Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Karbownik.
Hi Matt, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey into becoming a professional graphic designer and artist back in 2019-2020. I got into graphic design from my personal love for art that stems from childhood, my desire to fulfill my purpose in life through creative expression, and the satisfaction of putting out creative work that can bring instant change and impact for the better.
Knowing the passion I had for this line of work, I have had the opportunity to work many different jobs that provided valuable insight and skills for how I operate as an independent graphic designer and artist, along with my other related endeavors. The jobs I have worked at include being a Production Artist and Layout and Design Editor at Schoolcraft College for their student newspaper for 2 years, and then doing a summer internship that involved me doing some graphic design work for a client out of Ann Arbor, MI. Today, I work as a freelance graphic designer (currently running my own freelance graphic design business, named Artz Graphic Media, and can be found at www.artzgraphicmedia.com) and serve as the Chief Graphic Designer for a local show out of Detroit, MI, known as the Detroit Late Night Show.
Ultimately, I credit much of my success to where I’m at today to a designer and old boss I worked with for the 2 years I was on the Schoolcraft College student newspaper. This is because my boss had shown me many of the ropes for the skills and attributes needed to be a successful designer and artist, and gave me the confidence needed to push through all obstacles I have encountered. And to this day, my boss and I remain close, and this relationship continues to serve a valuable role in my life and overall evolution in my artistic/creative journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been easy for me for a few reasons. For one, I did not come from a traditional artistic or creative background, which has made it more difficult for someone like me to get my foot in the door to certain opportunities.
Additionally, I have had some struggles with getting a constant flow of client projects going, despite doing everything right, such as networking with clients, marketing my business whenever possible, creating work that catches clients’ attention, etc.
In the current day, it’s worth noting that with technology (AI in particular) infiltrating more spaces within the artistic and creative communities more than ever, it makes it all the more challenging in how I approach and make my projects come to life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a graphic designer and artist, and currently run a freelance graphic design business, known as Artz Graphic Media. Services I specialize in and offer to clients include publications, logos, collages/covers, flyers, clothing + apparel design, and consulting services.
Overall, the thing I am most proud of has been having my work be seen in a positive light by a wide range of notable people at many different levels, and the positive impact I have been able to deliver to them. And what sets me apart from others out there is the approach I take to delivering my work, and I do it with a sense of purpose and vision. Furthermore, I have a business and artistic background, so having this background has made it easier for me to navigate through different situations and social circles, along with gaining a better and more insightful understanding of how my designs can meet my client’s needs at the highest level of quality.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Generally speaking, I have used many different sources for project inspiration, along with life, and believe that inspiration can come from anything and anywhere. But if I look at more specific sources for inspiration in life, and in my work. I have mainly looked to certain other content creators, artists, and creatives on YouTube and Instagram in particular. Additionally, I have occasionally gone on Pinterest, and I have looked back on prior work and thought about how that can be improved or utilized in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: Freelance graphic design business website: www.artzgraphicmedia.com
- Instagram: Freelance graphic design business Instagram: @artzgraphicmedia
- Youtube: Personal Graphic Design/Artist YouTube channel: youtube.com/@karbowmedia/featured
- Other: Personal Graphic Design/Artist Instagram: @karbowmedia
