In the dynamic world of design, Kristijan Binski shines as a luminary. As Head of Design and Co-founder at Uniko Studio, a prestigious agency in London and Dubai, he brings 15+ years of expertise. Passionate about crafting simple yet powerful user-centered interfaces, Kristijan has honed his skills working with startups, entrepreneurs, and established enterprises. His illustrious career includes crafting solutions for industry leaders like Colgate, Adobe, Dermalogica, Johnson & Johnson, Rogers, PeerSpot, and more. His ability to translate complex ideas into visually appealing, user-friendly designs has earned him accolades, establishing Uniko Studio as a go-to agency for top-tier brands.
Kristijan Binski, Head of Design, Co-Founder at Uniko Studio
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life so we can get to know you better.
My life's been quite a journey, shaping me into who I am today. I've always been the kind of person drawn to out-of-the-box solutions, going with the flow, and embracing new challenges. Early in my career, way before the tech era, I took on freelancing as a designer. People doubted the idea of earning online, warning about scams, and my friends even teased me to get a "real job." But I persevered, learning from YouTube and online classes and gradually improving my skills. Eventually, I became one of the top 10 freelancers globally, completing hundreds of projects. I've been a part of Toptal, a network of the world's best 3% global talents. Additionally, I've taken on the role of a mentor, guiding others in pursuing careers in design.
Along the way, I met my wife, my first student, and now my business partner. We lived as digital nomads, exploring over 40 countries and working with clients worldwide. After all, we co-founded Uniko Studio in 2022, a prestigious design agency with branches in London and Dubai. Choosing to settle in Dubai, we started a family, welcoming our daughter.
Having founded Uniko Studio and built a team I love working with, we're constantly adapting to new trends and innovative tools, expanding our client base, and prioritizing family and business goals. Shifting from freelancing to entrepreneurship has its challenges, but as a family man, I'm geared up for the new adventures ahead.
Can you share the story behind the founding of Uniko Studio? What inspired you to start this business?
Absolutely. With over 15 years in the design realm, I reached a point where I craved something more substantial. It was time to ease the pace of life and prioritize what truly matters. While the thrill of working 12-hour days and enjoying lengthy vacations was enjoyable in the past, now I find comfort in my office, collaborating with enterprises, corporations, and companies taking on the responsibility of diverse lengthy projects. Currently, I lead a team that consistently delivers complex projects, and we are building award-winning digital products. Admittedly, maintaining a work-life balance has become challenging, but the satisfaction derived from our current endeavors makes it worthwhile.
What sets your studio apart from others in the industry, and what unique value do you bring to your clients?
At Uniko Studio – we're a full-service boutique agency with a results-driven approach. We specialize in developing cutting-edge digital products that prioritize user needs and embody innovation and modernity. Despite our compact team size, we are committed to producing exceptional products that yield tangible results. What distinguishes us is our broad expertise in collaborating with clients across 30 diverse countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, among others. By selectively taking on a limited number of projects, we guarantee each outcome is a source of genuine pride. Our enthusiasm is deeply rooted in the meaningful impact we strive to create.
What is the vision for the future of Uniko Studio? Are there any upcoming projects, expansions, or new services that your clients can look forward to?
As a business owner, I always look for fresh talents, and our team continually expands. We operate 100% remotely, ensuring a happy work environment that we aim to maintain. Looking ahead, we're planning to streamline the industries we work with, focusing on sustainability and technology. When it comes to services, staying aligned with the current market standards and embracing the latest trends is crucial to delivering cutting-edge digital products.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, from startups and entrepreneurs to well-established Fortune 500 enterprises. I've crafted solutions for industry leaders such as Colgate, Adobe, Dermalogica, Johnson & Johnson, Rogers, PeerSpot, and more. While these are certainly big names, I consider my greatest achievement to be my ability to effectively work and collaborate with individuals from all around the globe.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
One pivotal moment that significantly shaped my journey was embracing a life of global exploration. Traveling the world transformed my perspective on business and imparted invaluable lessons about relationships and the challenges of being my own boss right from the start. The weight of making crucial business decisions became apparent, knowing that my livelihood depended on them. It's a skill that evolves with practice and experience, and I'm grateful for the support of my wife throughout this journey.
Together, as freelancers, we've crafted a life founded on the experiences accumulated over the years. The entrepreneurial path is challenging; it requires constant decision-making and an ever-expanding to-do list. While the allure of a conventional job with set hours and leisure time after work exists, I've always been drawn to the less-traveled road. Being a business owner is a perpetual journey, but with a strong foundation built on years of experience, my wife and I feel empowered to continually push our boundaries and shape our own success.
