The creative engine of the project Design Wings is talented people who have graduated during the last three years, have ideas and knowledge, and are willing to put their skills into practice. They create design solutions that promote social impact.
Design Wings is a practical opportunity for talented people to gain experience and contribute to the future of business by developing competitive design products and services that promote social impact. The project involves emerging designers, each continuing for five months at one of the participating companies or NGOs.
The main benefits for designers are:
THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW SUCCESS
The designers participating in the project, Design Wings, will reveal their competencies in companies and NGOs and contribute to the successful development of the country's cultural and creative industries sector, business competitiveness, and growth.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
While creating design solutions, designers will work and pursue a typical creative result with competent project mentors with extensive professional experience.
KNOWLEDGE AND IMPROVEMENT
The training provided during the project will help all participants take on the challenges ahead and quickly penetrate new knowledge about digitization, innovation, and social impact.
RECOGNITION AND COMPENSATION
We selected project participants who received scholarship contracts for five months. They are expected to become competitive players in the labor market by the end of the project. The estimated amount of the scholarship is 1700 Eur /monthly (all necessary costs for tools, programs, licenses, etc., are included in the scholarship indicated).
Rapolas Kalvelis
Visual communication
In 2023, Rapolas earned a Bachelor's degree in Product Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts. He describes himself as a designer who bridges product design education with hands-on experience in graphic design. Having worked as a tattoo artist for a period, Rapolas considers illustration one of his strongest skills. "All of this allows me to approach projects from multiple angles and seek solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and innovation", he says.
If design could be used to address a single social issue, Rapolas would choose to promote physical activity and healthy living. He believes design can help create environments, tools, and visual communication that encourage people to embrace a more active lifestyle, rediscover the joy of movement, and improve both physical and emotional well-being.
Institute of Applied Research in Emerging Technologies
Mentor Lukas Ruškys
Emilija Zubrytė
Visual communication
In 2025, Emilija earned her Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts. During her studies, she participated in various competitions and exhibitions. One of the most memorable experiences, she recalls, was the Erasmus+ workshop “Banners – Designing Meaningful Messages” held at Aalto University in Finland, with the final works showcased in a group exhibition at Helsinki Central Library.
Emilija describes herself as a positive and emotionally attuned designer, often drawing inspiration from small, joyful moments - music being a particularly strong influence on her creative process. "I’ve often been told my work carries a sense of sensitivity. I pay close attention to the emotional impact of design", she says.
She is especially interested in how socially complex and serious topics can be communicated clearly and accessibly to all age groups, particularly young audiences. This interest has led her to explore visual storytelling and publishing, with a special focus on the graphic novel genre.
Emilija’s strengths as a designer include her adaptability to different styles, eagerness to experiment, empathetic approach to users, and strong sense of responsibility.
If given the opportunity to address a single social issue through design, Emilija would choose to tackle the negative psychological effects of emerging technologies - such as AI - on society. Another issue close to her heart is the undervaluation and gradual disappearance of the Lithuanian language and culture.
Postpartum Depression Center
Mentor Lukas Ruškys
Živilė Aleknavičiūtė
Visual communication
Živilė holds a Master’s degree in Visual Communication Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts (2023–2025). She previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design from the same institution (2013–2017), and in 2016 studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague through the Erasmus+ exchange program.
Selected Achievements
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2025 – Young Designer Prize 2025, Design Research – shortlisted
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2021 – The FIDA (Global Fashion Illustration Awards) – shortlisted
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2020 – Ober-Haus Photography Competition – 3rd place
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2016 – Fashion Injection, National Gallery of Art, Vilnius – winner
Exhibitions
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2025 – Young Designer Prize 2025, group exhibition, Panevėžys City Museum
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2025 – Young Designer Prize 2025, group exhibition, Museum of Applied Arts and Design, Vilnius
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2025 – Ašmenys, group exhibition, VAA Titanikas Gallery, Vilnius
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2025 – CONTRA PUNCTUM, group exhibition, Gallery Akademija
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2024 – TYPE TEXT ROOTS, international student poster competition and exhibition
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2022 – Art Without a Roof, virtual exhibition
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2017 – Fashion Infection, Contemporary Art Centre, Vilnius – participating designer
Živilė is a designer working in graphic and visual communication, committed to creating solutions that are not only aesthetically refined but also grounded in research and context. This conceptual foundation gives her work clarity and distinction. Her academic and professional experience allows her to navigate across design disciplines, applying diverse approaches - such as illustration - to build unique visual languages that help brands stand out in competitive environments.
In her client collaborations, Živilė places strong emphasis on understanding real needs and identifying core challenges. "My goal is to create an authentic visual language that resonates with the audience’s values and emotions, and encourages engagement. I believe design is multifaceted - depending on the challenge, it can be a tool for solving problems, increasing brand awareness, or fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social participation," she says.
