Teodor Bivolaru, the second-place winner of the “20 Years: Call for Papers” competition, doesn’t just design - he tells stories through visuals that echo real life, spark connection, and often catch you off guard. His journey began not with a grand gesture, but with quiet rebellion - a sketchpad scribbled on during class and a teacher who saw distraction instead of potential. That early spark of creativity, once dismissed, now powers brand identities rich in meaning, emotion, and cultural depth. From back-row doodles to front-line design, Teodor’s work speaks fluently in the language of insight and imagination.

1. WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SOUL SING? WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Travel makes my soul sing. Exploring new places, meeting different people, and experiencing diverse cultures brings me happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment.

2. A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY:

In 7th grade, my math techer made fun of me in front of the whole class because I was sketching random stuff during her lecture. It was a clear sign that creativity was already a big part of who I was, even then. 

 3. BEST CONTEXT EVER FOR INSPIRATION:

I get my best ideas in the shower—it's quiet, relaxing, and gives my mind space to wander freely.

4. THE PROJECT YOU LOVED MOST:

One of my favorite projects was creating a visual identity for Mamaia, a seaside resort in Constanța, Romania, as part of a 2024 design contest. Even though I didn’t win, it was the most rewarding experience. I dove deep into the history and personality of Mamaia, and learned so much about building a proper visual identity—from research and concept development to crafting the perfect tagline. It was a turning point in how I approach branding and storytelling through design.

5. THE PROJECT OTHER LOVED THE MOST:

My visual identity project for The Alternative School – 20 Years of Private Diplomacy was by far my most appreciated work so far. I was proud to be named runner-up in the contest, and the feedback I received meant a lot. The concept combined traditional elements with a contemporary touch, resulting in a simple yet effective visual solution that resonated with both the jury and the audience.

6. THE BEST THING ABOUT LOCAL CREATIVITY IS:

It reflects the heart of a community — its culture, stories, and everyday life. There’s something powerful and authentic about creativity that’s rooted in a specific place.

7. BEST STATEMENT OF LOCAL HUMOR:

In Romania, we say “Las’ că merge și așa” (“It’ll work like this too”). It’s a funny, very Romanian way of saying we always find a solution — even if it’s not perfect.

8. ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO LOCAL CREATIVES:

Be brave—step off the beaten path and really meet people. Romanian creatives shine when you take the time to connect with them and see their unique perspective.

9. THE BEST PLACE IN BUCHAREST:

For me, it’s the Old Town. As a tourist who loves to party, it’s the perfect spot—full of energy, music, and great places to have fun.

10. BEST PLACE IN ROMANIA

For me, it’s Iași—my hometown. The Palace of Culture is a must-see, and it’s a symbol of the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. It’s where I feel most connected to the heart of Iași.

11.  MOST DISTURBING CLICHÉ ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, IN THE MEDIA OUTLETS OF THE WORLD IS:

One of the most annoying clichés is that Romanians are international thieves. It’s as if the entire country is just a giant heist crew. But let’s be real—most Romanians are too busy most Romanians are too busy debating about politics to steal anything.

12. YOUR COUNTRY SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR

Romania should be known for its incredible creativity and rich artistic heritage. From traditional crafts to modern art, the country has a vibrant creative spirit that constantly inspires. Whether it’s painting, music, or architecture, Romania’s artistic soul is something to be celebrated.

Sadly, most people only know about Dracula and Hagi.

13.  YOUR VIEWS ON SPIRITUALITY

I don’t follow a religious path, and I’m not into horoscopes or anything like that. For me, spirituality is more about personal growth, connecting with others, and finding meaning in everyday experiences.

14. YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY

Have you heard the song “Price Tag” by Jessie J ? It captures it perfectly—money isn’t everything. It's important to have enough for security, but life’s value isn’t measured by how much you have. I focus on saving, but I also believe that happiness and experiences are what really matter, not just the price tag.

15. AN INSPIRATION SOURCE YOU RECOMMEND FOR A YOUNG CREATIVE:

Dark is a great recommendation. It’s a complex show that challenges viewers to think critically and piece together intricate storylines. The way it plays with time, fate, and human connections can be really inspiring for creatives. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding creative work requires patience, deep thought, and the willingness to embrace complexity—even when it’s hard to fully understand at first. Dark shows that creativity often thrives in layers and subtle details, making it a perfect example of how challenging but rewarding the creative process can be.

16. A LOCAL BASED FEMALE TALENT THAT DESERVES TO BE PROMOTED AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, AS EXPONENT OF LOCAL CREATIVE SPIRIT

Alexandra Ghioc, a talented product designer and my greatest university teacher at UNAGE Iași, is someone who truly deserves international recognition. She not only mentored me but also encouraged me to explore my passion for digital art, recommending I join the university for its creative potential. Her expertise in design, her passion for innovation, and her ability to inspire and nurture talent make her a standout figure in the local creative community. Alexandra’s work and influence are a perfect example of the dynamic and forward-thinking creativity coming out of Romania.

BIO

My creative journey began during the pandemic, when the world was in lockdown and I was just 16. At the time, I was a passionate gamer—Counter Strike being my favorite—and with so much time at home, I started exploring Adobe tools like Photoshop. That curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and I began expressing my creativity by painting 3D weapons from my favorite games.

Over time, my passion evolved and expanded into the world of graphic design. I fell in love with the idea of creating successful visual identities and telling meaningful stories through branding. This led me to study Graphic Design at UNAGE Iași, where I'm currently in my third year.

Beyond graphic design, I also work as a 3D artist, currently contributing to Krunker.io, a globally beloved FPS game. My professional journey in design is just beginning, but it's fueled by a deep love for creativity, storytelling, and constant growth.