Adrianna Kusmierczyk
Q What do you do?
“A little bit (actually a lot) of everything! As a fine artist I focus on mixed media paintings, textiles and collage style work. ”
I’m also a full time graphic designer with experience in branding, logo design, campaign design, and extending branding to both print and digital platforms.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In 6th grade when we took career pathway quizzes my final results were Vending Machine Operator or Art Director so I guess my goal became to pursue the latter. I always knew I wanted to be in the creative industry but didn't know exactly what I wanted to specialize in.
I decided to pursue a BFA at the University of Michigan where I focused on graphic design and textile design. During those years I also studied painting in Florence, Italy and Fashion Communication in London.
After graduating I became a lead designer at a small NYC based design agency where I collaborated and led projects for many clients including BMW, Xfinity, Columbia University, Serendipity Brands, LG, No Labels, JVC, mr.pete’s and more!
In the meantime I worked on freelance projects both design and fine art related which then inspired me to make the decision to go full time freelance.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Collaging became my favorite process towards the end of my studies and I began to incorporate that style into my design work and paintings. It’s a process that allows me to tell a story and create a visual conversation with different elements throughout the work. I’m always trying to discover ways to incorporate my fine art practice with the digital world which brings more personality to each piece.
Q What are you working on right now?
Most of my work is very colorful and vibrant so I decided to challenge myself and start a painting where I only use neutral colors. I was even tempted to add at least one pop of color but I’m telling myself NO.
Q What’s your style?
My work for Goth Babe’s merchandise describes my style and interest as a designer the best. I incorporated hand drawn elements, cutouts, vector drawings and textures in a collage style reflecting Griff’s love for travel and the outdoors as well as the energy his music has. Creating a positive social impact with my work is important to me and the whole merch line was sustainable and a percentage of the profits went back to organizations focused on environmental issues. I also love collaborating with musicians because it’s fun to hear the perspective of artists with a different media of expression.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Painting and textile design. As much as I love graphic design - the hands on experience is always so satisfying, calming and more cathartic for me.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don’t rush it. Take time to reach your goals and dreams, you’ll enjoy what you do more and appreciate the journey. Focus on refining your skills and not jumping into the next big opportunity just because it’s what you think you should be doing next. I always thought I had to follow a specific path in my career just because everyone else was doing it but there really is no right way of doing things, do what’s best for you and what makes you the happiest.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Branding projects, merchandise and poster design, custom paintings
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Please contact via email or send a direct message on Instagram.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Some of my favorite artists and designers:
Bode, Chloe Wise, Bethany Williams - love the storytelling and nostalgia within their work
Eser Gunduz - love his style and the unexpected elements throughout
Paul Rand, Matisse, Basquiat and Helen Frankenthaler - classic favorites and big inspiration
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
If it makes you nervous, you should probably do it!
This member profile was originally published in September 2021.