Indigo Award Design

Zsolt Kolcsar: Design to Understand the World

/ Studio Founder and Art Director of Noncommon Design

by Elizabeth Lavis | 07 Sept 2026

Zsolt Kolcsar: Design to Understand the World
Indigo Award Design

“I include Indigo Design when presented the awarded projects because it highlights that the works have earned international recognition"

For Zsolt Kolcsar, studio founder and art director of Noncommon Design, graphic design and visual communication is not just professions; they're a way of reading and understanding the world. “Even in my time outside formal work, my attention is drawn to typographic forms, spatial organization, or iconic elements in the environment,” Kolcsar says. “I enjoy traveling, especially to places where historical narratives are embedded visually.”


Kolcsar grew up in Targu-Mures, Romania, a place where multiple languages, traditions, and cultural codes interact on a daily basis. He learned that identity is not a singular thing but constructed from many influences, and that deeply informed his design practice, encouraging him to seek dialog between different visual systems instead of choosing only one perspective. He didn’t always see himself as a designer and originally wanted to study philosophy. “I was constantly contemplating the structures behind everyday phenomena,” Kolcsar says. “Over time, I realized that visual communication is not about aesthetic representation but about shaping how people think, interact, and relate to the world.”



Kolcsar approaches each new project from a strategic angle, seeking to understand the problem and define a clear goal. “Once we know what we want to achieve, I can plan the direction and visual solutions that support it,” he says. “It’s essential to understand who we are designing for and the context in which the design will appear. After this research phase, I develop concepts, refine them step by step, and make sure that every decision stays connected to the original objective. This approach helps the final result become not only visually engaging but truly effective in communication.”


Ultimately, the most important part of design for Kolcsar is that it’s a visual solution that responds precisely to the situation. “Design is never one-size-fits-all,” he says. “It’s all about problem-solving. Every project has a unique context, audience, and objective.” He establishes trust and rapport with clients by demonstrating his knowledge and clarity while recognizing the client’s expertise in their field at the same time. Doing so rapidly gets them on the same page and creates a balanced collaboration. “When both sides feel genuinely heard and respected, trust can grow into a productive partnership that leads to successful project outcomes,” Kolcsar says.


His Indigo Design awards have been instrumental in establishing his credibility too. “I include Indigo Design when presented the awarded projects because it highlights that the works have earned international recognition and strengthens the credibility of the design decisions behind it,” Kolcsar says. 


He also advises up-and-coming designers to put themselves out there in similar ways, noting that progress often begins where comfort ends. “Design careers evolve through both competence and visibility,” Kolcsar says. “Share your work, participate in exhibitions or platforms where your perspective can be seen and discussed. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues and friends who challenge you and support your ambitions. Opportunities arise from networking.”

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