maggie zukowski | ux/ui designer and visual artist
maggie zukowski | ux/ui designer and visual artist
maggie zukowski
ux/ui designer and visual artist
well,
well, hello you.
hello
you.
hello you.
I’m a UX/UI and digital designer who thrives on bold ideas, immersive storytelling, and pushing the boundaries of what design can be. My work blends strategy with creativity, crafting experiences that aren’t just intuitive—they’re engaging, unexpected, and sometimes a little weird in the best way.
Lately, I’ve been exploring AI-assisted design, motion-rich interactions, and no-code development to rethink how users engage with digital spaces. Whether I’m building seamless, immersive brand experiences or experimenting with speculative design, my goal is always the same: to make something that stands out, feels effortless, and leaves an impact.
I believe that great design is about so much more than just usability—it’s about creating something that resonates, that makes people pause, that sparks curiosity. I’m always looking for new ways to challenge expectations and bring fresh ideas to life.
the JOURNEY
I’m a UX/UI and digital designer who thrives on bold ideas, immersive storytelling, and pushing the boundaries of what design can be. My work blends strategy with creativity, crafting experiences that aren’t just intuitive—they’re engaging, unexpected, and sometimes a little weird in the best way.
Lately, I’ve been exploring AI-assisted design, motion-rich interactions, and no-code development to rethink how users engage with digital spaces. Whether I’m building seamless, immersive brand experiences or experimenting with speculative design, my goal is always the same: to make something that stands out, feels effortless, and leaves an impact.
I believe that great design isn’t just about usability—it’s about creating something that resonates, that makes people pause, that sparks curiosity. I’m always looking for new ways to challenge expectations and bring fresh ideas to life.
the JOURNEY
Creativity isn't just what I do—it's how I've navigated life, turned challenges into opportunities, and made every experience a part of my story.
Creativity isn't just what I do—it's how I've navigated life, turned challenges into opportunities, and made every experience a part of my story.
Creativity isn't just what I do—it's how I've navigated life, turned challenges into opportunities, and made every experience a part of my story.
I believe that UX is simply where art meets purpose, and purpose meets people.
I believe that UX is simply where art meets purpose, and purpose meets people.
I believe that UX is simply where art meets purpose, and purpose meets people.
When asked, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" my answer was always, "Art." As I got older, I refined it to, "Create what I think is beautiful, astonishing and inspiring (and be able to live a comfortable life doing so)."
When asked, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" my answer was always, "Art." As I got older, I refined it to, "Create what I think is beautiful, astonishing and inspiring (and be able to live a comfortable life doing so)."
I went to the University of Minnesota and I learned as much in the classroom as I did out of it in those four years. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Art and English, with a minor in Philosophy. I'd been working in the service industry in one form or another since I was old enough to work, and that spilled over post-graduation.
The joke I like to tell is, "What do you do with a degree in Art, English and Philosophy?"
Answer: "Bartend."
It's certainly true for me. At least, that's how I paid the bills. However, the reality is that those 12 years allowed me to explore a multitude of artistic avenues and truly shaped me into the adaptable, out-of-the-box, collaborative thinker that I am today. Managing a large staff of very different individuals showed me how to be a strong, empathetic leader that was appreciated and respected. In the unpredictable bar world, I learned to think on my feet, solve problems creatively, and balance small setbacks against bigger goals. Booking bands and managing events allowed me to use my creativity in an entirely different way.
While the majority of my dollars were made through bartending and managing, that was only half of the work I was doing. I was also working for the local events newspaper designing print ads, layouts and doing illustrations. I designed menus for other local, independent establishments, and created merch lines, did large scale murals and ran social media accounts, creating unique and engaging content.
Additionally, the service industry life gave me the opportunity to explore all sort of media that caught my fancy. From airbrushing to textile design, instant film to body painting, shadow boxes to street art installations: I dove deep into dozens of strange and beautiful art forms. If you want to get a taste for some of this work, check it out here.
The skills I gathered up over that time are invaluable, and have very much made me the designer I am today. My wild journey has given me all the framework on which User Experience Design is built: empathy, understanding and engagement.
I went to the University of Minnesota and I learned as much in the classroom as I did out of it in those four years. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Art and English, with a minor in Philosophy. I'd been working in the service industry in one form or another since I was old enough to work, and that spilled over post-graduation.
The joke I like to tell is, "What do you do with a degree in Art, English and Philosophy?"
Answer: "Bartend."
