At talaint®, we proudly spotlight the visionaries who transform creativity into reality and redefine industries with their breathtaking talent. Today, we are excited to introduce Maria Burgelova, the founder of More By Us, a cutting-edge creative studio specializing in branding and design.
Maria’s journey exemplifies firm determination, relentless persistence, and a clear sense of purpose. From her early fascination with entrepreneurship to establishing an award-winning design studio, she has committed herself to creating powerful and impactful brand identities. Beyond her client work, Maria takes decisive action in mentoring young designers and leading dynamic workshops that empower marketers and founders to gain the true potential of visual storytelling.
Her career stands as a bold testament to the power of trusting your instincts, breaking creative boundaries, and fully committing to the work—regardless of its scale. Are you ready to jump deeper into her journey, discover her hard-earned lessons, and explore her vision for the future of design? Read her interview for talaint® and prepare to be inspired!
Could you say a few words about yourself? What industry do you work in?
Hi, I’m Maria, founder of More By Us – a creative studio specializing in all things branding and design. We partner with companies of all sizes, primarily in North America and Western Europe.
Outside of client work, I love mentoring young talented designers, and I’ve recently discovered how much I enjoy running workshops with marketers and founders. It’s amazing to see them discover and experience the power of visual storytelling created by themselves.
What’s one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I’m a passionate beekeeper. It’s a fascinating hobby, and I love learning about these incredible creatures.
What was your first job ever? How did it shape you?
My first job was a dream I’d had since I was little. I was always fascinated by the excitement my parents had running their own business, and I desperately wanted to be part of that magic. I’ll never forget the thrill of being allowed to iron a few pockets on some shorts when I was maybe 12 or 14. Finally, being part of something bigger was incredible.
My actual first job, a bit later on, involved cleaning the entire factory. And honestly? It was awesome! Some people might think cleaning would be humbling, but for me, at that moment, it was the most amazing thing. I felt like I was finally part of the team, and I couldn’t wait to do more. That experience taught me everything. It shaped my entire career by building my work ethic. And now I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do whatever needs to be done, no matter what it is.
What’s the last thing you learned that really surprised you?
Learning is a constant source of surprises for me. I love focusing on the things I believe are just beyond my reach. It’s incredibly surprising for me when I manage to pull them off. I believe it’s essential to understand your limits, but even more essential to test them.
Can you share a mistake you made that ended up being a great learning experience?
It wasn’t a mistake, but a valuable lesson about trusting my instincts. I almost skipped a client event in New York, doubting my gut feeling that I needed to be there. Turns out, that trip, and a less-than-a-minute conversation with someone there, led to one of my designs being recognized as a top typography logo in the US. That recognition, which came completely out of the blue, became a turning point for us, leading to more awards and greater visibility. It taught me that sometimes, you just have to trust your gut – you never know what doors might open.
What’s one professional achievement you’re most proud of and why?
Winning three A’Design Awards for the branding and design we did for the startup Bits’n’Bites is definitely a highlight. It was incredibly rewarding to see this project come together. To have that work recognized internationally, with red carpets and exhibitions in NYC and Italy, was just surreal. So.. to answer the question I am very proud of each and every person on our team, who worked on this project so hard and made it happen.
What’s one challenge in the industry right now that excites you to solve?
One of the biggest challenges we face is the overproduction of content. Brands are under constant pressure to create, but all that noise makes it incredibly difficult to stand out. That’s where the opportunity lies. I’m passionate about focused content, visual storytelling, and authenticity. That’s the combination that truly resonates with audiences right now.
What do you think is the next big trend in your industry?
I’m hoping we’re headed toward a future where content is more mindful, responsible, and personalized. I think people are tired of the noise and are looking for brands that truly understand them. But, let’s be real, I think we’ll probably see a lot of similar and generic designs popping up before we get there. It’s almost inevitable. But I’m confident that the demand for authentic, creative work will ultimately prevail.
What’s your dream project that you’d love to work on?
My dream project is one that is so big that it scares me. It’s the project that I believe I can’t do… until I start doing it.
I am just a person willing to…
do the work.