If she could address one social issue through design, Živilė would create an interactive game, experience, or device that allows people to “step into someone else’s shoes” and see life from a different perspective. She believes many contemporary problems stem from extreme individualism, alienation, and a lack of responsibility toward others and the environment. Strengthening empathy through design, she argues, could be the starting point for real change.
Charity and Support Foundation “VA Caritas socialiniai projektai”
Mentor Lukas Ruškys
Inesa Stepanina
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
In 2024, Inesa earned a Bachelor's degree in the arts. She participated in a creative sprint-style event where participants had just two hours to develop an exhibition concept for a randomly assigned interior object. Inesa was given the iconic Panton Chair. The focus of her exhibition became not only the chair itself but also its production process - plastic injection molding, where molten plastic is pressed into a mold under high pressure to form a seamless silhouette. "This experience showed me how design and education can be creatively combined, giving an object added value by revealing its manufacturing story", she says.
As a designer, Inesa believes the best design is almost invisible - it simply works. Guided by empathy and attention to detail, she strives to create solutions that are simple, clear, and meaningful to the user.
If given the opportunity to address a social issue through design, Inesa would create a platform for children and teenagers that offers safe and confidential access to psychological and emotional support.
Pokyčių namai, SP
Mentor Kaja Elena Brilė
Evelina Urbanavičiūtė
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
In 2025, Evelina graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from Vilnius College. Her ex libris piece created for the exhibition “Čiurlionio Lietuva” was showcased in 2024 at the Čiurlionis House in Vilnius. Her final project presentation at Alytus Art School became part of a group exhibition at the Alytus Cultural Centre, where several of her paintings were also displayed.
Evelina describes herself as a creative and insightful designer who pays close attention to user experience and the balance between aesthetics and functionality. Her strengths include intuitive UX/UI design, a solid foundation in graphic design, and a keen ability to combine color, typography, and composition in visually compelling and well-structured ways. "It’s important to me that my designs not only look appealing and aesthetic but also meet users’ needs. I’m proficient in various design tools, constantly exploring new trends, and committed to deepening my existing knowledge", she says.
If Evelina could address one social issue through design, it would be overconsumption. She sees it as one of the most pressing challenges of our time - contributing to waste and accelerating climate change. Through design, she believes we can encourage people to choose more sustainable options, create durable and recyclable products, and contribute to both societal well-being and environmental preservation.
Kaunas Software Technology Group, SP
Mentor Kaja Elena Brilė
Konstancija Kertenytė
Visual communication
In 2024, Konstancija earned her Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts, Faculty of Vilnius. She has participated in several group exhibitions, including A Dive into Mythology (2023), the conceptual board game showcase Boarding (2024), and the interactive installation exhibition Anamorfozės. Her final typographic project Aśva was presented at the graduate exhibition held at Gallery Arka.
Konstancija has also showcased her work at the ADC*LT Young Talent Market creativity festival and took part in the Nepatogus kinas mentorship program Banguoja, where she co-created a documentary audio story titled Seni, taip dalykai nesidaro (“Dude, That’s Not How Things Work”) - exploring the challenges faced by freelance workers.
Believing that the core role of design is to solve real-world problems, Konstancija sees her creative work as a socially responsible practice - one that raises awareness and fosters critical thinking. Her interests span topics such as globalization, national identity, and sustainability across various domains. While she has explored multiple design fields, her current focus lies in editorial and book design, typography, and typeface creation. She also works with illustration and dynamic media.
If she could address one social issue through design, Konstancija would choose to tackle overconsumption - whether it’s the endless stream of information or consumer habits driven by advertising, image, or trends. She believes design can encourage mindfulness and critical thinking, helping people make more intentional choices in their everyday lives.
Jaunimo asmeninio tobulėjimo centras, NGO
Mentor Vilius Vaičius
Maja Devgutytė
Visual communication
In 2025, Maja graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Vilnius Design College. She actively participates in creative events and workshops that enrich her professional experience and expand her creative thinking. One of her most significant experiences was the Erasmus+ blended mobility week “Creative Visual Project” in Croatia (2024), where she collaborated with an international team and worked alongside the global brand Adidas. Another impactful moment was the event “Illustrating Stories from Head to Tail” in Spain, focused on exploring visual storytelling and illustration in an international context.
Maja describes herself as a responsible and motivated graphic designer, always seeking new opportunities to grow and open to challenges. She confidently shares ideas and communicates warmly with her team, making each project not only a creative endeavor but also a rewarding collaboration. Her design approach aims to be both aesthetically appealing and meaningful. "I truly value the opportunity to use my creativity to help others", she says.
