Designers in Seoul
Designers in Tokyo
Designers in Taipei
Column Four
© 2024 Polish Graphic Design Foundation. All rights reserved.
Motto
Idea first, design second.
Poland
Oksana
Shmygol
Design
graphic design, logo design, editorial design, packaging design
Bio
A graphic designer and creative director, a partner at Studio Otwarte (based in Krakow, Poland), which she has been co-creating for over 14 years. Specialises in branding, editorial and packaging design. She has worked on visual identities for a wide range of brands of different sizes and profiles, as well as for cities and cultural institutions and many award-winning branding projects.
She is also a University lecturer, online and offline workshop leader and a speaker at Polish and international conferences.
Clients
Unit8, City of Rybnik, City of Racibórz, Ringer Axel Springer, Jewish Culture Festival, Ludowy Theater
Awards
3x 2024 Golden Pin Design Award Mark Winner, Red dot, 2x European design awards, 2x Type Directors Club Awards, Polish Project of the Year, Polish Team of the year 2020, 11x Polish Graphic Design Award, 9x Ad Creators Club (Poland)
More Speakers and Mentors
Patryk
Hardziej
In Poland after World War II, many designers were active in creating graphic symbols. Due to specific political conditions, these projects could be much more free and artistic than in the West. Besides the Polish poster, it is the graphic symbol that is particularly noteworthy when it comes to design in Poland.
Ada
Zielinska
People from other countries might not know that the design culture in Poland is deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation. The iconic Polish School of Poster, which emerged in the mid-20th century, remains influential, known for its unique blend of surrealism, symbolism, and minimalism. Another lesser-known aspect is the role of graphic design. While Polish posters have gained international recognition, graphic design, including elements like logos, packaging, and printed materials, has only recently been rediscovered and appreciated. Polish graphic design icons such as Karol Śliwka, Jerzy Treutler, and Roman Duszek are behind these influential works.
Bartlomiej
Witanski
I have the impression that design culture in Poland has been changing in a good way over the last few years. Increasingly, clients see value in what we do and appreciate it. Of course, there will also be people who do not fully value our work, in which case it is better to let such a project go.
Zofia
Dzierzawska-Bojanowska
Polish design history has been very tumuluous and directly related to the country's history and political systems.