of your company. Reviewing the designer's portfolio will help see if their previous work meets your expectations and whether the quality aligns with what you're looking for. Another key aspect is the ability to understand business goals and the capacity to create solutions that are not only aesthetic but also functional. A well-chosen designer should be creative but also practical, able to fit into the brand strategy. Effective communication and punctuality are also important traits to consider.

My design process is based on several key stages that help me create solutions tailored to the client's needs while maintaining high quality and consistency. The first step is thoroughly understanding the client's needs – it's very important to learn about their goals, values, and target audience. This way, I can design something that is not only aesthetic but also functional and appealing to the audience. Next, I move to the concept creation stage. During this time, I gather inspiration, do research, analyze the competition, and look for solutions that can make the project stand out. It's important to be open to experimentation and different styles to find the one that best represents the brand or project. Once the main direction is clear, I move on to creating initial sketches and mockups. This is when I test various visual solutions, layouts, typography, and colors to find the best combination. Communication with the client is very important during this stage to gather feedback and adjust the project according to their comments. After the initial concept is approved, I proceed to project execution. At this stage, I focus on refining the details so that the final result is cohesive, aesthetic, and functional. I often check how the project performs in different contexts and how it can be used in practice – for example, on a website, in print materials, or on advertising media. The final stage is implementation and feedback. After the project is completed, it's important to monitor its effectiveness and gather feedback from users and clients. This allows me to further improve the project if necessary.

Wooden furniture in Scandinavian style – I appreciate simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Furniture in this style perfectly fits my sense of aesthetics and harmony in space. They are both elegant and practical, making me feel comfortable at home. A cappuccino cup – It's not just about the coffee for me, but a small ritual. I love elegant cups that make drinking cappuccino a pleasurable experience. This moment of relaxation with a cup of coffee brings me peace and allows me to take a break. Potted plants – I love surrounding myself with plants that give my home a warm and natural character. Each plant adds a unique touch that brings harmony and freshness to the interior. Plus, taking care of them gives me a sense of satisfaction and calm. Abstract sculptures and paintings inspired by nature – I like to bring elements of art into my interiors that blend abstraction with nature. Paintings and sculptures that may refer to the shapes of plants, trees, or landscapes, but in a more symbolic, artistic way. For me, it's a way to add depth and emotion to the space. Large windows, plenty of natural light – I love when my spaces are filled with natural light. Large windows and glazing make the interiors feel more spacious, and the light fills them with warmth. It also allows me to feel closer to nature, which is very important to me.

My day usually starts early in the morning when I wake up to prepare for the challenges ahead. The first thing I do is have a healthy breakfast to fuel me for the day. During this meal, I often watch the awakening of nature through the window in the dining room – the trees, birds, and morning mist, which brings me a sense of calm and harmony to start the day. After breakfast, I get in my car and head to the office. Once I arrive, I begin my work – designing. I have my first coffee at the office, which helps me focus and fully concentrate on the tasks for the day. During the day, I work on various projects, but I always try to find time for a break – whether it’s a walk or a moment with a cup of cappuccino. These moments help refresh my thoughts. Sometimes, I meet with clients or consult their needs to understand their expectations and create a project that aligns with their vision. In the evening, after work, I try to relax, unwind, and spend time with my partner and family. My day ends in a pleasant atmosphere, with thoughts of the challenges ahead.

