Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristian Grljevic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I’d say success boils down to a simple yet elusive formula: passion and hard work. Passion is what makes you jump out of bed (or at least roll out with less resistance), and hard work is what makes that passion worth something. Loving what you do is the ultimate cheat code. It’s like life’s way of giving you infinite energy; it keeps you going even on the days when “passion” might just mean “persistent enthusiasm despite exhaustion.”

Here’s a story to illustrate. Early in my career, I was asked to work on a project that—let’s just say—wasn’t exactly thrilling. It was data-heavy, monotonous, and far from glamorous. But I was genuinely passionate about what I could learn from it. I approached it like a puzzle, finding ways to make it engaging and seeking out creative solutions. That little project turned into one of the most successful outcomes of the year, and I walked away with more confidence and a knack for problem-solving I hadn’t realized I had.

The moral I got from the story? Even in the least exciting tasks, if you put your heart into it, you can turn the mundane into something meaningful. Passion plus hard work doesn’t guarantee fame or fortune, but it does ensure your work will have depth and value—and maybe a few laughs along the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Since I was born in California’s the Silicon Valley, I was surrounded by groundbreaking design, technology, innovation at a very young age. I started dabbling in design way back in high school in the early 2000s, where I discovered my fascination with the way design can communicate ideas, emotions, and stories—all without words. Since then, design has been more than a job; it’s a creative playground that’s kept me challenged and inspired for nearly two decades.

My journey into this industry is a bit unconventional: I’m entirely self-taught, with no formal design education. While this wasn’t the traditional route, it’s been a huge advantage in some ways. Not being tied to formal training has given me the freedom to experiment and follow my instincts, which I think gives my work a fresh, authentic feel that clients appreciate. I specialize in logo and brand identity design, focusing on creating visuals that are modern, bold, and engaging. I love pushing the boundaries of design by combining clean, modern aesthetics with loud, eye-catching imagery that makes brands impossible to ignore.

For many years, I served as the Art Director for a local newspaper in my current hometown of Dubrovnik, where I honed my skills and learned the art of balancing creativity with practicality. When COVID-19 hit, like so many others, I faced some unexpected changes, and I decided it was time to take a leap and start my own business. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made professionally. Now, I get to help businesses of all shapes and sizes find their unique visual voice, something I’m incredibly passionate about.

What sets me apart, in my opinion, is the personal investment I make in each project. I’m not just designing for the sake of design—I’m helping clients tell their stories and build connections. I work closely with each client to ensure their brand identity truly reflects their vision, values, and personality. Adding some of my own personal touches to every project, it has been a fun and exciting time in my career recently.

The thing I’m most proud of (professionally)? Proving to myself that my talent and hard work can sustain me and my family. I want my clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting a logo or a set of brand colors—they’re getting a partner who genuinely cares about helping them stand out and succeed.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has definitely been a combination of social media and good old-fashioned word of mouth. Especially in the remote-based design industry, social media acts as a digital storefront, giving potential clients a sense of my style, approach, and what they can expect when working with me. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and Behance allow me to showcase my work, connect with other creatives, and make a bit of noise to stand out in a crowded field. It’s a great way to attract clients who are aligned with my vision and appreciate bold, modern designs.

At the same time, word of mouth is invaluable and truly one of the most powerful ways to grow a client base. A personal recommendation from someone who’s experienced the work firsthand is incredibly impactful. Happy clients who share their experiences have helped me gain trust and build credibility, and often lead to the most rewarding, long-term projects. So, while social media is my number one tool for visibility, word of mouth has been the real foundation for a strong, growing client pool.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came at the height of the COVID pandemic, as I mentioned before—a time that forced so many of us to rethink our paths. Up until then, I’d been working as an Art Director for a local newspaper in Dubrovnik, a role I enjoyed and one that taught me a lot about design and working under pressure. But as the pandemic reshaped the world, it also presented me with an unexpected crossroad: I could either stay put and take on more pressure/responsibility (for the same salary) or I could take a leap and start my own freelance design studio.

I decided to go for it, diving headfirst into the unknown of freelancing. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with hundreds of clients from all over, creating unique brand identities and evolving both as a designer and a person. It was a big risk, but it’s brought big rewards—professionally and personally. Not only have I grown my skill set, but I’ve also developed a resilience and confidence that can only come from taking a chance on something you truly believe in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristiandesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristiandesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristian-grljevic/