We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Maria Bradovkova ("MB").
Student of painting at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow/Poland. Graduated in design at Technical University in Kosice/Slovakia (BA) and Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow/Poland (MA). Currently working in field of painting, drawing, illustration and occasionally graphic design. In her artistic practice she uses traditional techniques like ink, gouache on paper, oil on canvas. She creates sentimental figurative images. In her focus is person and his relation with outside world.
Maria Bradovkova Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Maria Bradovkova.
Maria Bradovkova Design - Splash Illustration
Designer Interview of Maria Bradovkova:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MB : Since childhood, I enjoyed drawing and looking through albums about history of art from my parents collection. My educational background was not simple. In college, I focused on fashion design, later I have graduated in design, visual communication. After a one year, I have decided to go back to uni and study art, what I have always wanted.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MB : I dont have my own studio. I am student of painting at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, Poland. It is the oldest Polish fine arts academy. I will graduate next year.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MB : Design is project. It is selection of forms relative to the goal.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MB : I like to draw illustrations and paint.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MB : In general, I appreciate design that is simple, intuitive, playful and conscious. Personally I like minimalistic design made of natural materials with handmade, craft touch.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MB : I designed layout for Mozaik journal, published by WSCF Europe.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MB : I like to work by hand, draw or paint on paper or canvas.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MB : When I get inspired by experience, reading or supported by people. When I work a lot, and I see progress.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MB : The beginning is very important because I need to articulate my goal, vision and decide about how I am going to do it.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MB : Its mix of feelings. I feel inspired, curious and nervous too, If I will be able to put on paper the vision I have.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MB : I feel excited and positive.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MB : Beside the quality of the product, it should connect with people, respond to their problems or needs.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MB : Design should serve the idea. Regarding product design, it must work well, when person can understand and operate it simply and intuitively and product last for years.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MB : For my personal projects, my inspiration comes from meeting people, connecting with myself, observation. When I read or listen discussion, when I relax after sport. If I let stress to let go, it gives space for new ideas.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MB : I draw and paint illustrations that are figurative. At the moment I work with gouache on paper. Pictures are nostalgic in selected colour pallet.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MB : I live currently in Cracow, Poland. There is very rich cultural heritage, artists and illustrators. I feel lucky, because I feel surrounded by many inspirational people. There is no way not to be affected but I think, everybody creates his own style.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MB : When I do personal project — drawing or painting. I need a vision, then I draw a sketch to decide about the composition. As a next step I do it in colour, If I am not sure about colour palette, I do more different sketches. Sometimes I start without the plan — little challenges for my creativity like in awarded project Splash.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MB : Because I am full time student, I spent in my uni most of the day painting. But since quarantine started I have removed my work to my room.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MB : I did some layout design in the past which felt rewarding.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MB : Between 2012-2016 I was working for World Student Christian Federation in Europe, I was designing some small graphics and layout.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MB : I enjoy making illustrations, drawing or painting. I like handmade aspect of it. It's a playful process.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MB : I would like to do good diploma project, series of painting and drawings next year. I desire to live from my work, to do commissions.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MB : I work on my personal art projects most of the time. Besides, I have some logo design requests.
DI: How can people contact you?
MB : I have my profile on Behance, Instagram or simply through my email: maria.bradovkova@gmail.com.