10 Within 10 Recognition
Zach Roszczewski ’12
.jpg?sfvrsn=2aa03e8_5 "Roszczewski")
Major: Graphic Design
Current job: Freelance icon and illustration designer, specializing in creating large iconography systems for major brands such as Airbnb, Bose, GoPro, and Turbotax.
Current city: Encinitas, CA
What has been your coolest moment since graduation?
Because of the flexibility of my work-from-home schedule, my wife and I have traveled to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Jet skiing around the French Polynesian islands to an area where we got to feed sharks and swim with the stingrays is something I will never forget.
What are you proudest of?
Working with the fine folks at GoPro to design the entire icon system for the GoPro camera, and then being able to use that camera in real life and engage with something that I had a hand in crafting was very rewarding.
What advice would you give new graduates?
Work really hard right when you get out of college, even if it means working on passion projects outside of work, because that's when you will have some of your greatest ideas, energy and time to do so. If you work hard enough in the beginning, you can set yourself up to work more efficiently and less often when you're in your late 20s and early 30s, and your older self will thank you for it!
What has your work life taught you?
Work/life balance is essential for longevity and productivity. Every morning, I try and go out for a surf or do something outdoors even when the waves are flat to get inspired for the work day.
What about CMU helped you succeed?
I have CMU to thank for guiding me to the right career path. I was originally going to study coding, and I quickly realized it wasn't the right match for me. Luckily, I was in the library one day and found myself at a booth advertising the graphic design major. I was amazed I could create fun stuff and get paid for it. Ever since that day, I had my eyes set on graphic design and never looked back.
10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update
Current city and state: Carlsbad, CA
Current job title and employer: Owner/Designer at Icon + Illustration Studio
What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?
That I would be designing meaningful icon and illustration systems that complement a company's brand and vision at such a high level. Companies such as Lululemon, Airbnb, Sofi, Inuit, and Chick-fil-A, to name a few. All because I put my portfolio online to dribble where I showcase my work, and it draws in clients. Technology has made it much easier for us to reach clients and get our name out there, which I will forever be grateful for.
When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind?
Grit.