Vanja Vizner

I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but as a child, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be. In elementary school, my art teacher, Alen Miller, encouraged me to develop my skills, and I even passed the entrance exam for art school. Unfortunately, my family couldn’t afford for me to attend, so I had to find my own path. I grew up in a creative environment that profoundly shaped me. My father was a photographer and an early IT enthusiast, my grandfather painted nature, portraits, and church frescoes, and my mother nurtured my sense of creativity and possibility. We were one of the first families in my town to have a computer, which sparked my fascination with blending art and technology. I became involved with Kulturni centar mladih Kutina, where I discovered graffiti and found the confidence to express myself creatively. My friends and I also revived a space called "Baraka," turning it into a hub for music and art. Later, in Rijeka, I began experimenting with Photoshop, creating album covers, T-shirts, logos, and other small design projects. Attending the Lost Theory Festival was a transformative experience—it introduced me to the psychedelic movement and connected me with the visionary art scene. Inspired by Neil Gibson’s work and the community I discovered there, I returned to creating art and began exploring themes of truth, universality, and the deeper aspects of human experience. These principles now form the foundation of my work.

"Art of Core" was founded in 2015 in Serbia with the vision of creating a collection of visionary digital artworks for a clothing brand, while also providing a platform to showcase my artistic works. The first collection included six visionary paintings and two animations, and I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting both nationally and internationally. Looking ahead, I aim to create a new subgenre of visionary art that centers on clothing design. My goal is to expand "Art of Core" to not only produce unique fashion pieces but also explore multimedia art, combining audio, video, and projections to create immersive experiences. This fusion of art and design is the future of the brand, bringing visionary art into new realms of self-expression.

For me, design is the perfect balance between chaos, structure, and natural beauty. Chaos brings unpredictability, originality, and innovation, allowing for unique creations. However, without a strong structure, it can become too abstract and disconnected. On the other hand, if everything is too structured, it can feel rigid and impersonal. I believe the true beauty of design lies in embracing natural imperfections—those organic details that give a piece both uniqueness and familiarity, making it feel alive and authentic.

In my designs, I focus on expressing spiritual philosophies and my own spiritual realizations. I tend to combine Occidental and Oriental philosophies, blending deep knowledge from both traditions in a way that remains tangible and relatable. I like to connect universal concepts that offer profound knowledge but are still grounded in human understanding, allowing people to easily correlate with them. One could say it’s a holistic approach to reality, capturing the essence of both the seen and unseen in a way that speaks to the individual.

It is difficult to choose one favorite design since everyone brings their own field of creativity. I really like the design works of Neil Gibson for their psychedelic expressions and intricate formations, Fabian Jimanez for their colorful fluidity and Hakam Hisim for their script-like expressions and color experimentation .

My debut artwork, "Trinity," was the first design I created for Art of Core, establishing the foundation of our artistic portfolio.

My recent favorite material is wood, which I find both natural and versatile in my work. In terms of design tools, I primarily use graphic design software like Affinity Photo and Photoshop, along with a Cintiq 13HD pen tablet for precision and flexibility in creating my designs.

Creativity often sparks unexpectedly throughout my day, but I find that late nights or early mornings are the most conducive for inspiration. I have no trouble tapping into my creativity; it's easy for me to shift into a creative mindset and start designing. My passion for it makes the process feel natural and effortless.

When designing, I focus on balancing rational elements with experimental ideas. I combine human knowledge with visionary exploration to create something meaningful. For me, the narrative takes precedence over aesthetics, as I believe the story behind the design guides the overall concept.

In the beginning, it was a frustration to find my artistic vision, style, and approach. However, I learned to navigate the process, handle and learn from mistakes, and use them to my advantage. After that, it became much more fluent since this experience provided a solid foundation for transforming frustration into satisfaction.

I’m always satisfied with the work I publish because I take the time to carefully refine it. At times, I feel proud of my skills and accomplishments. However, for more complex pieces, I’m just relieved to finish them and feel a sense of release when I can finally share them with others.

The process of creating a successful design depends on the art form, the idea the designer aims to express, and the audience it’s intended for. While the design should follow certain rules to some extent, it should not be confined by them, as breaking free from these constraints can lead to innovation and originality.

When evaluating a design, I consider several factors. First, I look at its originality and whether it offers a fresh perspective or supports existing ideas. I also assess the clarity of the message it aims to convey, how effectively it communicates that message, and the potential impact it will have on its audience. On a more personal level, I also consider how the design makes me feel and the kind of energy or vibration it evokes, wondering where it might originate from—its roots or source.

