Written by Rachael Dubinsky

From designing for international brands to illustrating her own children’s book by hand, Walking to School Adventure, Agata Stanik’s creative journey has been one of curiosity, courage, and reinvention. A dual-degree graduate of MassArt’s Graphic Design and MFA programs, Agata has built a global career spanning the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East—balancing her professional design practice with teaching in higher education.

We caught up with Agata and she shared how MassArt’s fearless philosophy continues to shape her creative path, what inspired her return to traditional media, and the lessons she hopes to share with the next generation of artists and designers.

Tell us a bit about your background and artistic practice.
I hold a BFA in Graphic Design (2004) and an MFA (2009), both from MassArt. Over the years, I’ve built a diverse professional career as a commercial designer, working with a wide range of companies across the United States, Poland, and the UK.

Alongside my design practice, I’ve always been passionate about education. I’ve balanced freelance work with teaching roles in higher education, including positions as a Lecturer in Media in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and more recently as a Lecturer in Art and Design in the UK.

While most of my work has been digital and computer-based, I’ve recently returned to traditional media. I wrote and illustrated a children’s book by hand using watercolor—an experience that reconnected me with the tactile, personal side of image-making.

How has your MassArt experience helped shape your career path?
My experience at MassArt had a profound influence on my career path. The school’s philosophy and hands-on approach gave me the technical skills—and just as importantly, the confidence—to thrive in a highly competitive field. I still remember the graduation t-shirts that read: “MassArt made me fearless.” That sentiment really stayed with me. It captured the mindset I left with: unafraid to take on creative challenges, no matter how complex or unfamiliar they might be.

Looking back now, especially from the perspective of an international student, I realize how fortunate I was to study at MassArt and be immersed in the rich creative culture of the Boston area. I had the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of students and even cross-register at institutions like the MIT Media Lab. These experiences broadened my perspective and deeply shaped both my design practice and professional trajectory.

What inspired you to write and illustrate Walking to School Adventure?
I’m a mum of two, living in a small UK town within walking distance of my children’s school. Walking to School Adventure was inspired by the joy and curiosity my kids show on our daily walks—spotting animals and turning a simple routine into something magical.

As parents, we often rush and miss those little moments. This book is a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy everyday adventures together.

Though I’m a designer—not a professional illustrator—I took a leap and illustrated the book myself using watercolors. I had doubts about my drawing skills, especially with so many talented artists out there, but it felt important to keep the project personal and authentic. After years of working digitally, returning to traditional media was intimidating, but teaching helped me embrace imperfection and trust the process.

I created all 24 illustrations myself—mostly on the first try—and embraced wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection.

The response from children, parents, and even local politicians has been incredibly rewarding. What began as a personal project became a journey of letting go, reconnecting with traditional media, and sharing the joy of noticing the world around us.