Name: Maria Gigova
Place of origin: Sofia, Bulgaria
Currently: Bavaria, Germany
Profession: Artist, designer
Education: National Academy of Arts, Sofia
Works at: Powerslide
by Velislava Blagoeva (VERTIGO SKATES)
I met her by chance... or not so much by chance. I was in Vertigo when two girls and a boy entered the store - fresh, smiling, somehow excitedly talking about something. They asked her: Did you do that? And this?... She modestly said, That yes. No, that not.... I became curious, we got to talking. Then I found out who she really was - Maria Gigova, a designer at Powerslide. About a year has passed since then, we only keep in touch through Facebook, but more importantly, she agreed to meet and talk, and for me to share it with you.
I searched the web for information about you and found almost nothing except the official website of Maria Gigova. Who are you? Tell us about how you define yourself - an artist, a designer, working for a huge successful company in Germany...
- Hello, my name is Maria, but my friends call me Marcy. I'm from Sofia. I've been drawing since I was a child, I graduated from the School of Applied Arts in Sofia, and then from the Academy of Arts. Actually, I'm a product designer by education, majoring in Children's Environment Design, but during my studies, I worked in an advertising agency and from there I got interested in graphics. 2008-2009 Sofia was full of my billboards, a complete branding for a dairy company, which was released in large chain stores, I won a competition for a calendar for a large fuel company, I designed a TV studio, which was included years later in the movie Mission London, etc. Since 2012 I've been working for PS and working there gives me great pleasure, because it's a combination of product and graphic design.
What brought you to Vertigo the day we met?
- That's right, let's meet :)
And do you know how great it feels to create something far from home and come home to see it there? It's like a part of you has always been home...
They say that we are dreaming too big, I say this town is too small - I stole this from your portfolio. Why did you leave Bulgaria? Was it cramped for you here?
- I left because I love challenges, I wanted to see if I could succeed.
I have been living in Germany since the end of 2010. When I left, I didn't know any German, but I learned it in a year and found a job in my field. It wasn't easy, but I fought and won. Now, 5 years later, I can safely say that it was worth it.
Tell me about Powerslide. Why Powerslide? What does working there mean to you?
- The company was founded in 1994 by Matthias Knoll and Stefan Gul. At first, it was only engaged in the distribution of products from and to the USA. In 1997, they created their own brand - USD and gained worldwide popularity in the aggressive field. What has always helped them a lot, in my opinion, is the love and passion with which they do everything. Matthias himself is a skater and world champion. Now Powerslide covers all segments in the skate industry - fitness, slalom, speed, with a market in over 67 countries worldwide. And since 2012, we have even had our own factory in China. Why Powerslide? - because this is the coolest company in which I have the freedom to express myself through my work and I know that this is appreciated.
If I leave Powerslide, it means that I have decided to return to Bulgaria.
What sets Powerslide apart from all other skate manufacturers?
- As I already mentioned, the key to success is to love what you do, as Matthias says. Love your job and you will never have to work a day in your life. The company works to realize ideas, not just production-profit. The goal of Powerslide is to create innovative products that develop and diversify the skate sport.
The latest proof of this is 3 Skate. The project is an idea of Mathias and was developed for years. There were many haters at the beginning who did not believe in the success and functionality of 3 Skate.. well.. that's their job.. 3 Skate is the future...
Do you skate? (and since I know the answer, why and when will you change that?)
- hahaha a kick in the ass...soon, I promise.
Anger is one letter away from danger - This is great! What inspires you?
- Thank you! Anything can inspire me - a kind word, something beautiful, a good deed. My friends tell me that I'm an idealist and should look at things realistically, and I always answer them with the question - Who needs it?
What was the first PS product you made?
- Hey, these children's skates:
What are you working on now? (if it's not a secret :))
- The Speed Collection for 2017
What usually happens on a weekday for Maria Gigova?
- I wake up, feed Monster Ruby - my cat, get ready and go to work. First I read my emails, make myself some tea, chat a little nonsense with my colleagues, then I put on my headphones and start working. 2-3 times a week we have meetings and brainstorming, etc. In the evening I meet friends for a beer or go home, I like to read and cook something delicious.
Who and what are you returning to Bulgaria for?
- I'm coming home because I'm warm, literally and figuratively. I'm coming home to my family, who I love very much and who have always supported me in everything, no matter how difficult it was. In the winter at home in front of the fireplace, and in the summer - on the terrace. We live in Knyazhevo - this is heaven on earth, haha! And the friends we haven't seen for months, but when we see each other - it's like not a day has passed.
Make a wish! Make a wish for the skaters in Bulgaria!
- I wish for more smiles! I wish for them more skate parks and love to skate...
We also wish you lots of smiles, Maria! And lots of inspiration and success at your upcoming exhibition!
The exhibition will open on January 30, 2016 in Bayreuth, Germany, where she will be exhibiting with oils, watercolors, and prints. We are also looking forward to her next visit to Bulgaria and, of course, to Vertigo Skates.