Read about the Dunning-Kruger Effect and embrace humility: This phenomenon happens when we feel like experts and stop recognizing how much more we still have to learn. Even after many years in the industry, there's always room for growth and learning. Understanding this effect will help you avoid excessive (negative) confidence, especially early in your career. Be open to learning and constructive criticism; this will help you create outstanding projects and achieve success. Don’t fear criticism: Every project is an opportunity to learn, and while criticism can be tough, it’s a valuable clue for improvement. Listen to others, learn from your mistakes, and take every negative feedback as a step toward better designs. Remember that design is not just about aesthetics, but also functionality: Strive for projects that are not only visually appealing but also functional and serve their purpose. Good designs combine beauty and pragmatism. Experiment and find your unique path: Don’t stick to established patterns. Design is a field for experimentation and exploration. Try new techniques, materials, and styles. Find your own original approach that sets you apart from other designers. Learn from the best, but never copy: Inspiration is important, but your projects must have uniqueness. Admire others, but always keep in mind what makes your designs stand out. Always keep an open mind: Design is constantly evolving. Be open to new technologies, tools, and approaches. Don’t close yourself off to change and be ready to move with the times. Pay attention to the details, but don’t forget the bigger picture: In design, every detail matters, but it's equally important that the whole works as a cohesive unit. The project must function as a harmonious whole, with details completing that unity.

The positives of being a designer include the opportunity to express creativity, solve real-world problems, and the satisfaction of bringing ideas to life. Design also allows for continuous learning and growth, as each project presents new challenges and perspectives. Additionally, designers have the opportunity to work across various industries, which gives them the chance to explore different fields, meet enthusiasts and experts from industries they may have never heard of, or wouldn’t have had access to in another career path. On the downside, being a designer comes with pressure to meet deadlines, client expectations, and tight budgets. It can also be mentally exhausting to balance creativity, practicality, and the client’s/project’s budget. Working with clients often involves handling criticism and feedback. Additionally, maintaining originality in a saturated design market can be a challenging task.

My "golden rule" in design is "Simplicity and functionality above all." I believe that less is more, and a design should primarily be clear, intuitive, and functional. I focus on ensuring that each element of the design has a purpose, fulfills a specific function, and holds significance within the context of the overall project. The whole should be harmonious and cohesive, with every detail, even the smallest, impacting the final result. A well-designed product/design/service is one that works intuitively, perfectly meets the user's needs, and creates a seamless experience without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

The most important skills for a designer include creativity, the ability to think outside the box, and creating innovative solutions. Technical skills are equally crucial, including proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma, and an understanding of printing principles, typography, and digital interface design. A designer must also be able to listen to the needs of users and clients in order to deliver functional and aesthetic solutions. Communication is essential as well, since a designer needs to express their ideas clearly, collaborate with teams and clients, and present their work in an understandable way. Attention to detail is another important aspect, ensuring that every element of the design contributes to the overall project. Problem-solving skills are vital, as design often involves finding solutions to complex challenges. Finally, a designer should be open to feedback and able to accept criticism, as this allows for continuous growth and improvement of their skills.

In my "toolbox," I have a variety of tools that support the creative process at different stages of design. The foundation of my work is design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), which I use to create graphics, logos, and printed materials. For interface and app design, I use Figma and Sketch, which allow for quick prototyping and team collaboration. Pencil and paper are my basic tools for sketching concepts and initial ideas, especially when I want a freehand, hands-on approach to design. An essential part of my creative process are books. I have a collection of publications on golden proportions, typography, art, and design. I like to read both books that expand my knowledge of design history and those that explore new trends and techniques in the industry. When I need inspiration, I often turn to online platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Pinterest, where I can discover the work of other creators and browse the latest projects. Of course, I don't forget about nature – the world around me, daily observations, landscapes, and street art are also an endless source of inspiration.

Managing time in the design process is a crucial part of my work. I use an approach based on planning and task prioritization. At the beginning of each project, I make sure to define clear goals and stages, creating a roadmap for execution. I understand that each project has its own unique requirements, so I break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This helps me focus on specific tasks without feeling overwhelmed by the whole project. An important key to success is also the ability to delegate certain tasks, especially when a project requires collaboration with other specialists, such as developers, copywriters, or the fantastic team of graphic designers at Artmask. This allows me to focus on what I do best, while the rest is handled by the team.