If given the chance to address a social issue through design, Maja would contribute to projects that offer emotional support to those who need it most - helping people feel seen, included, and encouraged to build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Humanistinių idėjų ambasadoriai, NPO
Mentor Edita Tamošiūnienė
Dominykas Vaščila
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
Dominykas holds a Bachelor's degree in Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA). He has participated in the VAA Graduation Show and the Corian creative workshop exhibition “6 Doors.” He describes himself as a multidisciplinary designer with experience in 3D and physical design, visual communication, UX thinking, and UI structures. "Through my work, I aim to build bridges between beauty and function - between what the eye sees and what truly affects the human experience. For me, design isn’t just layers of aesthetics, but a continuous experiment, a journey of curiosity, and a search for meaning - even in discomfort", he says.
If Dominykas could address one societal issue through design, he would focus on ensuring equal participation for people with mobility disabilities. He believes there are still many gaps where individuals face limiting systems and environments, and sees great value in creating design solutions that offer more freedom, dignity, and equity in everyday life.
Demencija Lietuvoje, Association
Mentor Vilius Vaičius
Dainora Jakštaitė
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
In 2023, Dainora earned a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity from Aston University (UK). As part of the Erasmus program, she studied Computer Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in 2021, where one of her modules focused on User Interface (UI) design. After completing her formal studies, she pursued additional training in website design (UX/UI) at CodeAcademy in Lithuania.
Dainora has actively participated in tech industry events such as Web Summit (Lisbon, Portugal) and Black Hat Europe, gaining insight into emerging trends in marketing, UX/UI, and technology. She has also taken part in 24-hour university hackathons, earning awards with her team for their game Space Geese 2: Electric Boogaloo at AstonHack 2021, where she was responsible for the game’s visuals and promotional video.
As a designer, Dainora is focused on both user and business needs, creating solutions that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Her strengths include analytical thinking, a deep understanding of user experience, and the ability to simplify complex systems into clear, intuitive designs. With knowledge in both UX/UI and programming fundamentals, she collaborates effectively with developers and understands technical constraints. Her background in marketing allows her to approach design from a strategic communication and brand perspective - creating solutions that meet user needs, strengthen brand identity, and drive engagement.
Dainora is known for her creativity, eagerness to learn, ability to structure information clearly, and her effectiveness in interdisciplinary teams.
If she could address one societal issue through design, Dainora would focus on improving the accessibility and safety of technology. She believes digital tools, AI, and apps should be secure, intuitive, and inclusive - regardless of age or ability. Many elderly individuals and people with disabilities face barriers when using digital services, such as registering for healthcare or navigating government systems. Better accessibility could also enhance education in regional schools, where teachers often lack digital skills or proper tools. Through thoughtful design, Dainora aims to ensure that technology is developed responsibly - clear, user-friendly, and empowering for all.
Vilniaus verslo kolegija
Mentor Igor Gubaidulin
Paulina Vasiliauskaitė
Fashion design
Paulina earned her Bachelor's degree in Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2023. During 2021–2022, she also studied at the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague, Netherlands.
She has participated in numerous design events and exhibitions both in Lithuania and abroad. Her design objects have been showcased at Gallery Vartai and Gallery Meno Niša, as well as at international events such as Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the Ambiente trade fair in Frankfurt, and Tallinn Design Festival. These experiences have allowed Paulina to present her work to wider audiences, connect with the global design community, and gain invaluable insight into how different cultural contexts perceive and interpret design.
Paulina reveals that she tells stories through objects, forms, and materials. Her creative interests are closely tied to traditions, rituals, and mythology. Inspired by Lithuanian folklore and myth, her design objects reflect themes of collective memory, love, and subconscious fears. Metaphors and symbols become tools that allow her creations to transcend aesthetic and functional value - becoming vessels for storytelling.
If given the opportunity to address a societal issue through design, Paulina would choose to tackle climate change and environmental challenges. For her, design is not only a way to speak about the climate crisis but also a means to shape habits and raise awareness - encouraging more responsible consumption, reminding us of nature’s finite resources, and inspiring everyday change. Through her work, she aims to create objects that are not only visually compelling but also provoke reflection on our responsibility toward the planet and future generations.
Marijampolė Seniors and People with Disabilities Day Center Židinys
Mentor Edita Tamošiūnienė
Emilija Irena Baranovska
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
In 2025, Emilija graduated in Graphic Design from Vilnius College. She participated in the international iGEM competition with the project Synhesion, where her team developed a sustainable biological alternative to harmful industrial adhesives. Emilija’s role as a designer was to create clear visual communication and project identity. She also contributed to website design and crafted informative graphic solutions tailored to both scientists and the general public. "This experience revealed how design can amplify messages of social responsibility and contribute to environmental change", she says.
Emilija describes herself as a UX/UI designer who builds experiences through empathy, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Her deep understanding of user needs allows her to see the world through their eyes and create meaningful, effective solutions. She views design as a continuous journey of discovery - from idea to solution - capable of improving everyday life and driving positive change. Dedicated, motivated, and quality-driven, Emilija relies on thorough research, ongoing learning, and experimentation to refine her work. "I don’t count the hours - I enjoy the process. I believe this constant search for the best solution is the essence of design", she says.
