Design Wings mentors embody the balance of knowledge and experience, the ability to solve problems, and the leadership principles based on professionalism, impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, equality, and collegiality. They will help novice designers and companies connect with each other and will guide them to the final creative output.
The mentors' main tasks:
- To evaluate, shortlist, and bring together the participants of the Design Wings project — novice designers and companies — and work with them to achieve a joint creative outcome;
- To share experience, give advice, and support both the project team and participants in the development and implementation of new design solutions in their respective fields;
- To participate in project training and other activities;
- To evaluate and validate the achievements of project participants and contribute to their final reports;
- Collaborate with the Lithuanian Council for Culture team and other organisations to achieve successful project outcomes.
Meet the mentors of the Design Wings project!
Pijus Cicėnas
Visual communication
Pijus Cicėnas holds a Master of Arts degree from Vilnius Academy of Arts and has 13 years of experience in the design field.
According to Pijus, every project he has delivered has been important and meaningful in its own way. Over the course of his career, he has worked across a wide range of industries, including real estate, pharmaceuticals, toys, fashion, construction, engineering, high technologies, and design.
Selected Projects:
Froceth
A 3D illustration project focused on stem cancer cell prevention. The project involved the successful creation and visualization of cells based on rigorous scientific principles combined with creativity.
Ordoline.lt
Created 3D graphics and animation aimed at building trust through aesthetics and introducing users to the service offered. The project presents a visual narrative exploring the balance between natural processes and technology in the field of teeth alignment.
Brolis Sensor Technology
A unique project where 3D graphics were used to communicate the scientific direction of the company's new laser technology development in the medical field.
As a mentor in the Design Wings project for more than one cycle, Pijus highlights the uniqueness of the initiative, where emerging designers and businesses collaborate to create new products. In this process, mentors provide guidance, observe progress, and, when necessary, help steer projects toward smoother implementation.
“The first phase of the project (2022–2023) already demonstrated how the projects I mentored turned into success stories. It is rewarding to see accumulated experience helping others and creating real value,” says Pijus.
According to Pijus, design creates solutions that can change people's lives. It is not only about aesthetics but also about raising awareness and empowering people by creating more user-friendly services, more sustainable products, and drawing attention to important social issues.
Motto: “You will find only what you bring in”
Designer Justina Stipinaitė, Socialinis veiksmas (NGO)
Designer Aistė Rajunčiūtė, Kvietkinės kaimo bendruomenė (Public Institution)
Designer Kamilė Ražanskaitė, Pozityvios sveikatos komanda (NGO)
Emilija Užukauskienė
Visual communication
Emilija Užukauskienė earned a Master's degree in Graphic Design from the Kaunas Faculty of the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2004. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of visual communication.
Key Projects
- Packaging design for Holy Donut café
- Packaging series for La Petite Patisserie bakery
- Creative solutions and design for Antalis calendars
Awards and Recognition
- Silver Award, Packaging Category, World Brand Design Society Creative Design Awards 2022/23
- 2nd Place, Confectionery, Snacks & Desserts Category, NAPA Baltics International Packaging Design Competition 2022
- Packaging Design Award, Good Design (Geras Dizainas) Competition 2022
- Silver Award, Graphic and Visual Communication Design Category, A' Design Award & Competition 2015–2016
- Diploma, Good Design (Geras Dizainas) Competition 2013
According to Emilija, mentorship is grounded in the belief that everyone has something valuable to share, whether it is a small piece of advice or a few words of encouragement. By sharing her experience, she not only helps others take their first steps forward but also gains a fresh perspective on her own professional journey.
Emilija believes that design contributes to social impact by shaping the way we see and understand the world around us. Design can raise important questions, foster empathy, draw attention to pressing issues, and inspire positive change.
Motto: "I am a very black-and-white person living in a colourful world."
