Interview
Fragmental, Slovakia
Peter Csuz, Co-Founder of Fragmental, a boutique 3D & Motion Design studio in Bratislava, Slovakia, has been passionate about enhancing multimedia since childhood. At Fragmental, he focuses on building stronger brand relationships through exceptional design, video production, animation, CGI, and art direction.
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.
I’m Peter, and my passion for enhancing multimedia and giving it a more beautiful form has been with me since childhood. My journey began with a ZX Spectrum computer gifted by my parents, where I had to write my own code in BASIC to run any programs. This experience opened the doors to programming, and I gradually added more programming languages to my repertoire. My insatiable desire to improve and learn constantly drove me forward. There were times I wished I didn’t have to eat or sleep, feeling I could accomplish so much more. However, I balanced this passion with a love for sports, recognizing the need for equilibrium in life. Programming naturally led me to UX and UI design, even before I knew such fields existed. My fascination shifted from merely making things work to ensuring they looked and felt perfect. Inspired by my father’s meticulous work as a mechanical engineer, I pursued a degree in architecture at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. The creativity involved in designing buildings thrilled me, but my curiosity about game development persisted. While others played games, I delved into how they were created, paying particular attention to the evolving quality of game cinematics and intros. This fascination steered me toward multimedia, visualization, and particularly the complex world of 3D. I immersed myself in learning everything from 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and rendering, which captivated me from a technical perspective. This path naturally progressed to animation, lighting, and eventually motion animation, camera work, and film. Reflecting on this journey, I get chills recognizing the intricate and multifaceted path I’ve taken in my creative career.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?
I chose to become a creative because I’ve always been driven by a passion for visual storytelling and a deep desire to communicate ideas in unique and impactful ways. My early experiences with programming and multimedia sparked an endless curiosity and a relentless drive to improve and innovate. The moment I realized I was more interested in how elements looked and felt rather than just how they functioned, I knew I was destined for a creative career. My background in architecture, combined with my love for game development and 3D animation, has allowed me to merge technical precision with artistic vision, making the world of creativity an irresistible path for me.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am the Co-Founder of Fragmental, a boutique 3D & Motion Design studio based in Bratislava, Slovakia. At Fragmental, we specialize in building stronger brand relationships through exceptional design, video production, animation, CGI, and art direction. My role encompasses managing clients and contracts, as well as utilizing my expertise as a 3D CGI generalist, motion artist, and art director. This includes complex modeling, lighting, texturing, animating, rendering, post-production, color grading, and video editing. Our goal is to deliver high-quality, visually compelling solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs.
4 What does “creativity” mean to you?
To me, creativity is about finding beauty and interest in every aspect of life. At its core, it involves strong empathy for the audience it’s intended for. Creativity should be tailored to make it easy for people to find what the project aims to deliver, engaging them and sparking thought. It should be something bold, often pushing through established norms or societal pressures. Ultimately, creativity should impact the audience, making them reflect and think deeply. It must bring value, or else we might simply view it as art.
5 To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?
In my view, creativity is a reflection of one's personality and inventiveness, driven by passion. When these elements align, the result is work that elicits a “wow” from many. It’s the synthesis of originality, thoughtfulness, and emotional resonance that makes a creative idea or design truly stand out. Creativity is about pushing boundaries and connecting with people on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression that makes them think and feel differently.
6 Tell us about your creative and/or design process.
My creative process begins with thorough research and seeking inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. I gather all the data provided by the client and create a visual map of inspirations. This process is like a game where I aim to find what excites me first and then others. As the excitement builds, I smoothly transition from chaos to a concrete solution. It’s a journey from gathering scattered ideas to forming a cohesive and compelling design that resonates with everyone involved.
7 What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?
My favorite part of the creative process is the search for interesting ideas. It's an exhilarating phase where inspiration can come from anywhere, and the possibilities are endless. I also relish tackling the most complex technical challenges that are crucial to the process. Once these are resolved, routine tasks don’t excite me as much. But the feeling of conquering that difficult "thing" is incredibly rewarding. It's often these breakthroughs that create the "wow" moments in our projects.
8 Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.
My creative style is characterized by the search for beauty and simplicity in the chaotic world around us. I strive to transform complex ideas into visually appealing and easily understandable designs. My work often includes a blend of modern aesthetics with a touch of timeless elegance, focusing on bold visuals, clean lines, and thoughtful typography. I aim to create designs that are not only functional but also evoke emotion and inspire thought.
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?
