About me

 Studying Graphic Design at degree level would be an opportunity for me to explore concepts of design in more detail and broaden my knowledge in that field. I have almost completed a Graphic Design course at BMC, where I've been studying since 2010. During this period I gained a basic understanding of the design process, design principles and typography. I have improved my software skills, experimented with materials and techniques as well as gained experience in photography. This course is a suitable continuation of my desire to create original, attractive and effective outcomes. I'm quite comfortable using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Progression in using professional software will allow me to communicate my ideas in a more accurate way.
   There is nothing more exciting for me than starting a new project. There is nothing more rewarding if I manage to get an idea across and present it in a successful way. It's also extremely encouraging for me to see that things can always be better, simpler, more relevant or more appealing to the audience. I strongly believe that developing ideas, refining them and choosing the most suitable solution is a key to progression. I have some educational background in graphic design, strengthened by additional graphic projects made for friends and for my own purposes. I have designed event advertising posters and leaflets as well as some information posters for food business. I have also completed four years of psychology studies, which in my opinion gave me a better understanding of people's behaviour- an asset when considering my target audience for corporate identity, advertising or dealing with prospective clients. In addition, I have many years of experience in customer service role. I used to work as Junior Key Manager in a FMCG (Fast Moving Customer Goods) company, Technical Support Adviser and Waitress. All above positions required efficient team working, dealing with customers and problem solving. One of my latest activities was co-organising and hosting Latin music events for 80-150 people where I was also giving salsa classes. It was an outstanding experience, which gave me confidence in being proactive and improved my leadership skills.   Living abroad is quite simple for me because I adapt very fast and I'm flexible enough to enjoy being part of a multicultural society. It is invigorating for me whenever I visit new places or meet people with interesting points of view. This acts as a catalyst for design, along with an understanding of cultural differences and contexts. Over last two years I have developed excellent time management skills. I consider it a personal accomplishment being able to combine studies with a part time job, organising events in my spare time as well as having a satisfactory social life. I can't wait to make graphic design a leading part of my life and spend as much time as possible studying it with a view to making it my career.   My varied interests are beneficial in searching for fresh ideas and original solutions. They include playing violin as a result of acquired diploma after six years of music education. I also enjoy painting, cooking and listening to music (especially jazz). I possess fluency in Polish, German and I have recently started learning Spanish. I have a yellow belt in Karate Kyokushin and I enjoy swimming to keep fit.

Life drawing

Drawing with chalk on black paper considering proportions and light/shadow.

Billboard

This first year work is a billboard idea for luxurious item advertising campaign. I applied monochromatic background to create focus on the watch itself. I included "... can live forever" slogan to emphasize durability of Vacheron Constantin Watch.

Book Cover

I have created this book cover in Photoshop and InDesign. I wanted to achieve an atmosphere of mystery and suspense therefore I changed a photograph of a bridge shot in daylight to make it look like it was taken just after sunset. The dark, shadowed places under the bridge create uncertainty and a sense of danger. I used deep dark colours, blurring and smudging to create a dream-like mood. I decided to add a dark figure of a man and alter the horizon to heighten the atmosphere.

Photography

A series of close-up studies of fruits and vegetables. I was looking for interesting angles, thinking about composition and trying to capture original textures and patterns.

Photography

The images above were made for one of my photographic projects – Patterns and Textures. I focused on perspective, selective focus technique as well as overall composition and the rule of thirds. I was also trying to show dynamics and/or symbolism of chosen elements.

Booklet- Typographic Terminology

Some pages of a booklet explaining typographic terminology with illustrations. This was a group project and the above pages feature my own drawings. We wanted to accomplish consistent design through delicate imagery and simple layout of pages with legible text.

Postcards advertising a Bookshop

A first year project designing four postcards to advertise an existing bookshop in the city. We were asked to illustrate words connected with the main themes that could be found in the shop. I have chosen MUSICAL, ADVENTURE, NOIR and REDEMPTION. It was the first project where I was used Adobe Illustrator and found myself really absorbed into playing around with different tools it has to offer.

Poster advertisement for a book- The Great Gatsby

I chose a font that was similar to those used in the Art-Deco period. Following my research on that style, I decided to use intensive colours, strong contrast (especially black and white), geometric shapes and repetition. I also aimed to imitate a sense of the sophisticated carelessness in behaviour that films about that period seem to portray.

Music Calendar- Rock

I wanted to reflect the provocativeness and unconventional attitude of Rock music. I created a collage of images sourced online (mannequin, surprised eyes, bubble gum, electric guitar switch) combined with my own hand rendered and scanned artwork (cactus). I was inspired by surrealist painters and I tried to avoid obvious associations in this work.

Music Calendar- Jazz

  
This image was created Photoshop and imported into InDesign. I have chosen a rather simple, black and white layout to focus more attention on the actual image. In this image, I wanted to show the complexity of Jazz music, its openness to improvisation and constant inspiration by other music styles.