Meet Zuzanna Kowalczyk

We recently connected with Zuzanna Kowalczyk and have shared our conversation below.

Zuzanna, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

To keep my creativity alive, I draw inspiration from a variety of stimuli, often from areas beyond the art I create myself. This can be a beautiful image, but it could just as well be music, a film, or even a phrase overheard in a conversation. The true art lies in noticing the small things in everyday life and drawing inspiration from them.

Sometimes, when I feel burnt out with illustration, I refresh my perspective by exploring other creative pursuits. I might crochet, work with clay, take photographs, or immerse myself in graphic design projects. Switching between these different forms of creative expression keeps my mind engaged and prevents my creativity from becoming stagnant.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a graphic designer and illustrator by both training and passion. I fuel my creativity by traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures and places. A year ago, I left behind my previous life to move into an old camper van, which allows me to grow artistically while traveling through Europe. I create portrait illustrations and children’s illustrations, and my work has been featured in exhibitions and magazines. My current focus is on expanding my artistic journey through new travels and developing my craft.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have had the most impact on my journey: self-belief, patience, and mastering the fundamentals of illustration.

Self-Belief: One of the biggest lessons has been to stop comparing myself to others and instead focus on my own growth and development. Trusting in your unique path is vital, as it allows you to evolve in ways that are authentic and fulfilling. My advice is to concentrate on understanding what makes your work unique and to cultivate that distinct voice.

Patience: Embracing patience has been invaluable. Some projects or skills take more time than expected, but perseverance is key. For anyone starting out, know that every step, even the slow ones, is progress, and persistence often leads to the most rewarding results.

Illustration Fundamentals: In illustration, learning the basics is essential. Mastering them allows you to break conventional boundaries and create something fresh. I recommend building a solid foundation in traditional techniques and principles so you can later consciously challenge these norms and develop your own compelling visual language.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

A pivotal moment in my artistic journey was beginning my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. It was there that my horizons expanded, and I felt a new openness. I started participating in various events and competitions, stopped fearing self-expression, and learned to embrace criticism while also standing up for my own vision.

But the person who has supported me unwaveringly in this journey is my fiancé. He’s always cheering me on and sometimes even “nudging” me to take on artistic challenges—something I am deeply grateful for. His belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and he’s the first to celebrate my successes and encourage me when I face setbacks. Knowing I have someone who understands my passion and roots for me unconditionally has made a huge difference, allowing me to pursue my art with even greater courage and joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/zuzazuza
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fri.sjel_art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuzanna-kowalczyk-b5b79620b/

Image Credits

Zuzanna Kowalczyk