Designer Viltė Kanapinskaitė, Gerumo skraistė (Public Institution)
Dizainerė Benita Vilčinskaitė, SG Consulting and Engineering (Ldt)
Lukas Ruškys
Visual communication
Lukas Ruškys graduated from the Design Department of the Vilnius Academy of Arts. With 28 years of experience in the design field, he develops a wide range of visual identity, branding, and social advertising projects that require not only design expertise but also a strong understanding of marketing and social psychology.
Rather than singling out specific projects, Lukas considers his most important work to be the projects that have created the greatest value for clients and, more importantly, for their audiences. As he explains, "To be more precise, for my clients' clients. I don't separate projects into more or less important ones because whatever I am working on at the moment is the most important project for me. Sometimes even a small contribution from a designer can have a significant impact on a client's activities".
Having served as a mentor in the Design Wings programme for several years, Lukas says that mentorship became part of his professional life long ago and developed naturally, even before he knew there was a name for it. He vividly remembers his first professional steps and how difficult they were, as people around him were often too busy with their own work to answer what seemed like simple questions. While access to information is now easier than ever, Lukas believes that "an empathetic personal connection can provide the emotional support that is often needed most".
Through Design Wings, Lukas saw an opportunity not only to further develop his mentoring skills but also to help emerging designers build confidence as they enter a highly dynamic and challenging job market.
According to Lukas, design is one of the most powerful tools for creating initiatives and solutions that generate social impact. It extends far beyond the creation of physical or digital products, encompassing the optimisation of existing processes and even the development of entirely new ones. In his view, design plays a vital role in shaping tools and systems that can improve people's lives and create meaningful change within society.
Motto: "Make haste slowly".
Designer Elada Miliauskaitė, Medardas Čobotas University of the Third Age
Designer Eglė Pundzevičiūtė, NGO Information and Support Centre
Designer Georgy Kasatkin, Human Resources Monitoring and Development Bureau (Public Institution)
Rūta Vainilavičiūtė-Prelgauskienė
User Experience and User Interface Design (UX/UI)
Rūta has more than 12 years of experience in User Experience and User Interface (UX/UI) design. Throughout her career, she has worked primarily with digital products and complex systems that require a deep understanding of user needs, the ability to manage intricate information structures, and the transformation of complexity into clear, intuitive solutions. Her expertise includes user journey mapping, information architecture, prototyping, UI design, and the implementation of design systems. She also evaluates existing systems, identifies process inefficiencies, and collaborates closely with product managers, business analysts, and development teams to ensure that solutions are both user-centered and feasible to implement.
Among the most significant projects in Rūta’s career are complex digital platforms, self-service solutions, and digital transformation initiatives. She has contributed to projects across healthcare, the public sector, financial reporting, telecommunications, the automotive industry, and international business environments. In these projects, she has focused on user research, information architecture, user journey optimization, prototyping, UI design, design system implementation, and ensuring the practical viability of design solutions.
Rūta believes that one of the most important skills for today’s designers is the ability to truly understand a problem. Creating visually appealing solutions alone is no longer enough. Designers must be able to ask the right questions, analyze situations, understand user needs, and justify their decisions. While tools and trends continue to evolve, critical thinking and problem-solving remain the core competencies of the profession.
For Rūta, mentorship is a meaningful way to share knowledge, support professional growth, and contribute to the development of future designers. Having worked on a wide range of projects, collaborated with diverse teams, and navigated complex challenges over more than a decade in UX/UI design, she is able to provide both practical guidance and strategic direction. She seeks to encourage mentees, help them build confidence, and support them in making well-founded design decisions. Rūta firmly believes that mentorship, constructive feedback, and learning from experienced professionals are invaluable elements of every designer’s career journey.
Rūta believes that strong design ideas emerge from a deep understanding of both the problem and the people affected by it. However, having a great idea is only the beginning. Successful implementation requires the ability to validate ideas, test them in practice, and adapt them to real-world contexts.
In Rūta’s view, design can create meaningful social impact through practical improvements that make everyday experiences easier and more accessible. Whether helping people understand information more quickly, navigate services more easily, or feel less overwhelmed when interacting with complex systems, thoughtful design has the power to improve lives, especially within public services and large-scale digital platforms.