The time it takes to design an object from beginning to end depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the project, client requirements, material availability, and the stages of the design process. For simpler projects, like basic graphics, the process may take a few hours or days. However, for more complex projects, such as logo design, this time can extend to several weeks, or even months. At the beginning of the design process, I usually allocate time for research, gathering inspiration, and client consultations. Then comes the sketching, prototyping, and iteration phase, which often requires multiple revisions and testing. After finalizing the design, there is typically the implementation phase, which can also take some time depending on the necessary adjustments.

The most frequently asked question I get as a designer is: "How long does it take to create a design?" Clients are often curious about how much time I need to create a logo, website, or graphic, and what the process looks like from concept to final product. I usually respond by saying that the time frame depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the project, client requirements, the number of iterations, and the intricacy of details. An important factor is also the client's level of involvement and the amount of information provided at the beginning of the project. The more detailed data and clear expectations I receive, the faster I can proceed with the execution. In every case, I strive to deliver a high-quality product in the shortest time possible.

The most important job experience has been my first projects with institutional clients such as museums, cities, and government offices. Working with these types of clients helped me gain valuable skills in designing with the specific needs of public institutions in mind. It required not only creativity but also the ability to adjust projects to formal and budgetary requirements, as well as close collaboration with various stakeholders. This experience significantly influenced my approach to design and helped me understand how important it is for design to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and aligned with the mission of the institution.

Among my clients are prestigious brands such as BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Viessmann, as well as internationally recognized organizations like WWF. I also collaborate with various regions, museums, and cultural institutions, creating projects that not only meet their needs but also stand out in terms of aesthetics and creativity, engaging audiences and leaving a lasting impact.

I enjoy working on projects that combine creativity with practicality, particularly in areas like branding, visual identity, and environmental design. The challenge of transforming an organization's values and mission into a visual form that resonates with its audience fascinates me. I find satisfaction in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a functional purpose, whether it’s a logo that reflects the spirit of a company or a space that enhances the visitor experience. Every project is a new puzzle to solve, which is what makes design so rewarding for me.

My future plans involve further growth in design, particularly in the areas of spatial and branding design. I aim to expand my skills by working on increasingly complex projects that combine various design fields, such as digital experiences, architecture, and service design. I also have the ambition to collaborate with international clients and institutions, creating projects with a global impact. The future is also a time for exploring new technologies, such as artificial intelligence in design, which could change the way we design and think about aesthetics and function.

My projects are sometimes the result of individual work, and other times the result of team collaboration. I run a small graphic design studio where I work with professional graphic designers and developers. Although I handle some tasks on my own, in many projects I prefer to collaborate, as it allows for complementary skills and the creation of more comprehensive solutions. However, I always make sure to maintain full control over each stage to ensure consistency and high quality in the final result.

I’m currently working on several exciting projects, one of which is a rebranding and logo design for another museum. It’s a special project that allows me to combine my passion for history and culture with a creative approach to visual identity design. It’s still a secret for now, but I can’t wait to share more details soon! I’m also working on projects related to the green transformation, which include initiatives supporting sustainable development and innovative ecological solutions. The challenge is to create visual identities that not only meet market needs but also promote an environmentally conscious approach. These ongoing projects are exciting because they allow me to push the boundaries of design, taking into account factors such as functionality, user experience, and sustainability.

One thing I’d like to highlight is the importance of collaboration and open communication in design. No matter how skilled or experienced you are, design is a collaborative process. Whether you're working with a client, a team, or even other professionals outside the design field, understanding their vision, feedback, and input is crucial to creating the best possible outcome. Listening actively and adapting ideas based on input can lead to richer, more well-rounded projects. I also believe that a great designer is someone who never stops learning. The design world is constantly evolving, and staying updated with new tools, technologies, and trends is essential to stay relevant. I make it a point to explore various aspects of design that might seem unrelated at first, as this helps bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the table. Lastly, I want to emphasize the value of design in making a meaningful impact. Design is not just about making things look good; it’s about solving problems and making a difference, whether it’s through sustainability, improving user experience, or simply making something more accessible. Every project is an opportunity to create positive change.