#omgkrk

I was invited to join omgkrk team as a creative director to help reshape omgkrk.

OMGKRK is a foundation dedicated to building a world-class innovation ecosystem in Krakow, Poland. Established in 2016, it evolved from a community hashtag into a leading institution supporting the local digital economy. The foundation brings together innovations, startups, technology, and IT professionals to foster collaboration and growth within the region.

Client
OMGKRK

Segment
NGO

Discipline
Creative Direction, Graphic Design, Typography, Illustration.

Office
Krakow

Website
omgkrk.com

Origins and Vision

#OMGKRK began in 2013 as a hashtag-driven initiative to bring visibility to Krakow’s startup ecosystem on social media. By tagging startup-related events with #OMGKRK, the goal was to foster collaboration, amplify innovation, and strengthen the local community. Over time, it has grown into a dynamic network connecting people, events, and ideas.

Each type of event has its own unique system of shapes, built on the same grid structure, and a distinct color palette to reflect its character.

Bright, energetic colors and bold compositions enhance the dynamic and innovative spirit of OMGKRK, while the grid ensures visual consistency and flexibility. This approach visually embodies OMGKRK’s mission: connecting people, ideas, and initiatives to build a thriving community.

Dark tones are used for evening events like Hangouts and X-mas Hangouts, creating a cozy, sophisticated feel. Bright, energetic colors highlight daytime gatherings like Breakfast Meetings and Summer Jam, reflecting their lively and vibrant atmosphere.

This approach visually embodies OMGKRK’s mission: connecting people, ideas, and initiatives to build a thriving community while offering a flexible and cohesive identity system that celebrates the diversity of its events.

General Idea

The refreshed identity is built around the construction of the hashtag symbol (#), using its grid-like structure to represent connection, networking, and the vibrant intersections within Krakow’s startup ecosystem. The hashtag grid serves as both a metaphor and a flexible design system, adaptable across various formats such as event promotions, social media graphics, and branding for initiatives like Hangouts and Summer Jams.

In 2023, I was invited by OMGKRK CEO Dominika Walec to refresh and upgrade the OMGKRK project, building on its established foundation while infusing it with new energy. My goal was to create a flexible, cohesive system that could accommodate a variety of designs and formats to promote initiatives like Hangouts, Summer Jams, and other vibrant events.

Let’s Hangout!

Discipline
naming, graphic design, creative direction of the events (speakers, space, networking, topic)

Hangout by OMGKRK is a series of thoughtfully curated events designed to bring Krakow’s innovation and startup community together in high-quality, carefully chosen venues with a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. These spaces are selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to foster meaningful conversations and connections.

The events are about more than just networking—they create an environment where entrepreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and investors can meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate in a relaxed yet purposeful setting. The organizers emphasize the importance of ambiance, ensuring that every gathering feels engaging and vibrant, whether it’s in a modern coworking space, a trendy café, or a stylish cultural venue.

Discipline
naming, graphic design, creative direction of the events (speakers, space, networking, topic)

Duration
every last Thursday of the month

X-mas Hangouts

The X-mas Hangout is an annual event. This special edition ofomgkrk regular "Hangout" series brings together individuals from the city's innovation, startup, technology, and IT sectors in a festive setting. The event typically features knowledge-sharing sessions, panel discussions with successful local entrepreneurs, and networking opportunities.

The 2024 X-mas Hangout included the premiere of the latest Krakow Startups Report and a panel discussion titled "Shaping Success: Current Trends Defining the Startup Landscape," featuring prominent figures from the local startup community. These gatherings aim to foster connections, share insights, and celebrate the achievements of Krakow's thriving tech community.

community wake up!

Wake Up is a monthly breakfast event organized by OMGKRK, designed to foster connections, networking, and knowledge sharing among its members and friends. Each edition focuses on a specific theme or audience, such as HR professionals, designers, or NGOs, providing a platform for participants to discuss current challenges and exchange best practices. The typical agenda includes a presentation, participant introductions, and ample time for networking over breakfast. For example, the third edition, held on September 18th, 2019, featured a presentation about the OMGKRK Foundation, followed by participant introductions and networking.

Discipline
naming, graphic design, creative direction of the events (speakers, space, networking, topic)

Duration
monthly

Summer Jam

Summer Jam is an annual event that gathers a diverse group of approximately 350 attendees, including entrepreneurs, programmers, investors, designers, marketers, and other key stakeholders from both local and international tech communities. It's an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, learn about local innovations, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.

Each year, Summer Jam centers around a specific theme. For instance, the 2023 edition focused on "We Create," highlighting innovations developed within the ecosystem and the creative processes behind them. In 2024, the theme was "We Connect," emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and authenticity in forming lasting partnerships that drive future business endeavors.

Discipline
naming, graphic design, creative direction, decoration.

Duration
every summer (2023,2024)