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Tomas Markevičius, former Creative Director at COLLINS, a world-leading brand transformation agency, recently joined the Motion Design team at OpenAI. He interprets #TechCulture as a reflection of the seamless integration between technology and creativity: tech is creativity, and creativity is tech. In today’s world, that connection has never been more evident. Exploring possibilities The intersection of technology and design has always fascinated Tomas. From a young age, he was drawn to creativity but was uncertain how to turn it into a career. The Creative Industries programme at VILNIUS TECH provided the answer. “It felt like a perfect fit,” he recalls. “The studies showed me how creativity could lead to countless paths and helped me figure out where I wanted to go next.” During his studies, Tomas loved experimenting – testing tools, exploring approaches, and tackling challenges with curiosity and self-drive. [caption id="attachment_118859" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Tomas Markevičius[/caption] “Those years really helped me build the foundation for my career in design,” he notes. “I was surrounded by motivated, creative people, and that environment pushed me to grow and stay inspired. I genuinely believe the standard of education at VILNIUS TECH is high.” A result of hard work While still a student, Tomas joined a small design agency in Vilnius. After a few years, and with some practical experience under his belt, he continued freelancing as a multidisciplinary designer. His portfolio of local and international clients grew steadily. In 2015, Tomas relocated to New York, a city that continues to inspire him to this day. There, he spent several years working at design studio 2x4 and creative agency Hugo & Marie. Among the many engaging projects was a long-term collaboration with Prada, where Tomas created visuals for their store window displays around the world, fashion shows, social media, and advertising campaigns. Then one day, he was invited to join COLLINS, one of the most prominent design agencies in the world. “It’s been the result of consistent hard work over the years. When I joined COLLINS in 2019, one of the co-founders, Brian Collins, recognised that my background in motion design could play a key role in where branding was heading – beyond static logos and traditional guidelines towards something more dynamic, fluid, and interactive,” Tomas recalls. “That perspective allowed me to shape how motion could become a core part of brand identity at the studio. Eventually, I was promoted to Motion Design Director, and later to Creative Director, which expanded my responsibilities to leading projects, managing teams, and collaborating directly with clients.” The human touch in a technological age During his years at COLLINS, Tomas had worked on a number of what some might call dream projects. For the San Francisco Symphony, the team designed a typeface that literally dances along with the music – movement became the core expression of the brand. While working on the Bose project, he drew inspiration from a thought by philosopher Alan Watts – that when we listen to music, we’re not hearing the past or the future; we’re experiencing an expanded present. This concept shaped the visual side of the project – from stretching the edges of the Bose logo to creating a unique, dynamic graphic language for the brand. As the work of a Creative Director requires maintaining a sharp and imaginative mind, Tomas draws inspiration from the rhythm of New York. “Living in this city definitely helps!” he laughs. “Honestly, I think it’s one of the best cities to live in for any creative who wants to operate at a high level. It’s not just about the jobs or even the creative community – it’s the city itself. There’s inspiration everywhere: in museums, shows, and bookstores and in the little surprises you stumble upon on the street – whether it’s stylish people, unique architecture, or an old hand-painted shop sign. That constant stimulation keeps my creative pulse alive and pushes me to stay curious every day.” [caption id="attachment_118862" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Tomas Markevičius[/caption] Films and music are another constant source of inspiration for Tomas. They open new perspectives and ways of seeing the world. He has a particular interest in the intersection of technology and design, which, in his opinion, is becoming increasingly important in how we create experiences. In the age of AI, he sees creativity evolving in a way that encourages us to focus on what only humans can bring to the table. When so much of what we do today can be automated or streamlined, the human touch becomes more valuable than ever. “At the same time, keeping up with the rapidly emerging tools is challenging – but also more important than ever,” says Tomas. “Between the time I type this sentence and when it’s published, I’m sure dozens of new AI tools will have been released that will further impact the creative field. It’s a strange and fast-moving moment, but I believe that truly talented and creative people will always find ways to harness these tools to make their work even better.”

