Career:  Graphic Designer
Website:  KasiaKonopka.com
Mantra:   Now is best.
Interview by:  Kristin Read

Firstly, share a little bit about your background — Where are you from? How’d you wind up on American soil? What’s kept you here? Headed anywhere soon?

I grew up in Krakow, which is a city in the south of Poland. I lived there until 2011, when I made the decision to move to the U.S. Beforehand, I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and for several years worked as a graphic designer, and later as an art director. While everything seemed settled and planned, I unexpectedly met my husband — a charming Texan, who happened to be visiting his family in Poland. We traveled back and forth between Texas and Poland for two years before we finally decided to get married . . . That's how my adventure with the U.S. begun.

What do you enjoy most about being here? What do you miss most about home?

I absolutely love the people here. I love their attitude and friendliness. Since I have not been in the U.S. for a very long time, everything is still relatively new to me. Also, I very much enjoy the weather! We have long and cold winters in Poland, so Texas is a very pleasant change. What do I miss? That's a very difficult question since I'm a rather nostalgic person. I definitely miss my family and friends. I wish somebody had invented a teleportation machine by now. Oh, and Polish bread, of course. It's the best bread since . . . sliced bread!

What about graphic design is most appealing to you?

The ability to create and to innovate. I'm fascinated by the unlimited amount of solutions which can be invented and created in connection just with one subject — No matter how little it seems . . . Not to mention the fun factor!

What’s your favorite piece of work and why? What did it teach you about yourself?

Somebody once said, “If your old work doesn't embarrass you, (then more than likely) you have not made much progress." So, I try to be very critical of my work, and as soon as I finish a project, I feel like doing it again . . . in a different way. Probably the project that I've been most happy with recently is the visual identity work. I very much enjoyed working on this personal project and feeling that I truly had the freedom to do whatever I chose to — I was my own client!

If someone were to raid your work desk, what would you be most embarrassed of, as well as proud of?

I have an insane collection of pop art junk on my desk, including a plastic pink high-heeled shoe (which is a Scotch tape dispenser) . . . I think that's it! It makes me both proud and embarrassed.

If you could re-write part of your life’s story, what would it be, and what would you title it?

"Forget regret." I value my life experiences so far, and firmly believe that everything has been equally educating and valuable . . . Unless, of course, I could become a Unicorn. Then, yes, I would be a Unicorn.

Is there one creative outlet you’ve yet to explore, that you’re dying to? Will you tap into that field in the near future?

I wish I could do everything! I have absolutely no limits . . . However, if I had to pick one thing, it would definitely be animation. I've always wanted to get better at it, and maybe now is the right moment. Pixar is getting my resume soon!

Why WELD? Explain what the community means to you in a sentence or less.

"WELD is my everyday life." When I moved to Dallas very recently, I found WELD by pure chance and coincidence. The moment I saw the space and met the community, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It's exactly what I've been looking for. I worked in many places but have never been surrounded by so many talented and amazing people from the industry.

WELD Artist of the Week: Kasia Konopka