If we take the whole artistic and designer movement throughout the centuries, artists were always aiding human development in its ascension as well as its downfalls, providing society with a broader image of human, natural, and unnatural elements. I think the responsibility that designers bear is to stay closely connected to reality while they try to find a way to spark creativity in society and develop further.

I think that design is evolving more than ever before. We are exposed to so many great and innovative designs, followed by so many developed techniques and ways to do design, that we don't have to struggle with what our predecessors may have faced, such as opportunity, lack of resources, etc. The future of design may lead to combining all of those artistic techniques to create some new combinations and transferring them into the digital realm, as well as combining the digital realm with traditional arts.

My last exhibition was in August 2024, called "We Did This" and was held in the Westmeath council building in Mullingar, Ireland. It will be a collaborative multi-disciplinary exhibition created by Crane Bird Studio & Art School and the All Life Arts community.

The inspiration for my work comes from exploring human nature and abilities, as well as a deep fascination with spiritual knowledge and texts. I aim to portray my spiritual growth through my art, so there is always an element of progression that drives my creativity. Even the most mundane tasks fuel my creativity. I draw inspiration from different streams, including human knowledge, a direct connection with nature, and my personal expression of these elements.

I would describe my style as visionary visual scripts. I’ve always been fascinated by the psychedelic and visionary art movements, which inspired me to develop my own approach. My style is vibrant in color, filled with intricate details that interconnect to form a picture with both message and meaning. I typically start with a core idea or base sketch, then leave room for experimentation. I believe in striking a balance—if my approach is too rational, it stifles creativity, but if it’s too irrational, it can become chaotic. It’s about harmonizing the rational and abstract, or the left brain and right brain.

I currently live in Ireland. I haven’t really used any cultural heritage from my home country or my current country, but I probably will incorporate it in the future. In my experience, Ireland's rich cultural heritage, financial support, and strong community spirit offer invaluable support, but it also suffers from regulatory constraints and occasional cultural conservatism.

The energy you use to hold yourself back is the same energy you can use to move forward and take action. My advice to young designers is to listen and learn from those who inspire them, while also recognizing what to avoid from those they don't want to emulate. Every person shows you a unique part of the universe that you may not have seen before. Find your own path through it, and, in the end, share that journey with society.

For me, the golden rule in design is to always stay authentic with the message or purpose behind the creation, while allowing creativity to flow freely and organically.

To be patient, active, decisive, and able to adapt to a situation.

My toolbox includes a pen drawing tablet, along with software like Affinity Photo and Photoshop for creating 2D graphics. For 3D graphics and animation, I use Cinema 4D. When working on physical wood engravings, I rely on a Dremel 4000 with a flex shaft for precision.

In managing my time, I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. However, finding a balance often means sacrificing social and nightlife activities to meet project demands.

The time it takes to complete an artwork varies significantly. Some pieces may be finished in as little as a week, while others require several months of work. The most complex project I’ve undertaken took close to eight years from start to finish.

Most often, the question is, "What software did you use to create it?" and "How do you create your art?"

One of the most important lessons I've learned in my career is getting comfortable with pricing my services and requesting payment upfront. It's about finding the right balance and working with clients who truly value what I offer.

I find the most enjoyment in drawing and painting, whether digitally or traditionally. Recently, I've also developed a passion for wood engraving.

I plan to create a white collection to solidify my artistic legacy and delve deeper into 3D. Expanding beyond just clothing design, I envision "Art of Core" as a platform that merges visionary art with multimedia elements like audio, video, and projections to create immersive experiences. Looking ahead, I aim to introduce a new subgenre of visionary art focused on clothing design, blending fashion with digital expression in innovative ways. In the long term, I also aspire to build a collaborative space where artists can showcase their work, exchange ideas, and contribute to a creative community. "Art of Core" has always been about pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, and I’m excited to continue exploring new possibilities while fostering a space for others to do the same.

I have several works-in-progress. One painting will feature inspiration from Ganesh.

I can be reached through the contact email on my website, or via my social media accounts.

I grew up in a creative environment that profoundly shaped me. My father was a photographer and an early IT enthusiast; my grandfather painted nature, portraits, and church frescoes; and my mother nurtured my sense of creativity and possibility. We were one of the first families in my town to have a computer, which sparked my fascination with blending art and technology.I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but as a child, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be. During elementary school, my art teacher, Alen Miller, played a key role in encouraging me to develop my skills. By the end of elementary school, I had passed the entrance exam for art school. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I wasn’t able to attend, so I had to find my own path. I became involved with Kulturni centar mladih Kutina, where I discovered graffiti and found the confidence to express myself creatively. My friends and I also revived a space called "Baraka," turning it into a hub for music and art. Later, in Rijeka, I began experimenting with Photoshop, creating album covers, T-shirts, logos, and other small design projects. Attending the Lost Theory Festival was a transformative experience—it introduced me to the psychedelic movement and connected me with the visionary art scene. Inspired by Neil Gibson’s work and the community I discovered there, I returned to creating art and began exploring themes of truth, universality, and the deeper aspects of human experience. These principles now form the foundation of my work.

