THE WHOLE STORY ABOUT ME

My name is Marcin, but everyone calls me Marcel. It went so far that, at one point, even my daughter was surprised to learn that Marcin is my real name — because literally everyone else calls me Marcel. So yes, I respond to both. But I know you didn’t come here to hear about my name, so let me stick to the point.

 

My interest in design and visual creativity started when I was a kid, flipping through interior design pages in women’s magazines at my grandma’s house. I also loved drawing supercars and watching karate films with Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme — those were truly golden times. In secondary school, I was deep into heavy metal music, and I expressed it by drawing scary pictures full of skulls, monsters, and metal-style typography. Yes, some people called me a satanist back then — but don’t worry, cats were perfectly safe around me, even safer than around ALF. That skull practice paid off later when I started drawing portraits of famous people — some of those portraits still hang on the walls of my friends’ homes. I hope they remember who made them.

 

During secondary school, I also picked up the bass guitar and fell in love with progressive rock from the ’70s. Bands like Genesis, King Crimson, and Yes became my world. Over time, I played in several bands and even now you can catch me playing rock classics in local bars and pubs on weekends.

 

Back to visuals — after secondary school, I joined an interior design course where I learnt the basics of graphic design and photography. I later got into university in Lublin, where I studied Art Education. While at university, I explored art history, various techniques (even sculpture), and photography. At one point, I had the great idea to photograph a Venetian mask inside a sex shop. Yes, you read that right. I still don’t know what artistic inspiration led me there. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the shop owner didn’t approve, so I never got to take that photo — maybe that was for the best. Let’s just say university can help unlock your creativity… in some strange directions.

 

I didn’t finish my studies. At some point, I realised that becoming an art teacher wasn’t what I wanted. I left university and started working at an advertising agency called EmArt Studio in Lublin. That’s where I learnt that the design world is quite different from the fine art world. I realised that designing for a small business that sells tyres is not quite the same as painting for a gallery. I learnt how to prepare files for print, use Adobe software, and even wrap cars. I worked there for about two years before moving on to freelance work with another agency, TrueColours, where I had more freedom to be creative. I designed book covers, calendars, and even shopping bags. But unfortunately, there wasn’t enough work to pay the bills.

 

And so, like many others, I made the decision to move abroad. In 2011, I came to the UK — actually, it was my third time here, so I already had some experience and a bit of English.

 

At least I thought I knew English… until I walked into the canteen of a factory in North East England. That’s when I discovered that books only teach you the ideal version of English — not the one people actually speak.

 

Since then, I’ve worked in various factories across the North East. But alongside that, I’ve always continued working as a graphic designer and photographer, especially for Polish-owned businesses. I’ve created logos, posters, and promotional materials for many local companies — and I still do.

 

In 2012, I began studying professional photography more seriously. I started by asking my roommate to model for me. She was sceptical at first, so I had to improve quickly to convince her. Eventually, she began to enjoy it. I built a portfolio of portraits with female models, then switched to male models to balance it out… and then, naturally, returned to photographing women. Finding models wasn’t easy, so I sent out hundreds of messages through Messenger.

 

I explored different types of photography: portraits, studio photography (I had a full set of studio lights), product shoots, food photography, and even Gypsy weddings — where everyone wants a picture, and your SD card runs out of space fast. After all that, I discovered my favourite: food photography. In 2018, I worked as a food photographer for Deliveroo. My job was to photograph delicious meals — and sometimes eat them too, for free! What could be better? Sadly, it was only a short-term project, but it left me with some tasty memories and great portfolio shots.

 

In 2019, I decided to move back to Poland. I had a lot of experience in design and photography and felt ready to take the next step. I even worked as a photographer for a national theatre event. But returning didn’t go quite as I expected. After sending out hundreds of CVs, I received only one promising offer — in Warsaw. But moving to Warsaw felt like moving to London, and I wasn’t sure if a designer’s salary would cover my living costs. After four months, I returned to the UK.

 

Since then, I’ve worked in regular jobs while continuing to grow my skills. I took various courses in marketing, business, and design. I completed qualifications in English and Maths (up to Level 3), Business & Administration, Customer Service, and even Teaching Assistant. That one was fun — during practice in a school, the hardest part wasn’t helping the kids, but trying to understand what they were saying. When a crying child on a playground tries to explain an “accident” using a mix of tears and secret alien language, you just smile, nod, and bring in a super-teacher to decode it.

 

So, yes — that’s my story.

 

After many years of reading, learning, and observing how others run their businesses, I decided to start my own. I built it from my experience, creativity, and a deep desire to help people bring their ideas to life. You’ve made it this far, so maybe you’re ready to create something great together.

 

Let’s do it — I’d love to help with your design.