A lil chit-chat with designer magda ksiezak

Hey there, Magda! Tell us a bit about what you do. I’m a graphic designer leaning towards illustration-based work. Paper craft is my main medium, and I play with stop-motion animation, too. I’m also a lecturer at Shillington College.

How would you describe your personal design style? Colour plays a big role in my work, and for that reason, it takes on a bold and playful style. I also try to convey a moody tone in the way I light my sets. What drew you to a career in design? I initially did a fine arts degree in photography, but a career as an artist didn’t seem feasible. I was always interested in drawing and the visual language. Design has so many potential avenues and applications that it felt like the next logical path to explore. Tell us about your dream project. I think it’s about the people. My dream project would involve working with others who are passionate about what they do and want to collaborate.

Why did you decide to start teaching design? Teaching has always been in the back of my mind as an avenue to explore. Simply put, I like to help people. We’ve all started out before, and I have empathy for the creative struggle and hustle. What kinds of things are on the agenda in your classes? There’s a mix of lectures, in-class briefs and demonstrations, plus plenty of feedback. It’s an intense course, but I try to create a fun environment. Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your design career? To embrace all the hard things: the things that scare you; the things that challenge you. You’ll come out the other end happy you did, whether you succeed or fail. Where can we see more of your work? hellomagda.com or on Instagram at @okaykiosk. You can find out more about my classes at shillingtoneducation.com