What motivates me to design is the love of exploring, experimenting, and self-expression. I became a designer because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do with my life. It’s not just something I truly enjoy, but it also comes effortlessly to me. Designing feels like a natural and integral part of who I am.

It’s a bit of both. I always wanted to be a designer, but there were many challenges along the way that required me to push through. Despite those obstacles, my passion for design kept me on track, and I eventually found my path.

I started with my first art collection, Black Edition, which completed a significant portion of my body of work. Since then, I’ve developed various 3D techniques and plan to create a batch of album art. Going forward, I want to focus more on clothing designs and, eventually, collaborate on creating art and visuals for stage performances. I’m excited to expand into these areas and continue evolving my creative expression.

Stay curious and never let fear hold you back. Embrace mistakes as stepping stones and always trust in your unique perspective. The key to becoming a legend is authenticity and persistence—staying true to your vision while being open to new ideas and learning from the world around you.

A good designer can execute the principles of design well, but a great designer goes beyond that. They transcend traditional rules, bringing something innovative and purposeful to the table. They infuse their work with meaning and a deep connection to both their craft and the world.

A really good design stands out by its ability to captivate and resonate. When I evaluate design, I first look for originality, whether it presents a new angle or offers a unique interpretation of existing ideas. I also consider its ability to communicate its message clearly and effectively, making sure that its purpose is evident and accessible. A good design also holds emotional power, evoking feelings or thoughts that stick with the viewer, creating an impact beyond its initial appearance. Additionally, I assess its energy—how it feels and how that feeling is conveyed through the design's structure, flow, and details. I believe that true design should go beyond the visual, connecting to something deeper, whether it’s its source, meaning, or message.

Good design transforms experiences, solves problems, and fosters connections. It goes beyond aesthetics by enhancing functionality and improving interactions. It adds lasting value, evokes emotions, and brings joy through meaningful details. Investing in good design enhances both the practical and emotional aspects of life, contributing to higher quality experiences. Ultimately, design is one of humanity’s greatest achievements—creation itself.

I would like to design for a clothing brand like Neo4ic, not only creating for them but also achieving and maintaining the level of success and influence they have. Their approach resonates with me, and I admire the way they’ve built and sustained their brand.

The project I haven't yet had the chance to fully realize is creating VJ animations and designing immersive VJ spectacles. It's something I've been working towards.

My secret recipe for success in design includes authenticity, patience, wisdom, resilience, and persistence, and all is driven by action. These are qualities that are common in a winning mentality, no matter how long it takes to achieve my vision.

I draw inspiration from designers and artists who push boundaries and innovate fearlessly, such as Neil Gibson, Fabian Jimenez, Hakan Hisim, Nate Khouli, Salvador Dalí, and H.R. Giger.

Neil Gibson’s Paramatrix stands out to me for its organic, futuristic grid design, full of details that break the grid-like system with organic formations. Nate Khouli’s holographic and futuristic clothing designs, Neo4ic are another favorite. They showcase incredible attention to detail, not just in the design itself but in how the entire process, including branding, product placement, and execution, comes together. Both of these works push boundaries, turning unconventional ideas into something extraordinary, whether it’s through biological-like formations, fluid motions of color, or advanced, futuristic designs. I find them inspiring for how they balance beauty with bold, innovative thinking.

My greatest and most ambitious design is Spirit Specter; it took 7 and a half years to finish. It encapsulates the themes of transformation, growth, and balance. The artwork is divided into stages—Nature, Human, Karma, and Union—which symbolically represent the journey from the physical to the spiritual. The design's strength lies in its ability to combine complex spiritual and philosophical concepts into a harmonious visual narrative, inviting self-reflection and personal growth.

I believe that growth comes from embracing lifelong learning, experimentation, and authenticity. For me, it was all about pushing boundaries and being open to feedback at all times. I worked hard to reflect on my mistakes and used them as opportunities for growth. A key part of the process is always being curious and staying humble in the face of what you don’t yet know.

Photography or filmmaking would have been natural alternatives. I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling, and both fields offer a different way to capture and communicate the essence of human experience, much like design does.

At its core, design is an approach to solving a problem. For me, design is like playing with color, form, and motion.

There are a variety of people who have helped me along the way; some of them gave me great insights, some tested my knowledge, and some of my biggest supporters are people I have never met.