One of the most influential trends in recent years, according to Rūta, has been the integration of artificial intelligence into design processes. AI-powered tools can help designers generate ideas more efficiently, structure information, prepare for creative workshops, and improve team collaboration. However, she emphasizes that AI does not replace human thinking. Technology can accelerate processes, but only people can truly understand context, empathize with users, and take responsibility for design outcomes. For this reason, Rūta believes that the strongest contemporary designers are those who successfully combine emerging technologies with critical thinking, professional judgment, and ethical responsibility.
Rūta’s motto: The first step is telling yourself that you can.
Designer Kipras Maigys, Švenčionys District Local Action Group "Švenčionių Partnerystė"
Designer Gustina Maksvytytė, Skaitmeninės etikos centras (NPO)
Karolis Bakūnas
Industrial design
Karolis Bakūnas is an industrial designer with over 10 years of experience in developing functional, aesthetically refined, and production-ready products. He graduated from the Faculty of Design at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, earning a Master’s degree in Design in 2015 and a Bachelor’s degree in Design in 2013.
Karolis specializes in product development from concept to final implementation, working closely with clients, engineers, and manufacturing teams throughout the entire design process. His key strengths include analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to align design solutions with business objectives and brand strategies. He is experienced in 3D modeling, visualization, prototyping, and CAD optimization, while continuously keeping pace with the latest developments in design and technology.
Among the most notable projects Karolis has worked on are:
- Rubbee (Lithuania) – electric bicycle drive system
- Ratiotec (Germany) – banknote verification and counting devices
- Elinta Charge (Lithuania) – HomeBox Slim electric vehicle charging station
- YOS (Netherlands) – reusable water bottles
His work has received international recognition, including:
- European Product Design Award for the design of the YOS reusable bottle
- A’ Design Award Silver for the Reed Precision turntable
- A’ Design Award Gold for Technokosmeda 5000x
- A’ Design Award Silver for Femtika Nano Laser Factory
Karolis is particularly drawn to mentorship because of the opportunity to witness the growth and progress of emerging designers, often within a remarkably short period of time. He believes that programs such as Design Wings offer participants not only the chance to strengthen their professional skills but also the invaluable experience of working with real clients and addressing real-world challenges.
In Karolis’s view, one of the most important skills for an aspiring designer is the ability to present themselves effectively. Clients do not choose designers solely based on the quality of their portfolio; they also choose the person they will collaborate with. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to build trust are therefore essential for long-term success.
Karolis is convinced that design can create meaningful social impact by addressing challenges related to sustainability and accessibility. Thoughtful design can encourage the reuse of products and materials, create more inclusive solutions for people with disabilities, and improve everyday quality of life. At its best, design has the power to influence habits and promote more responsible consumption patterns.
When discussing current trends in industrial design, Karolis highlights sustainability and the growing focus on reducing overconsumption. As a result, there is increasing demand for products that are durable, repairable, and resistant to rapidly changing aesthetic trends. Rather than following short-lived fashions, he believes designers should focus on creating products that serve people for as long as possible.
Karolis’s motto: Good design starts with solving a problem.
Designer Milda Virbickaitė, JUDU365 Association (formerly known as the Association of Athletes with Disabilities)
Kristina Paukštytė-Bakūnė
Service design
Kristina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Legal Psychology from Mykolas Romeris University. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior, motivation, and decision-making, which she now applies to user research, product development, and organizational consulting.
With more than 10 years of experience in product and service development, Kristina has spent most of her career working with innovative products and startups, primarily within the EdTech sector. She has led projects through the entire product lifecycle, from idea generation and user research to product development, launch, and continuous growth. Her expertise lies in user needs analysis, product and service strategy, and solution validation. Kristina works closely with multidisciplinary teams, helping organizations identify core challenges, define compelling value propositions, and develop solutions that create genuine value for users. She believes that successful products are not built by striving for perfection from the start, but by testing ideas early and improving them through continuous learning and iteration.
