A big congrats to Justyna Procak (@justprocak), one of our 30 TDK Awards winners' for 2019. A Shillington College graduate from London, their work was chosen by Jupio Ishiyamaf from Studio A - Interbrand (@studioa_peru) in Lima : “First, she talks about Mad Men, twice, in the first page. Second, she has a talent to say things in a way that you feel connected. I really like how she mixed her design skills with some funny and clever messages. Very playful and conceptual at the same time. Third, the fact that she wants to focus her role as a designer in a social movement is really great.” We asked Justyna to answer a few questions for next years TDK Awards hopefuls.
What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?
When I started the course I felt a lot of pressure to define my style. I met a lot of other students who knew immediately away what kind of design they liked. I was feeling overwhelmed with finding a style. Now I understand that being a designer is a constant process of defining your style.
What originally lead you into design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?
I was always creative. Dancing, playing the piano, taking photographs. I studied photography and sociology after high-school, but I didn’t know how to connect these two things in a creative way. Through graphic design, I have found a way to combine all my skills as a researcher, art director, photographer and creative.
I landed my first job at Otherway London. I feel incredibly lucky to be working here. When I graduated, they were one of only a handful of companies in London that I really wanted to work for. Every day I am excited to be surrounded by super creative people and work with a diverse range of clients.
Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?
Research, research, research. It might sound cheesy that as graphic designers we are “problem solvers” but this is actually what we are doing. So you need to deeply understand the problem brief to solve it. And to do that you need to do your research.
What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?
Some people say that London is very exclusive and that it can be hard to break into the design industry. But there is so much going on in terms of events and meet-ups. Just be quick when it comes to booking tickets. You can meet the superstars of design out there. You just need to follow the designers and design studios on social media and see what is out there.
I am enjoying working on commercial projects, but I would also love to collaborate on projects that spark social and environmental change. I am inspired by the creativity of people such as Brian Collins, Jessica Walsh, and Paula Scher. I really like to follow innovation in design. Some of my favourite examples are the augmented reality projects being done at OMSE Studio and Wolff Olins.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
I’m really into London right now, but I would love to experience living in other cities around the world. I like the idea of challenging myself and changing environments. I want to contribute my experience and knowledge to events where creatives can network and exchange ideas.
2019 for you in a sentence
Be bold, be brave, and don’t be afraid to be myself.
Where to find Justyna Procak online.
Website: jprocak.com
Instagram: @justprocak
