We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Maria Burgelova ("MB").
Maria Burgelova is the Creative Director at More By Us, where she leads a team focused on creating design and branding solutions for multinational companies and startups. With experience across industries and markets, she works closely with clients to translate complex ideas into clear, impactful visual communication.
Maria Burgelova Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Maria Burgelova.
Maria Burgelova Design - More By Us Web Design
Maria Burgelova Design - Dr Dancheva Website Redesign
Maria Burgelova Design - Bits'n'Bites Website And Mobile Application
Maria Burgelova Design - Bits'n'Bites Mobile Application
Maria Burgelova Design - Bits'n'Bites Mobile Application
Designer Interview of Maria Burgelova:
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 : I was a creative child and very inspired by my parents’ business. The smell of paint and countless pieces of material I could play with were a constant presence. I loved creating things with my hands - screen printing, sewing, experimenting with whatever was around. My parents hoped I would continue their business and hinted that I should study economics, so I did. Nobody expected (including me) that after 10 years in marketing and management I would decide to become a designer and go back to university. But here I am today - a designer with a deep understanding of every aspect of business, which shapes the way I approach and strategise design.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MB : I founded More By Us in 2016 as a small, senior creative studio. We focus on strategic design that helps businesses communicate clearly and grow with confidence. Our work spans brand identity, web design, and the full spectrum of marketing materials - supporting teams from their first pitch deck all the way through large-scale international product launches. What makes us different is how hands-on we are. We work closely with each client, adapting to their needs instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why we’ve been able to collaborate with startups and international companies alike across tech, medical, security, cosmetics, and more.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MB : Design is how I communicate ideas, emotions, and solutions.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MB : I enjoy projects where design can solve a real problem - whether that’s clarifying a complex product, building trust through a brand, or creating digital spaces people actually want to use.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MB : My favourite type of design is when a complex problem is solved with simplicity - it’s always a bit of a surprise.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MB : My very first design project was a business card I created for my office while working in marketing. It’s not a project I’m particularly proud of, but it’s funny to think it took me another ten years after that small job to realise I’d eventually become a full-time designer.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MB : I enjoy working with digital platforms, especially web, because of the interaction and reach. But I still love the smell of paint and the hands-on process of screen printing - it’s where my love for design started.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MB : When I have enough space to think and no pressure to rush. That’s usually when the best ideas show up.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MB : Strategy is always first - then clarity, then how it feels and works. When those align, the design does its job.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MB : It’s a mix - curiosity at the start, focus during the process, and a bit of excitement when things finally click into place.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MB : I feel fulfilled when I see the design doing exactly what it was meant to do - helping, connecting, making things easier for people. That’s the moment it all makes sense.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MB : A design is successful when it supports the brand’s strategy, helps reach its goals, and communicates its values clearly - while looking simple and effortless.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MB : Context and goal - if the design meets those effortlessly, it works.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MB : Our responsibility is to make people’s lives easier, simpler, and more beautiful - without creating unnecessary noise.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MB : The design profession is changing rapidly - tools and technology evolve faster than ever. As designers, we need to stay rooted in creativity and the meaning behind our work so we can create solutions that truly solve problems. Another part of this is supporting young talent and guiding them through an already challenging landscape. That’s how the field will stay strong in the future.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MB : Our last exhibition was at the A’Design Awards, and the next one will be Utopia 40×40 at the end of August in New York.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MB : Lately, I find more inspiration in young designers and their raw creativity than in the big names. My son is also studying design right now, and seeing how differently he approaches things compared to me is a constant reminder of how many ways there are to see the world. It makes me happy.
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 : My style is clear and intentional - I start with strategy and let the design adapt to the problem, never the other way around.
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 rarely work for Bulgarian clients, and from the start of my design career, I’ve been adapting to different cultures. But the contrasts in Bulgaria are striking - in design, in life, in architecture. I used to be upset that not everything around me was beautiful. Then one day, I left the office and saw a street musician playing jazz on a piece of cardboard with simple sticks, sitting on the pavement. That was the moment I felt proud to live in a country of such huge contrasts. It taught me to see beauty differently, and that perspective always finds its way into my work.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MB : Every time we start a project, we aim to feel like an internal part of the company we’re working with.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MB : Look for a designer whose work resonates with you, then have a conversation to see if there’s a good working connection. That chemistry matters as much as the portfolio.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MB : I start by understanding the context and goals, then explore directions with the client, refine, and build until the design feels effortless and true to its purpose.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MB : My favorite design items at home are paintings - many of them. And now, the Silver XXL A’Design Award adds a nice accent among them.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MB : Most days start with coffee and a quick catch-up with my team - wherever I happen to be, because I travel a lot for work. Then it’s a mix of client calls, design reviews, and deep work when I can find the quiet. Evenings are slower - time with my partner, checking in on my closest people, or just clearing my head so I can start fresh the next day. No two days are the same, but I like that rhythm.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MB : Stay curious, ask “why” often, and don’t be afraid of the messy parts. Find people who push you, learn constantly, and remember. Evolving matters more than following trends.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MB : The positive is seeing your work make a difference - it’s incredibly rewarding. The negative is that I’m often most creative when I’m trying to switch off.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MB : Everything starts with understanding the context and the goal - if you miss that, nothing else will work.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MB : The most important skills are staying curious, always learning, and being open to experiment.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MB : I work with all the tools a designer should use, but I don’t think they’re the important part. Tools evolve and change; good design shouldn’t depend on them.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MB : Designing can take a lot of time, but I built a project management system myself so we can have one tool that fully supports the way our agency works.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MB : We’ve worked on projects that took a week and others that lasted years - it really depends on the scope.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MB : The question I get asked most often is simply: “Where do you start?” It’s a reminder that every project begins with understanding, not just ideas.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MB : Growing up, I watched my parents pour everything into their business. They didn’t let me jump in, but I longed to be part of it. The first job they gave me was cleaning the factory. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was mine - and it made me feel like I belonged. That early experience taught me the value of hard work and grit. It showed me that no role is too small when you’re building something meaningful, and that mindset has driven everything I’ve done since.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MB : Some of our clients include MoEngage, Kibo, Acumen Risk, Adenis, among others. We've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of companies, each bringing unique challenges and projects that have helped us grow and refine our approach to design. It’s been fantastic to collaborate with such a variety of businesses, as it keeps our work dynamic and always interesting.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MB : I enjoy brand identity work the most because it’s where strategy, storytelling, and design come together to shape how people connect with a business.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MB : My future plans are to keep growing creatively and strategically, exploring new challenges with clients who push us to think differently. I also want to focus more on mentoring young designers helping the next generation navigate this complex field.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MB : I work closely with my team on projects, but I’m personally involved in all key designs to maintain our vision.
DI: How can people contact you?
MB : People can easily get in touch with us through our website at https://moreby.us, or they can reach out directly via my personal email: maria@moreby.us. I am always open to discussing new ideas.