Key Projects
Robotics Academy (Robotikos akademija)
Kristina played a leading role in developing and scaling educational LEGO-based learning programs. She was responsible for product strategy, user experience design, content development, visual communication, and the coordination of creative and product teams. Today, the program is used by more than 12,000 children in Lithuania and has successfully expanded to Chicago and Ireland.
AHA Stories
Kristina led the development of an educational mathematics platform from concept to market launch. She defined the product strategy, conducted user research, coordinated platform and video content development, and oversaw the launch process. The platform continues to evolve through ongoing user feedback, testing, and iterative improvements.
According to Kristina, the most important skill for today’s designers is the ability to deeply understand users and validate solutions as early as possible. Good design is not defined by aesthetics alone, nor by what the creator personally believes is right. Effective design solves real problems and creates meaningful value for people. For this reason, the ability to engage with users, challenge assumptions, and continuously improve solutions based on feedback is more important than attempting to create a perfect product from the outset.
Mentorship is particularly meaningful to Kristina because a significant part of her professional journey has been dedicated to developing teams and sharing knowledge. She believes that the greatest growth happens not when answers are provided, but when people are guided toward discovering those answers themselves. Throughout her career, she has benefited from exceptional mentors who supported both her professional and personal development. Today, she finds the greatest motivation in seeing emerging designers and product creators gain confidence, discover their direction, and grow into accomplished professionals. This is one of the reasons why the Design Wings project resonates strongly with her: it provides an opportunity to contribute not only to the growth of organizations but also to the development of the next generation of Lithuanian designers.
Kristina believes that every strong design solution starts not with an idea, but with a clearly defined problem. The better we understand users, their needs, and the challenges they face, the greater the likelihood of creating solutions that deliver real value.
In her view, design can generate positive social impact by addressing genuine human needs, reducing barriers, and improving everyday experiences. Well-designed products and services can make life more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for a wide range of users.
When discussing the most significant trends in service design, Kristina highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous user testing. These trends are driven by rapid technological advancements and the increasing need to create meaningful value quickly while remaining responsive to changing user expectations.
Kristina’s motto: Test first. Perfect later.
Designer Gretė Labanauskaitė, Norbena (SP)
Designer Milda Palivonaitė, Asmenybės ugdymo kultūros centras (NPO)
Designer Liepa Marija Gradauskaitė, Mamu unija, Charity and Support Foundation
Miglė Rudaitytė-Černiauskienė
Graphic Design
Miglė is an Art Director, Graphic Designer, and founder of the independent creative practice BOY. As a creative lead and designer, she believes that every successful project starts with a strong idea. To ensure that each collaboration receives the attention, strategic thinking, and creative depth it deserves, she intentionally works with a limited number of carefully selected projects each year.
With more than 15 years of experience leading creative work across industries including advertising, media, and cybersecurity, Miglė has developed a diverse portfolio spanning large-scale advertising campaigns, brand identity projects, book and editorial design, as well as self-initiated creative projects and cultural initiatives. Her work consistently combines strategic thinking with a distinctive visual approach, creating meaningful connections between brands, audiences, and ideas.
Her projects have been recognized by some of the most prestigious international creative industry awards, including D&AD, Epica Awards, and ADC Awards. Miglė has also served as a juror for leading international creative competitions, including D&AD (2022, 2024), ADCE (2022), and ADC*CZ (2026).
According to Miglė, great design always begins with a strong idea. The ability to discover, refine, and transform an idea into a compelling visual expression is one of the most important skills a designer can develop. While technologies and tools continuously evolve, powerful ideas remain at the heart of meaningful design.
Miglė strongly believes that creative collaboration amplifies results. In her experience, a single insightful conversation can sometimes completely change the direction of a project. The right question or a fresh perspective can unlock progress, challenge assumptions, and lead to unexpected breakthroughs. She particularly enjoys working with emerging creatives, whose enthusiasm and curiosity are a constant source of inspiration. At the same time, these interactions provide an opportunity for mutual learning, helping her stay open to new perspectives and evolving ways of thinking.
