Golaszewski

Graphic Design

Graphic design is the foundation of my skillset and has provided me with the essential tools that I needed to evolve those skills into a successful career. The training I received as an undergrad and in the early stages of my career helped to develop my skills in typography, hierarchy, and composition which continue to inform my creative decision-making today.

Graphic Design Samples

Photography

I never set out to be a photographer. I could appreciate the use of a photograph as a means to creating a layout, but I never really gave it much more thought than that. But as my needs for suitable imagery outpaced available budgets, I figured I could try my hand at taking some photos for projects as needed.

That decision sparked a newfound passion for the photographic medium that I have yet to extinguish. I simply love the melding of having a creative vision, understanding photographic concepts, and having the technical ability to make the equipment do what I want. It’s an endless source of creative exploration for me both professionally as well as personally.

Photography Samples

Website Design & Development

I’ve long held the belief that in order for one to be a good web designer, one needs to be a good designer first. And while I still think that’s true, it was an arrogant point of view. Sure, the concepts of typography, hierarchy, color, and composition are always present, but designing for both the limitations and opportunities of the digital medium require a shift in mindset that took some time to fully recognize.

The more I understood the development of the interfaces I was designing, the better my designs became. The blending of those abilities helps me think deliberately about the design choices I’m making.

Web Design & Development Samples

Video & Motion Graphics

Video has opened up new way of creative thinking for me. It’s one my newest skills and has been energizing to explore the creative and technical aspects of video creation. It has become another tool to have at my disposal to help craft compelling and engaging messages.

The addition of motion graphics — whether in a video or as stand-alone creative — can be a powerful way to deliver content in an engaging way. I enjoy the opportunity to expand the impact of the message with the more unique visual impact that motion can provide.

Video & Motion Graphic Samples

Inclusive Web Design/Accessibility

Some think of web accessibility as a technical requirement on a project brief. A deliverable that is simply added at the end of a project. I think that mindset falls short of the intent of making content accessible to all users. But it’s much more than that. For example, if we only think about accessibility as something tacked on to a building project, then we end up with a wheelchair ramp that is located near the loading dock that is down a dark alley. Technically, the building is wheelchair accessible, but is it, really?

Inclusive design shifts accessibility considerations to the forefront of a project. Thinking inclusively designs that wheelchair ramp into the construction of the building right from the start. It’s part of the design and not an afterthought. In web design, this means using proper HTML elements, descriptive link text, colors with appropriate contrast, and language that speaks to users of all abilities are all part — but definitely not all — of the initial design considerations to take into an account.

Hi! I’m Mark Golaszewski (pronounced: Golasheski)

I’m the assistant director of multimedia design in Penn State’s Office of University Development, where I collaborate across teams and creative disciplines to bring ideas to life in meaningful, visually cohesive ways. My career spans more than two decades—including time in both in-house and ad agency settings—giving me a unique perspective on balancing creative ambition with strategic goals and organizational needs.

Throughout my career, I’ve continually pushed myself to expand my skillset—evolving from traditional graphic design into photography, web design and development, video production (including lighting and audio), UI/UX, accessibility, and even project management. I don’t just like learning new things—I thrive on it.

I also played a key role in managing our relationship with an external agency during the rollout of a major brand refresh. It was an opportunity to bridge strategy and execution across teams, ensuring the new brand system was implemented consistently and effectively at every touchpoint.

Whether I’m collaborating with developers, writers, videographers, or stakeholders, I bring a holistic mindset to every project. I have a sharp eye for consistency across mediums and a deep understanding of the capabilities—and limitations—of both digital and analog platforms. That means every element, from the typography to the transitions, works in harmony to support the story.

I’m always learning, always iterating, and always focused on making creative work more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more impactful.