Hi there!
My name is Pawel Piekarski. Since 2002 I’ve been working for start-ups, brands, and agencies, on projects big and small.
I was trained in fine arts and art education in Poland and have been working as a designer, illustrator and animator. Beginning in 2008, I transitioned my focus to product design, which became my passion.
Why Product Design?
I love the complexity of it and that it has to be distilled into simple questions with measurable answers
It gives me constant opportunities to combine my expertise in visual arts, psychophysiology of perception, game design and others to add that ‘special something’ to everything I work on
The joy of setting a team up for success, sparking each others’ creativity, and excitement of seeing the energy in the room being channeled to something we all believe in
Research and data as a part of the decision making process
“It’s rarely good to come to the room with too many answers but not too many cookies ”
What makes me special?
I’m an emotionally mature optimist, calm even in the middle of the storm
I’m solution oriented and creative
I have a vast experience in art, illustration, motion and creative processes
I’m passionate about patterns and systems as means of productivity
I’m gregarious and bring an extra energy to any team
I strongly believe in teamwork and culture of respect and accountability
I’m an advocate for inclusivity and mentorship
Missy
Digital portrait of Missy, my favorite office dog at Prolific. Picture hanged on Prolific office wall to cheer people up (now in my own home).
“Ego is for artists. Designers use skills and knowledge.”
6 facts about me:
I got my first own computer when I was 24
I learned basics of English from music lyrics and video games
I love learning keyboard shortcuts and tricks in software
I’m a dedicated dog person who is a proud cat owner
I can draw and paint in almost any style (after a short practice)
I’m a Photoshop master and I use it to produce blazing-fast memes so funny they will make you pee a little
“-I don’t know- is a perfectly good answer, if combined with -I’ll find out-”
What makes me smile?
Camping, hiking, spending as much time in nature as possible
Cooking and baking: I was able to bake 3 carrot cakes a week pursuing a perfect recipe
Creating: sketching, paper toys, pop-up books, cardboard cat castles, crafts
Collaborating with people: it’s always an exciting challenge to find ways to inspire people to be best versions of themselves
Drawing quick portraits before and during meetings
“One day, maybe on Thursday, someone will tell you a story that is at least 33%-50% too long and full of unnecessary details. This is just to distract you. Someone just stole your wallet.”
Skills and Education
I’ve graduated Academy of Arts in Lodz, Poland in 2002.
My professional experience includes: product design, web design, mobile design, game design, interaction design, motion design, illustration, 2D animation, storyboarding, character design. branding, prototyping, wireframing, UX research, visual art, leading projects, establishing styleguides and design and development processes, presenting, mentoring.
Software: all industry standards for 2D design and graphics.
“Some people use their own quotes. We don’t like those people”
Awards & Recognition
2019: Appy Award Winner, Brooklyn, NY, The Wing iOS app — for excellence in app design in the Home/Garden/Interior Design/Lifestyle category
2016: Guinness World Record for “Most contributors to a published comic book”, along with other 140 contributors
2012: Parent's Choice Award, Move the turtle app — i was recognized for creating a learning application for programming for kids
2010: Cut & Paste Design contest, Berlin, Germany — Design Live Competition Finalist, 2nd Place
2001: Young Polish Painter of the Year, Poland — finalist of national art contest organized every year by magazine Art&Business.s