If given the opportunity to address one social issue through design, Emilija would fight against stereotypes. She sees them as a significant barrier to personal growth, equality, and self-expression. Gender, age, and ethnicity-based stereotypes can influence careers, education, and social roles - reinforcing bias and discrimination. Emilija believes design can help dismantle these barriers by creating inclusive visuals, using neutral language, and portraying diverse stories and identities. Through this, design fosters critical thinking, challenges assumptions, and promotes a more equitable society.
Lithuanian Artists’ Association
Mentor Vilius Vaičius
Viktorija Kuliavaitė
Fashion design
Viktorija graduated in Experimental Fashion Design from Vilnius Design College in 2020 and earned her degree in Textile Art and Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2023.
During her undergraduate studies, she spent a year at VIA College University in Denmark through an exchange program, gaining hands-on experience in textile technologies and learning to craft individual textile products in laboratory settings. This experience deepened her fascination with textures, colors, forms, and materials - bringing her even closer to the essence of textile art and design.
Selected Achievements
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2023 – Young Designer Prize, Research Category
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2022 – 1st Place, Estonian Fashion Festival
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2020 – Participant, Sustainable Fashion Week Vilnius
Exhibitions
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2025 – Ambiente Young Talents, Frankfurt, Germany; one of her rugs selected as a 2026 trend
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2024 – Play exhibition, Michelin HQ, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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2023 – Rug showcase at the Museum of Applied Arts and Design, Vilnius, and KKKC, Klaipėda
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2023 – VAA Graduation Show, Vilnius
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2023 – Furniture and Design Solutions 2023, Litexpo, Vilnius
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2022 – Solo exhibition at Užupis Art Incubator, Vilnius
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2022 – Revising Connections, group exhibition, Artifex Gallery, Vilnius
Viktorija’s work as a textile designer is inspired by nature and biomimicry. Her creations are tactile, functional, and versatile - spanning fashion, furniture, and interior design. She devotes significant attention to exploring textures, colors, forms, and materials, often working with sustainable, recycled, or natural resources. Her strengths include creativity, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to experiment and merge aesthetics with functionality. With experience presenting projects at international exhibitions and competitions, Viktorija is skilled at realizing ideas from concept to final product.
If given the opportunity to address a societal issue through design, Viktorija would focus on promoting sustainable consumption in the textile and interior sectors. She applies this principle in her own practice by creating tactile, functional, and eco-conscious textile pieces from natural or recycled materials - reducing waste and encouraging mindful use. As a designer, she not only creates beautiful products but also educates the public on responsible material use and sustainability.
A Grupė, Ldt
Mentor Edita Tamošiūnienė
Ignas Jankūnas
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
In 2025, Ignas graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, specializing in Web Design. He describes himself as a diligent and curious designer who continuously explores various digital fields - from 3D modeling to product design principles. With a strong technical mindset and a quick learning ability, Ignas consistently expands his skill set to create solutions that are both visually appealing and highly functional.
If given the opportunity to address a societal issue through design, Ignas would focus on improving digital accessibility. He believes that all members of society - including people with disabilities - should have equal access to digital services. Through thoughtful design, he aims to create inclusive digital experiences that empower users and promote equity.
Dineta, Ldt
Mentor Kaja Elena Brilė
Anna Abdrashitova
User Experience, User Interface (UX/UI) design
Anna graduated in Design from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2025.
Awards
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2025 – Nominated for the Young Designer Prize in the Product Design category
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2023 – Nominated for the Good Design Prize in the Interior Product category
Exhibitions
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2025 – Dutch Design Week: Class of 25, group exhibition, Eindhoven
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2025 – Young Designer Prize 2025, group exhibition, Panevėžys City Museum and Museum of Applied Arts and Design, Vilnius
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2025 – Vilnius Academy of Arts Graduation Show, Vilnius
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2023 – Good Design Prize 2023, virtual group exhibition
Anna describes herself as a designer who firmly believes that design can reshape reality. She specializes in conscious and behavioral design, focusing on meaningful problem-solving and sustainable production. Through her practice, she aims not only to improve everyday life but also to challenge conventional norms - seeking ways to act more mindfully, sustainably, and responsibly.
If given the opportunity to address a societal issue through design, Anna would help people reconnect with themselves and the tangible world around them. In today’s culture of constant productivity and digital distraction, she believes we risk losing touch with who we are. Her goal is to encourage moments of presence - whether alone, in the company of others, or through hands-on creation. She envisions design as a tool to foster awareness, restore balance, and inspire deeper human connection.
Lithuanian Free Market Institute
Mentor Igoris Gubaidulin