In Miglė’s view, generating original ideas requires drawing inspiration from a wide variety of fields, many of which may not be directly related to design. The broader one’s perspective, the greater the opportunity to discover unexpected connections and innovative solutions. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and consciously eliminating clichés from the creative process, creating space for originality and fresh thinking. Meaningful conversations, whether with fellow creatives or people from entirely different backgrounds, are equally essential. Ultimately, creativity also requires patience, discipline, and the ability to focus deeply, qualities that have become increasingly valuable in a world shaped by constant information flows, digital distractions, and evolving technologies.
Speaking about design’s role in society, Miglė often compares design to a vehicle that delivers information to people. When that “vehicle” is intuitive, clear, and visually engaging, information becomes easier to understand, remember, and engage with. This principle applies equally to social initiatives and commercial projects. In her view, design is a powerful tool capable of shaping perception, influencing behavior, and creating positive impact when used thoughtfully and responsibly.
According to Miglė, we are currently living through a major turning point in the era of artificial intelligence, one that is transforming the design profession as profoundly as many other fields. Designers today must not only stay informed about technological innovation but also develop the ability to navigate these changes thoughtfully and responsibly. The challenge lies in understanding which opportunities new technologies should be embraced and where human creativity, critical thinking, and authenticity must remain central. Miglė sees this as an exciting moment in human progress, one that offers extraordinary possibilities for those who are able to combine technological advancement with strong creative and ethical judgment.
Miglė’s motto: Every great design starts with a great idea.
Designer Jonė Dūdaitė, Transparency International Lithuania
Tomas Aliukas
User Experience and User Interface Design (UX/UI)
Tomas Aliukas is a UX/UI designer with more than 10 years of experience in user experience and user interface design. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Design from the Vilnius College of Technologies and Design and later continued his studies at Vilnius University, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Health Sciences with a specialization in Art Therapy. This combination of design expertise and a deep understanding of human behavior enables him to create solutions that are not only functional and visually engaging but also meaningful and user-centered.
According to Tomas, one of the most important qualities of a contemporary designer is curiosity. Design is a constantly evolving field, and professional development does not end with a university degree. Learning continues throughout an entire career. This belief is one of the reasons why mentorship is particularly meaningful to him. By supporting and teaching others, he is also encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments, technologies, and methodologies shaping the design industry. Tomas sees mentorship as an opportunity not only to share his experience but also to continuously renew his own knowledge and remain connected to the broader design community.
The project also has personal significance for him. Early in his own career, Tomas experienced the challenges of entering the job market and finding his place within the industry. Having navigated those obstacles himself, he is passionate about helping emerging designers build confidence, develop their skills, and transition more smoothly into professional practice.
Tomas believes that strong design ideas are born from genuine curiosity and patience. In his view, meaningful concepts rarely appear instantly. The best ideas require time to evolve, mature, and gain clarity. Allowing space for reflection is often just as important as the creative process itself.
When discussing the role of design in society, Tomas highlights the importance of personalized communication. From visual identities to UX solutions, thoughtful design helps diverse audiences navigate information, understand complex content, and make informed decisions more easily. Well-designed experiences can improve accessibility, strengthen engagement, and ultimately make information more approachable for a wide range of users.
Looking at current industry developments, Tomas identifies two particularly influential trends: reusability and artificial intelligence. He believes these shifts are largely driven by changing economic conditions and growing demands for efficiency. Organizations increasingly seek flexible, scalable solutions that can be adapted across different contexts, while designers are exploring AI-powered tools that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and support creative processes. At the same time, Tomas emphasizes the importance of using these technologies thoughtfully, ensuring they complement rather than replace human creativity and critical thinking.
For Tomas, design is a lifelong journey of learning, exploration, and continuous improvement. His professional philosophy reflects a belief that growth comes from maintaining an open mind, staying curious, and embracing opportunities to learn from others.
Tomas’s motto: Always remain a beginner.
Designer Unė Jonynaitė, Lithuanian gay league
Designer Dainora Jakštaitė, LithuaniaBIO Association
Designer Viktoriia Volyniuk, Kūrybinių technologijų akademija (NGO)