Hi! I'm Justin Kowalec and here's a summed up,

"get to the point already" story on how I got here today.
Born late September 1980 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to two loving, charismatic and always supportive parents, Jan and Tom Kowalec.

I grew up playing sports, watching scary movies, building skate parks

and setting my goal to work for Disney one day.

I was lucky enough to pursue my artistic passions post high school graduation when I enrolled in the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. This was my first opportunity to live out-of-state away from my support system. It proved to be a jumping off point to my lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist. I ultimately enrolled in the Industrial Design and Technology program because it offered an education in

practical film make-up effects, set design, prop building

and also visual effects for the big screen and digital marketing.

I have always enjoyed building things with my hands but barely scratched

the surface using computer technology to exhibit my creativity.

This was an eye-opening experience and now a lifelong love story for sure.

After wrapping up the program at AIP, I headed back to Michigan to find a job combo'd with moving back in with my supportive parents. The journey in utilizing the degree took a bit more time than expected. Finally landed a job at a small, mom & pop production company as a camera operator, editor, graphic designer, key-grip, gopher, shipping specialist , etc (lots of hats). I am so grateful for all the experience I was able to gain through working along side such a wonderful group of colleagues. After 2 years of working for this company, an offer from a budding equestrian-based television network came through to purchase and move the team / assets from suburban Detroit to Calabasas, California. It took me about 47 seconds before I agreed to make the move with the team across the country

and start the next chapter in my career.

My motto that I've repeated from that day on is

"Being in the right place at the right time is not enough,

you also have to be doing the right thing."

The HorseTV Channel lasted only about a year and a half but provided a great opportunity to meet and build lasting relationships that have paid professional and personal dividends within the commercial marketing industry.

One start-up network to the next was the pattern for much of my first 10 years out in Los Angeles. This experience and the "Wild West" energy was right up my alley.  I was exposed to more than just editing and package design by this point and I found a passionate/symbiotic relationship with After Effects and 3D software that took over my imagination and boosted me into the role

I am currently at as a Brand Marketing Senior Art Director.

I always loved team sports as a kid and find the same rush when working with or managing a team of other creatives.  Getting to know everyones strengths and finding areas where they can blossom is a highlight of being in this position. Looking back on the past 20 years working in this fast-paced, cut-throat world of Brand Marketing, I have so many fond memories, "in the trenches/ how are we ever going to hit this deadline?!?" experiences that help me manage not only my own stress but also the teammates around me.

Though it's been said a few times "we aren't saving lives in this line of work",

nonetheless, we provide stories to be told and imaginations to grow. 

Thoughtful design matters in bringing creativity to all walks of life.

I constantly remind myself and others that

WE ARE LIVING THE DREAM.