Interview by Petr Bankov

Contents:

• About collaboration with Design Day and ico-D
• About this year's poster
• About this year's theme: "Design for everyone"
• About the place of the modern poster in world design
• About the commercial potential of the poster
• As a result

About cooperation with Design Day and ico-D

For five years I have been creating posters for the ico-D organization. My work differs from traditional and professional posters made by other designers. For the first time, I presented a street art-style poster with images of eyes in the shape of trumpets and bells. I explained my concept as follows: "A designer has only one tool, which can be compared to a bell. When he sees something beautiful, his "eye" starts ringing. This idea evoked a positive response: "Yes, you're really cool!"

The designer has a unique instrument - a bell. This bell symbolizes his view of the world. When the designer notices something beautiful or inspiring, the bell starts ringing, signaling the emergence of an idea. It is this process of perceiving beauty that forms the basis for creative inspiration and unique design solutions.

This year, I created a poster for International Women's Day, as well as for other significant events. My theme this year is "Design for all, and all for design." This reflects the importance of an inclusive approach to design, where every person has the opportunity to participate and influence the creation process. Design becomes accessible and understandable to everyone, emphasizing its role in society.

This work requires minimal time investment and is effortless. I am pleased to receive recognition from professionals who value foresight and approach. Their words of encouragement, such as "You're great!", and the invitation to become a lifelong member of ico-D make me proud and inspire me to further achievements.

About this year's poster

I chose a concept based on five different races, reminiscent of the symbolism of the five Olympic rings. In my creation, I used eyes that reflect African features, a nose inspired by Chinese culture, and other elements borrowed from various races. In the background, the sun is depicted, symbolizing the unity and warmth that design brings to each of us. The font was drawn in pencil, with an intentional emphasis on its roughness and uniqueness to emphasize individuality and differences from traditional typography.

The sun of design illuminates our world with its warm rays, inspiring each of us. Design plays a key role in creating an attractive and functional environment, enriching our everyday experiences. We can all feel its impact on our perceptions and emotions, because high-quality design can transform a space and make it more comfortable. It's important to understand how design impacts our environment and how we can use it to improve our lives.

I used a computer to assemble all the elements, but all the graphic elements, with the exception of the circle, which was created in Illustrator, were hand-drawn. As a result, I was able to create several unique characters in various formats—for Instagram, banners, and other visual inserts. Each one became part of an interesting story that was born from the first try.

A designer has only one tool capable of conveying their perception of the world—a bell. This is a metaphor for the designer's eye: when they notice something beautiful, the bell begins to ring, drawing attention to aesthetics and harmony. It is important for designers to develop this "eye," learning to recognize beauty in the world around them, which in turn enriches their creative projects and allows them to create unique and appealing solutions. Developing visual perception and sensitivity to detail are key skills for a successful designer, contributing to the creation of works that inspire and delight.

The sun of design illuminates each of our paths, bestowing inspiration and creative ideas. This source of light fills our lives with vibrant colors and helps us develop unique concepts. Each of us can feel its warmth and use its influence to create harmonious and aesthetically pleasing projects.

About this year's theme: "Design for everyone"

The topic of graphic design causes a lot of controversy and misunderstanding. There are many statements that do not reflect reality. For example, many believe that graphic design is valueless or that professionals in this field are doomed to financial hardship. Some even argue that the overabundance of graphic design devalues ​​it. However, this is far from the truth. High-quality and creative graphic design is always in demand and well-paid. These stereotypes are merely myths that should be dispelled. It is important to understand that a successful graphic designer is capable of not only creating visually appealing solutions but also significantly increasing the value of brands and products.

Design is essential for everyone, as humanity cannot exist without it. It permeates all areas of our lives, from architecture and interiors to graphics and web design. High-quality design shapes perception, improves functionality, and creates aesthetic appeal. In today's world, saturated with information and visual stimuli, the role of design is especially important. Without it, it is impossible to achieve harmony and convenience in everyday life. Design influences our mood, behavior, and even decision-making. Therefore, it's safe to say that design is an integral part of our lives, helping to improve and simplify them.

The demand for graphic design continues to grow, and many corporations are creating new departments specializing in graphic and industrial design. Design has become an integral part of the modern world, and its importance cannot be overstated. Humanity cannot exist without design, as it influences every aspect of our lives—from visual communication to product functionality. Graphic design helps brands stand out and attract attention, while also improving the user experience. In a competitive market, high-quality design is becoming a key factor in business success.

