How Maciej became an award-winning graphic designer
Maciej began his University of Salford journey on the International Foundation Year programme. After completing this programme, Maciej decided to alter his plans and pursue a degree in graphic design.
Read his story below to find out how this course set him up for success.
THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR
“I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in design and when I began to look at degree programmes, the University of Salford had some of the best design courses in the UK, so I knew this would be the right place for me.
I opted to initially complete the International Foundation Year and I was so glad that I did. The course allowed me to experience a range of different design specialities. Before arriving in Salford, I originally wanted to study architecture. However, after completing the International Foundation Year, I found a hidden passion for graphic design and decided to follow this path.
It was the best choice for me and truly shaped my career journey. I wouldn’t have discovered this without completing the International Foundation Year.”
A BACHELOR’S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
“During my undergraduate degree in graphic design, I was lucky enough to be taught by Pathway Leader, Gary Peploe. He was a true inspiration and one of the main reasons I ultimately decided to pursue graphic design as a career.
Throughout the course, all my lecturers were fantastic – always on hand to offer support and answer any questions. During the course, they encouraged me to continuously expand my portfolio by taking on small freelance projects on the side.
As I was nearing the end of my time at Salford, one of my lecturers introduced me to a leading design agency in Manchester and they offered me a graphic designer role within days of the initial introduction.”
LIFE AFTER SALFORD
“After a successful year working for a design agency in Manchester, I was given an opportunity to move to Hong Kong and work within the graphic design department at Fox (later acquired by Disney) and National Geographic.
I was then offered a fantastic opportunity at the largest news agency in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post, as the Lead Art Director. Within this role, I managed to win a multitude of international awards for advertising campaigns, infographics and TV adverts including, Native Advertising Institute Awards 2022 First Place Best Use of Infographics; Asian Digital Media Awards 2021 Second Place Best Branded Content Campaign and The Drum Online Media Awards 2020 First Place Native Advertising Campaign of the Year.
Now, I am running my own design agency in Kyoto, Japan utilising all the skills I gained from completing my degree in graphic design at the University of Salford.”