It's certainly true for me. At least, that's how I paid the bills. However, the reality is that those 12 years allowed me to explore a multitude of artistic avenues and truly shaped me into the adaptable, out-of-the-box, collaborative thinker that I am today. Managing a large staff of very different individuals showed me how to be a strong, empathetic leader that was appreciated and respected. In the unpredictable bar world, I learned to think on my feet, solve problems creatively, and balance small setbacks against bigger goals. Booking bands and managing events allowed me to use my creativity in an entirely different way.
While the majority of my dollars were made through bartending and managing, that was only half of the work I was doing. I was also working for the local events newspaper designing print ads, layouts and doing illustrations. I designed menus for other local, independent establishments, and created merch lines, did large scale murals and ran social media accounts, creating unique and engaging content.
Additionally, the service industry life gave me the opportunity to explore all sort of media that caught my fancy. From airbrushing to textile design, instant film to body painting, shadow boxes to street art installations: I dove deep into dozens of strange and beautiful art forms. If you want to get a taste for some of this work, check it out here.
The skills I gathered up over that time are invaluable, and have very much made me the designer I am today. My wild journey has given me all the framework on which User Experience Design is built: empathy, understanding and engagement.
Eventually the late nights that often turned into mornings wasn't quite as fun as it used to be, and I started thinking about moving on to another adventure. The timing of my change in mindset couldn't have been more perfect, as this shift coincided with the onset of Covid. I took the shutdown as an opportunity to redefine my direction and enrolled in an intensive UX/UI Design course. The program put words to truths I’d always felt but couldn’t articulate. More importantly, it allowed me the opportunity to take my innate skillset and put it to use as a full time profession, which is exactly what I did.
Eventually the late nights that often turned into mornings wasn't quite as fun as it used to be, and I started thinking about moving on to another adventure. The timing of my change in mindset couldn't have been more perfect, as this shift coincided with the onset of Covid. I took the shutdown as an opportunity to redefine my direction and enrolled in an intensive UX/UI Design course. The program put words to truths I’d always felt but couldn’t articulate. More importantly, it allowed me the opportunity to take my innate skillset and put it to use as a full time profession, which is exactly what I did.
In the time I've spent in my current position I've matured as a designer so much. I was certainly challenged in the beginning, and then I began to challenge myself in order to maintain the momentum of acquiring new skills and honing them. I feel particularly lucky to have been in the place I was at when AI exploded onto the scene: I knew enough to be able to use it in a design setting, but wasn't so set in my ways that it was perceived as a threat. Like so many things in life, you don't notice the growth as it's happening; it's only looking back that you see how far you've come. Actually, I've been there long enough that I'm now for the first time redesigning a site that I created when I first started, and, I tell you what, it's quite a trip.
In the time I've spent in my current position I've matured as a designer so much. I was certainly challenged in the beginning, and then I began to challenge myself in order to maintain the momentum of acquiring new skills and honing them. I feel particularly lucky to have been in the place I was at when AI exploded onto the scene: I knew enough to be able to use it in a design setting, but wasn't so set in my ways that it was perceived as a threat. Like so many things in life, you don't notice the growth as it's happening; it's only looking back that you see how far you've come. Actually, I've been there long enough that I'm now for the first time redesigning a site that I created when I first started, and, I tell you what, it's quite a trip.
My journey wasn’t linear, but every path I took has led me to design with empathy, authenticity, and a bold sense of possibility.
My journey wasn’t linear, but every path I took has led me to design with empathy, authenticity, and a bold sense of possibility.
what's NEXT
what's NEXT
what's NEXT
I'm ready for the next step in my UX Design journey. I want to work somewhere that thrives on collaboration and isn’t afraid to try new things. A place that truly values creativity and hard work—and knows how to reward it. I’m especially excited about the new opportunities AI is bringing to design and want to be part of a team that embraces these advancements, exploring how they can elevate our work. I’m looking for a role that challenges me to grow and pushes me to keep learning while letting me bring my unique perspective and skills to the table.
do you think I'd be a good fit for your team?
I'm open to exploring employment opportunities!
do you think I'd be a good fit for your team?
I'm open to exploring employment opportunities!
do you think I'd be a good fit for your team?
I'm open to exploring employment opportunities!
do you think I'd be a good fit for your team?
I'm open to exploring employment opportunities!
do you think I'd be a good fit for your team?
I'm open to exploring employment opportunities!
© 2025 Maggie Zukowski. All rights reserved. Portfolio content is displayed for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to confidentiality restrictions.
Please contact Maggie Zukowski for detailed information regarding specific projects.
© 2025 Maggie Zukowski. All rights reserved. Portfolio content is displayed for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Please contact Maggie Zukowski for detailed information regarding specific projects.
© 2025 Maggie Zukowski. All rights reserved. Portfolio content is displayed for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Please contact Maggie Zukowski for detailed information regarding specific projects.