Adil Umar, Head of Technical Support in Germany at Teltonika, has spent his career connecting things – technology with business, ideas with execution, and people across cultures. His journey has taken him from Karachi to Dubai and Vilnius, then back to Dubai and Munich, collecting new adventures and experiences along the way. This path could've been different if Adil hadn't dared to step out of his comfort zone: choosing a different country and a new field of study, from engineering in Karachi to Business management at VILNIUS TECH. Yet it turned out to be the most logical move he ever made. A change that opened up opportunities After completing his Bachelor's in Engineering in Karachi, Adil moved to Dubai, where he started working at Teltonika, the Lithuanian IoT and telematics company with a global footprint, as a Technical Support Engineer. It was a ground-level role, intentionally so. "Starting there allowed me to build a deep understanding of both the product and customer challenges," he explains. Early on, Adil worked on large-scale telematics and fleet management deployments across multiple countries, gaining exposure to real-world problem-solving that no classroom could replicate. [caption id="attachment_118786" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Adil Umar[/caption] He could have stayed comfortably within his technical lane, but instead, he made a bold move, both geographically and professionally, by enrolling in the Master's in Business Management program at VILNIUS TECH. To those around him, it might have looked like a change of direction. To Adil, it was a way to open new horizons. "As I began working more with customers and teams, I realized that many impactful decisions were not purely technical – they were business-driven," he explains. "Choosing Business Management was not about changing direction but about expanding it." VILNIUS TECH stood out for its international environment and practical approach – exactly the bridge he was seeking between technical expertise and strategic thinking. Lithuania: a recalibration of mindset Arriving in Vilnius meant navigating more than a new academic system. The culture, communication style, and expectations – all of it required Adil to adapt and recalibrate his mindset. "People here were more direct and structured, especially in academic and professional environments," Adil recalls. "Academically, there was a strong expectation to think critically and work autonomously. Initially, this required adjustment, but over time I came to value this approach." [caption id="attachment_118788" align="alignnone" width="2217"] Adil Umar[/caption] What stayed with him beyond the lecture halls was something less tangible yet more lasting: a shift in perspective. Studying alongside people from different countries showed him that there is rarely a single correct way to approach a problem. "Now I try to listen carefully, consider different viewpoints, and make balanced decisions – especially when leading diverse teams," he says. "That started in Vilnius." He also wishes he had understood earlier how much the people around him would matter. "When you start, your focus is naturally on academics, but over time you realize that the people around you – your classmates, professors, and colleagues – become an important part of your journey. If I could go back, I would invest even more time in building those connections from day one." Career shift: from execution to leadership After graduating from VILNIUS TECH, Adil moved back to Dubai and got promoted to Head of Technical Support at Teltonika in 2018. He shifted from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy. "A defining moment was transitioning into leadership – from executing tasks to enabling teams," Adil recalls. "That shift was not easy, but it was necessary." In 2022, Adil received Teltonika's Leadership Award for his team's excellence in pre- and post-sales support. For someone who had steadily climbed from engineer to executive, it was meaningful recognition – but Adil remains humble. "For me, it represents the effort of the entire team. We focused on building a strong team culture where people felt responsible, supported, and motivated to improve continuously. The award recognized that shared effort." [caption id="attachment_118792" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adil Umar[/caption] Over the years leading operations in the Middle East, Adil developed the ability to manage complexity across markets, languages, and client expectations. This year, he started a new chapter, moving to Munich, Germany. Balancing a fast-moving industry IoT telematics is not a field that stands still. Predictive analytics, real-time insights, and increasingly data-driven operations are reshaping client expectations and the support teams' deliverables. Adil's response to this pace of change is rooted in a principle he has carried since his earliest customer-facing roles: "Success lies in simplifying complexity. Some clients need deep technical guidance, while others need simple, clear solutions. Balancing both is key." It is also where his dual background – engineering and business management – proves its value most clearly. "Technical expertise creates possibilities, but business understanding turns those possibilities into results," he says. "Today, I naturally connect both perspectives in my role." For students at VILNIUS TECH today – particularly those who arrived from abroad, unsure how their degree will translate – Adil has simple advice: "It is normal to feel uncertain at times, especially when you are in a new country. Stay patient and consistent. Focus on learning, gaining experience, and building connections. Progress may not always be immediate, but over time, those efforts create opportunities." His own story proves that – each step was built on the one before it.