Please introduce us to your background and share when you began creating your amazing collages.
I’ve always been fascinated with mixing different techniques, so I was thrilled once I „discovered“ collage as something that could be my main medium. It all began around 10 years ago when I was going through my love-and-hate relationship with drawing and painting. As I remember, I was so tired and unsatisfied with the results when I was painting (at that time I was doing it a lot) that I couldn’t express myself fully. I took my watercolor painting and started mixing it with some printed pictures. And then, boom. Suddenly, I got a „this is it“ feeling.
Although that moment was over 10 years ago, I started creating full-time and found my style around 6–7 years ago. I needed some time to grow as a person and to be ready to become a full-time artist.
Ania, you’ve collaborated with many prestigious clients, such as Vogue, Celine, Gucci Beauty, La Roche-Posay, and Elle Magazine. Can you tell us about your first client and how it led to collaborations with such renowned names and companies?
The fields that I feel most comfortable with are fashion and beauty. I love this topic and everything that’s around it. I believe all these collaborations happened because I truly love the field of advertisements and products. The first big collaboration was with French H&M, and to be completely honest, I was just doing my best and posting my work on social media. One day, there was a producer who found me and matched me with a particular project. I kept growing my portfolio in the fashion and beauty fields, and after some time, I got to work with all these amazing clients. I have had some amazing collaborations already, I can’t wait to see what the future will bring!
Recently, you’ve been working with video formats and appearing on television. How does that feel, and how does the process of creating durational pieces differ from your 2D works?
I’ve been working with moving pictures for quite a while, and their usage of them differs each time. Indeed, recently I’ve created some ads for TV, and what’s different is that it requires much more time, and the intensity of the project is quite high. The pre-production is the key; you must plan each second of the commercial, draw it, and accept it with the client. So, I let go of my creativity at the early stage; later, when working on post-production, I knew exactly what kind of effect I wanted to achieve; I was moving with the exact plan for everything. Smaller projects are simpler in terms of „freedom“ as an artist; you can enjoy the creative process while creating the actual piece.
Is there a special project you would like to highlight that you are particularly proud of?
I believe that’s my recent commercial for OnlyBio cosmetics (a Polish brand). This project allowed me to go outside the box and leave my comfort zone. I’m very proud of it!
How significant a role does social media play in your work and in connecting with your audience and clients?
Since day 1, when I started to work commercially, social media has played a major role in my career. It connects me with my clients all the time, and I believe that Instagram is a great tool for creators to make our dreams come true in terms of dream clients and collaborations. You’re not aware of who is watching you and your work daily. This is amazing how you can connect and how everything is accessible.
While working in the fashion industry, you’ve seen many beautiful clothes, but what do you like to wear in your everyday life? And do you have a go-to accessory?
I am obsessed with fashion, haha! I like to experiment with my outfits. I say my style is very colorful, and I am not afraid to stand out. But what’s most important is that everything that I have has to be very comfortable.
Accessories in styling play a major role; you can express yourself even more. I love hats—everything that you can put on your head, including sunglasses. Lots of jewelry and bags! Fashion is something that helps me to express myself, but I never take it too seriously. In the end, it’s all about fun.
What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
Probably my handmade cowboy boots that I bought in Bali at the local store! They are super colorful, which makes them very special.
Where can we expect to see your work next?
It’s going to be a surprise 🙂
Ania Augustynowicz – www.augustynka.com, www.instagram.com/augustynkaa/
