In conversation with Augustinas Paukštė
In conversation with Augustinas Paukštė
About learning by doing, diversifying inspiration sources & summer nights in Vilnius
'In conversation' is the new series of the Playground newsletter, in which we invite friends, acquaintances, or people we admire to share what's on their creative minds and the act of being playful.
Hi, summer readers,
We're back with another conversation, this time with a fellow studio owner, Augustinas, who founded the branding design studio Andstudio with his partner, Domas.
During its short lifetime, the studio has won prestigious awards at international design competitions, including the European Design Awards, Brand Impact Awards, ADC, and Dieline.
I met with him only half a year ago through designers who created a studio playground look and feel, yet his studio's work has been on my radar for a while now. This is not only because of their incredible work rebranding brands such as Kopa printing house (where our magazine is printed) but also because of some international work such as publishing a magazine for IKEA!
Attracting some of the best branding and design talents, Augustinas is a curious creative with whom we wanted to chat!
Bonus points to Augustinas for having Playground magazine in their studio, too! I managed to snap a photo of it when visiting in Vilnius (also, in a great company):
See his answers below; we hope you love it as much as we do!
Augustinas, what has been taking up the most of your mind lately?
Lately, my mind has been engrossed in the exciting challenge of scaling our studio. We're expanding operations into the U.S., launching ventures like a global remote index and a premium digital illustration marketplace called llui.io, among other projects. Transitioning from client-focused work to developing our own passion projects is overwhelming, yet exhilarating.
What is one subject you’ve been interested in recently that is completely unrelated to your area of work?
Recently, I’ve taken up golf—a sport I never imagined I’d enjoy, considering its slow pace and elitist reputation. However, I’ve found that its leisurely nature is exactly what I need. There’s nothing quite like spending a tranquil half-day in nature, walking with just a club in hand.
Where would you take us if we asked you to give us a one-day tour of your city?
We'd hike up the hills in the heart of the city for breathtaking views of lush greenery and then kayak through the charming Vilnelės River in the Užupis district. To wrap up the day, we could relax in one of Vilnius's beer gardens, sampling local craft beers, and maybe even dance under the stars at an Opium Club outdoor dancefloor. For me, Vilnius is about the outdoor even in Winter.
Snap a picture of your creative space / work desk right now! No cheating - do not tidy up.
What is one book/film/podcast/any piece of media that truly influenced how you perceive creative work?
To be frank, no single book, film, or podcast has profoundly shaped my view on creativity. Instead, I draw the most inspiration from the diverse people around me and my experiences. I believe in mixing up my media consumption - starting the day with a business podcast and diving into niche design news later, all to fuel creativity.
Some podcasts Augustinas would recommend:
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
A Change of Brand with Blake Howard
Private View(s) curated by ASK US FOR IDEAS
Front and Center with Alex Center and co-host Kevin Batory
If you had one extra day in a week - what would you use it on?
I'd relish doing absolutely nothing. Just like those long childhood days - staring out the window or wandering in the forest for hours, inventing my own amusement.
What is the one failure you made in your career that you would be happy to repeat?
I’d choose starting my own studio right after university again. Despite lacking experience in business, sales, management, or even client-based design, the lessons learned were invaluable.
What are the ways you incorporate play into your daily work?
At my workspace, I always keep something playful at hand - be it Lego, a sketchpad, or a ball to kick or throw. It's essential for keeping the creative juices flowing.
One person you wish we interviewed for ‘In conversation’ in the future?
I'd recommend Stefan Sagmeister for an interview. His vibrant personality and unique design perspective would mesh well with your content style.
To see what Augustinas and Andstudio are doing next, visit their website, listen to their Sauna Radio, or learn more about their studio exchange programme.
Greetings from Auste & Playground team.