How did you first get into design?

Yeah, I've been doing design for very long, or not very long time. I'm still very young, but I started doing design for first, I started playing a lot of games when I was very young. I was maybe like eight. And I was creating my own Minecraft servers, and that's what kind of introduced me to design in a way that I needed to make a website and logo for my Minecraft servers. So I started learning how to make logos when I was like 12. And then, yeah, I started working on some freelance projects for neighbors and stuff, and some of them mainly for free. And when I was like 15, I just came across UIUX and I found it was very cool and I was excited that it felt like something that has a bigger future. Yeah. I felt like UIUX is better. I don't know, I just felt like it has more potential to create cool things. So yeah, I just started doing that. I've been doing UIUX with them since I was already like six, seven years. I've been doing UIUX more actively and just feel like I'm in the beginning and I can learn so much.

Why did you choose ArtCenter?

Yeah, I was applying for a lot of different schools. I'm from the Czech Republic, from Europe. So I've never been to the United States before. So I mainly applied to schools in Europe. And yeah, I think the reason why I chose ArtCenter is at first I called a lot of people from ArtCenter and having teachers and kind of like ask them how is it to learn. Like how is it to study at ArtCenter? Yeah. And what I realized is that ArtCenter is very, it pushes people a lot. How much they study and all these things and that was the reason why I came here because for me it was more like the decision between studying in Europe and maybe having a better community, more social life. And here in the US it was, I felt like there is not much community in my social life, but more focus on the work. Yeah. And kind of like a rear and business, which yeah, that was the reason why I decided to study at ArtCenter. Also I was excited about XR and VR and these things. So I thought ArtCenter would be nice for that.

How do you usually manage the workload at ArtCenter? Do you ever feel struggled?

I don't, I try to not worry about the workload that much. Yeah. I think the way how I manage it is I just spend like 99% of my life on doing the work and really, I feel like the more I'm doing outside of school, the more stress I'm about the school because then really the time becomes more pressure. But I wouldn't say I have any like management tips or anything like that for me. Just like really like grinding every day from morning to evening. But, otherwise I would say I have pretty good like a life balance. I try to sleep well. My point of view on that is like I always try to put the most effort I can into the work, but not stressing about it. Because it doesn't really matter in the end, you know? I mean, it's bad if we don't finish assignment and all these things, but like, it's not a big deal in the end. As far as we put the most effort into it, we just do our best and hope for the best.

Are there any classes that you find particularly challenging?

The most challenging classes are usually the ones I learn the most from. I like strict and direct teachers because they push me to improve. I don’t stress much about school—I think those who stress the most are often the ones who don’t prepare enough. If you put in the effort, you tend to stress less than those who only spend an hour on an assignment and then panic because they know they’re not ready.

Are there any skills or tools you wish you had learned earlier?

Time management is key. Using a calendar and time boxing—setting specific hours for tasks—helps a lot. Another important habit is asking more questions, talking to classmates and teachers, and using ArtCenter’s resources. There are so many talented people and great speakers here, and I wish I had taken more advantage of that. Managing files properly is also crucial—organizing work by term makes a huge difference. But the most important thing? Start building a portfolio as early as possible, even in the first term. Many people wait too long and then scramble in their last terms to catch up.

I’m starting to look for internships but don’t know where to begin. How can I make my website stand out with only a few projects?

You don’t need a lot of projects—three strong ones are enough. If you have older work, don’t hesitate to redesign and improve it. Many students think they can’t touch past projects, but refining them makes a big difference. Side projects also help, and hackathons are a great way to build your portfolio quickly. I once did five hackathons in two months, which gave me five solid projects. You don’t always need big projects—sometimes, a well-designed set of screens or one great interaction can be enough.

The first internship seems like the hardest to get. How do you find opportunities with no prior experience?

The first one is always the hardest. Start with what’s closest—TA for a class or ask professors if they have studios where you can intern. If necessary, consider working for free just to gain experience. The key is getting something on your CV, even if your tasks are minor. My first internship was in high school at a small studio where I worked once a week. It wasn’t much, but it gave me a starting point. Reach out to local studios, do small projects for companies—just get something on your resume, and doors will start to open.

You’ve interned at major companies. What is the actual work experience like at places like Apple?

Working at Apple was amazing because I was surrounded by some of the most talented people in the world. The biggest takeaway was how much everyone cares about the details—designers push themselves to create the best work possible, not just because of managers, but because they take personal pride in it. However, big tech isn’t as perfectly organized as people imagine. Every company has its own challenges. One key lesson I learned is that having a strong personal opinion about design is crucial. It’s not just about making options for feedback—you need to have conviction in your work.

What are your plans after graduating? Will you return to big tech or start your own studio?

I’m not sure yet. Right now, I see myself leaning towards a startup or starting my own studio rather than returning to big tech. But my focus isn’t on a specific career path—I just want to keep learning as much as possible. If I keep pushing myself and improving my skills, I hope to have the freedom to choose where I go next.

Are there any projects you’re currently working on that you’re proud of?

I’m in a Google-sponsored class at school, which has been really exciting. Outside of school, I’m preparing for internship interviews and helping other students with their portfolios and mock interviews. Balancing everything is challenging, but I enjoy it. I believe you can learn from anyone—whether it’s a top designer or a random conversation with someone on the street. It all depends on how open you are to learning.