Yes, the environment you live in greatly influences your creativity. In settings with a lot of pressure, resistance can emerge, pushing individuals towards rebellion and radical changes that can affect not just the person but the entire society. Currently, my country is at a point where I believe the strength of individuals will soon influence the masses. However, I personally believe that freedom and an inspiring environment are better in the long term than staying in a setting that bends you in unwanted directions. It’s beautiful to see people around you passionate about what they do, striving for great results and solutions, rather than just imposing their egos on others, which often happens when individuals have unresolved traumas. Cultural aspects are also crucial. I admire Japanese culture for its blend of traditionalism presented in a modern way, which is wonderful for long-term creative inspiration.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
We are thrilled to have won three gold awards for our project ZAGO Molds PU2. The entire team is ecstatic, and we are incredibly grateful. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our client and everyone involved in achieving this fantastic result. This recognition not only validates our hard work and dedication but also inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in our industry.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
In our award-winning video, our objective was to highlight the engineering precision of the ZAGO Molds products and showcase the entire Rubber-PU2 process in an engaging manner. We achieved this by using holograms and seamlessly transitioning into a natural setting. Additionally, we emphasized the Trentino Tree Agreement, illustrating the company's commitment to promoting tree planting in the Dolomites region, which was affected by the Vaia storm. This project was chosen for its innovative approach and its meaningful impact on both the industry and the environment.
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge was earning the client's trust and ultimately creating a technical form that is both intriguing and aesthetically timeless. We aimed to make the injection molding process of rubber into soles visually appealing. From my perspective, we succeeded. The result is both technical and beautiful, presenting the mold as a piece of art.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
I believe winning this award will positively impact our practice because it demonstrates that our work is appreciated not only by us but also by others who have recognized us with this accolade. It serves as the form of recognition we needed, validating our efforts and inspiring us to continue striving for excellence. This acknowledgment reinforces our confidence and motivates us to push the boundaries of creativity even further.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Creativity: The boundless opportunities to innovate and create unique solutions. Passion: The infectious enthusiasm and dedication that drive everyone in this field. Complexity: The intricate and multifaceted nature of projects that constantly challenge and inspire us to grow.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?
Our country, often overlooked, is undergoing an exciting transformation from its post-socialist past to a vibrant, modern society. This period of change, though gradual, holds immense potential for creative growth. Being a small nation, we have the unique ability to enact significant changes swiftly. I’m particularly proud of our dynamic startup culture, which advances with remarkable passion and innovation. This energetic environment inspires me, showcasing the incredible possibilities we can achieve in the creative industry.
16 Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that artificial intelligence has recently sparked a revolution in artistic creation. With AI as a powerful tool, everyone will have an assistant with exceptional memory and speed. This rapid advancement will not only create a massive leap and change in the creative sector but also help humanity solve many challenges we currently face. We are gaining a tool of great power, and while we must address potential misuse, I am confident we will use this tool for the greater good of all.
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
To students: don’t be afraid to be bold. If you have a passion that aims to make humanity better, do everything in your power to transform that passion into something beautiful, something you and those around you can be proud of. Embrace your creativity, take risks, and let your enthusiasm guide you towards remarkable achievements. Remember, the world needs your unique perspective and dedication to making a positive impact.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?
Utilize any tools that help you become better, but they should be used with honesty and good intentions. Surround yourself with an environment and people you enjoy spending time with. This positive atmosphere will inspire and motivate you to grow. Additionally, online learning platforms, creative communities, and mentorship programs can provide valuable knowledge and support. Remember, continuous learning and a supportive network are key to honing your skills and achieving success in the creative industry.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I have a knack for knowing when people are being deceptive. Despite this, I often give them a chance anyway. More often than not, it turns out my instincts were right.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I am fascinated by people with unique thinking who scale their businesses and those who strive to help others, no matter who they are. My parents inspired me with their love, integrity, and commitment to goodness. My brother’s perseverance and determination, my wife's courage, and many mentors online and friends have all taught me valuable lessons. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has helped me. It's like the saying goes: once a blind person can see, they discard the cane that helped them for years. Those who help us are most valuable when we need them, and I’m thankful I’ve always had someone there for me.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Perseverance, tenacity, and innovative thinking are my keys to success. Staying resilient in the face of challenges and relentlessly pursuing your goals will lead to achievement. No matter how tough the journey gets, keep pushing forward, and never lose sight of your passion. Embrace innovation and be open to new ideas. Surround yourself with supportive people and remain adaptable to change. Success is a journey, not a destination, and it's the consistent effort and creative mindset that make all the difference. Additionally, the more people you genuinely help, the more success you will achieve.
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I would like to thank the MUSE Creative Awards for this incredible honor and for providing a platform to showcase creative talent. I also want to express my gratitude to my team, clients, and supporters who have been instrumental in this journey. Together, we can continue to create, inspire, and make a difference in the world.
Entrant Company
FRAGMENTAL
Category
Video - Technology / Science
Entrant Company
FRAGMENTAL
Category
Video - Animation
Entrant Company
FRAGMENTAL
Category
Video - Art & Design