On the place of the modern poster in world design

Today, the poster is beginning its unique journey. First of all, poster design has evolved into a factory of ideas and classical visual languages. While during the last century, posters often served as a complement to advertising and PR campaigns, in the 21st century they have lost this significance, becoming a powerful tool for self-expression. Modern posters not only convey information but also become an expression of individuality and creativity. They have the ability to attract attention, evoke emotions, and shape public opinion, making them an important element in the world of visual communication.

A poster is an effective tool for rapidly developing creative potential. It helps you learn to see the world from a new perspective and overcome fears associated with self-expression. Using a poster, you can not only develop your artistic skills but also deepen your understanding of the surrounding reality, which contributes to a more creative approach to problem solving.

A poster is an effective tool for developing creative thinking and perceptive abilities. It helps you learn to see things from a new perspective and not be afraid to experiment. Traditional design schools often emphasize the need for deep analysis and thoughtful consideration of each element, which can create an atmosphere of tension and fear before creating. However, a modern approach shows that creativity should not be associated with these stereotypes. People no longer need exhausting reflection and anxiety; they are seeking new forms of self-expression and freedom in design.

With the advent of the 21st century, the clear boundaries between art and posters have disappeared. Today, painting actively borrows elements from the world of posters, including classical techniques, typography, and calligraphy. This is a natural process, allowing artists to incorporate poster techniques into their creative practice. A striking example of this is the work of Stefan Bundi, who has been creating pictorial posters for ten years, each unique. He develops compositions and creates textual elements independently, which forms his recognizable style. Thus, the boundary between art and posters is blurred, opening new horizons for creative expression. The poster is an effective tool for developing creative thinking. It helps learn to see the world around us in a new way and to express ideas without fear. Creating and analyzing posters fosters creativity, allows for experimentation with visual elements and text, and improves communication skills. Using posters, you can quickly accumulate creative energy and inspiration, which is especially important in the process of learning and self-expression.

About the commercial potential of the poster

I can share my experience. I create commercial posters every month, which allows me to earn a living. This income is enough to cover expenses such as food, fuel, studio rent, and fishing rods. For example, Pentagram frequently collaborates with renowned designers to create posters and pays around two thousand euros for each job. This confirms that the poster design market offers good earning opportunities.

I do calligraphy for advertising campaigns and charge between 500 and 3,500 euros per set. My clients have included the Australian band The Monkees, and I recently designed a calligraphy set for an alcohol brand. Last year, I worked with the English pub The Boilers, creating unique calligraphic elements for their marketing materials. My work helps companies stand out from the competition and attract the attention of their target audience.

Clients choose me not just for the poster design service, but for the unique creative DNA that shapes my personal approach to each project. This is where my value lies: I don't just fulfill orders; I create visual solutions that reflect my clients' ideas and emotions. My work is the result of a deep understanding of their needs and desires, which allows me to design posters that attract attention and are memorable.

Some clients approach me with proposals: "Hello, we've been following your work and would like to discuss a project. Could you do something interesting for 2,500 euros?" In such cases, they're buying not just a poster design service, but the unique creative essence that I represent. This path leads to difficulties, but it also has its charm.

There are various design brokers, which are aggregators that collect requests for design services. On such platforms, you can create a portfolio, which increases your chances of attracting clients. Many designers find new clients through these sites, making them an important tool for promoting their services.

Each path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving a goal. What unites people is a belief in a better future. However, this belief is realized in different ways: for some, it comes true in six months, for others, in five years, and some may never see the results of their efforts. There is no precise guide on how to proceed—whether to move right or left—and sometimes it feels like you're standing still, like Ilya Muromets in front of a pebble. It's important to understand that every step, even if it seems insignificant, brings you closer to the desired result.

My clients are purchasing more than just a poster design service, but a unique creative identity that reflects my ideas and style. Each project is an expression of my individuality and approach to design, which allows me to create original and memorable works.

As a result

Today, the poster is not only an element of art, but also an important aspect of modern sports. Runners illustrate this transformation: for millennia, humans have fled predators and danger, and now they voluntarily don athletic clothing and sneakers for a morning jog. This type of physical activity has become more than just a hobby, but a full-fledged sport with numerous benefits. Running helps maintain physical fitness, improves overall well-being, and provides energy for the day. Every year, more and more people recognize the importance of regular exercise and strive for an active lifestyle, making running an integral part of modern sport. The poster attracts people not with the desire to make money, but with a desire for self-expression and a sense of control over their lives. This process can be compared to sport: it may outwardly resemble competition, but in reality, it is a deep search for one's individuality and the source of happiness. Participants strive to discover their talents, find a unique style, and feel satisfaction in what they do. A poster becomes a platform for self-expression, where everyone can find their place and achieve harmony with themselves.