Meet Vlad, the Head of UI/UX at STOICA, who’s more than just a creative leader - a hands-on design pro with an eye for detail and a passion for collaboration.
What Vlad actually does?
Sure, Vlad’s officially our Head of Design, but in reality, he’s deep in the trenches alongside the team. From giving feedback and quality checks on bigger projects to personally diving into web design and brand identity, he’s in the mix every day. Other than that, he relies on his team for different tasks like social media branding, presentations for our clients, and video editing.
Autonomy much? Yes, we love this at STOICA.
Tools of the trade
Vlad relies on a few essential tools in his daily routine: Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. These apps are his go-to for creating stunning designs and ensuring high standards. Recently, he has also been playing with ChatGPT and has found it to be a helpful resource.
Pro tip💡
A tip from Vlad: use ChatGPT to generate text for graphic projects instead of the typical "Lorem Ipsum." Not only does this make designs more relatable to clients, but it also bridges the gap with content creators, and they know better what to write. Smart move, right?
Exciting projects that are happening now and other passions
Vlad is working on multiple branding projects across tech and health tech, applying his design skills to create targeted solutions for each industry's unique needs. Although details are under wraps, he hints at some fantastic upcoming updates.
Outside of work, there's an interesting fact about Vlad that might surprise you: he's completed two half marathons. One was a mountainous challenge in Romania, and the other took place in Vienna. Talk about dedication!
Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash
Early life and a thing for design
Vlad’s design journey started as a kid, shaping clay and sketching on every surface possible. His mom saw his spark and backed his creative side, leading him to an architecture high school and eventually university. But, after three years, Vlad realized architecture wasn’t his vibe, pivoting to graphic design through online courses and hands-on experience.
Work style and bits of wisdom
Describing his work style, Vlad takes his time to deliver high-quality materials. He takes breaks and starts fresh if an idea isn’t working out. It’s all about changing perspectives and knowing when to step away to return stronger.
Celebrate small wins
Vlad’s latest win? Bouncing back from a medical procedure with resilience and a fresh outlook. It’s a reminder that optimism is key - in life or at work.
Follow Vlad’s creative journey on Linkedin!
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In a new series of articles, I dig into the lives of my colleagues at STOICA, exploring who they are beyond their professional roles. Join me as I uncover the diverse and inspiring personalities that make up our team. 💙
