logo design - polish heritage corridor

I got an unexpected call from a good friend on a Friday night and a super tight deadline. A few hours later, we’re writing our names in the history of our Polish community in Chicago.

Inspiration:

It really was like that. I had no time to create something timeless, but we had to make it happen anyway. I hail from Polish immigrant parents and I damn well know Chicago was built on the backs of immigrant labor, so this project hits right in the heart.

The designation of Milwaukee Ave in Chicago as the “Polish Heritage Corridor” has been made possible by the work of the Polish American Chamber of Commerce and truly spearheaded by the never-ending efforts of my friend, Daniel Pogorzelski. This designation will help spur economic development, tourism, and preservation of the corridor’s Polish heritage. It has been an honor to design a logo that will live on and amplify the importance of our Polish community in Chicago and our state.

branding - Beach volleyball tournament

Every summer, the Junior Board of the Polish American Association organizes the largest beach volleyball tournament within Chicago's Polish community. 

Inspiration:

As Vice President of the Junior Board, I was not only responsible for coordinating event operations, but also in charge of establishing the visual identity of the event on social media and print materials. 

The thought of flying beach volleyballs is kind of scary, but also kind of fun, and that's what basically inspired me to create this fun pattern for the entire campaign.  

VILLAGE OF NILES - STREET UNVEILING CEREMONY

I had the honor of creating the official invitation poster and cards for the unveiling ceremony of General Wladyslaw Anders Memorial Way for the Village of Niles.

Inspiration:

Sometimes certain graphic design projects can have deeper meaning. As a leader in Chicago's Polish community, I take great pride in sharing my talents with organizations that support and celebrate Polish heritage. 

General Wladyslaw Anders was commander of the Polish II Corps that captured Monte Cassino during WWII, a huge victory against the Axis powers. 

The famous Polish military song from WWII, Czerwone maki na Monte Cassino (The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino), was my greatest inspiration while creating this invitation.

The refrain goes like this:

Red poppies on Monte Cassino

Instead of dew, were drinking Polish blood

Through these poppies walked soldier and died

But stronger than death was his wrath

Years go by and centuries will pass

The traces of old days will last

And all the poppies on Monte Cassino

Will be redder because from Polish blood they'll grow