So… who exactly is this Anthony Zagariko person, you may ask?
With 16+ years working in product design, design systems and motion design, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to creating engaging experiences that meet the needs of real people. And gifs. Lots of silly gifs.
A lil' bit about me as a designer
Core skills
UI + UX Design
Motion design
Accessibility
Design systems
AI-assisted workflows
I help clients understand that good design is more than just making things look pretty. It's about understanding real people and the problems that matter most to them. With this foundation, I collaborate with clients to deliver scalable solutions that balance business goals with the needs of their customers.
I am passionate about accessibility in design. I strive to create work that is inclusive and genuinely makes a difference. I have crafted several authentic and impactful D&I initiatives throughout my career, including Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkits, a 'Designing for Diversity' workshop, a Mental Health Ally group, charity hackathons, and guidance on inclusive imagery and copy for several brands.
I have been exploring where AI could sit within my own workflow as a designer and defining where it offers actual value to clients and their customers. I've also been exploring how AI-assisted coding can enable more realistic prototypes and how it improves handovers to dev teams; which is where I believe its real strength lies at the moment. I've primarily used ChatGPT, Claude, and Figma Make so far.
A lil' bit about me as a leader
Core skills
People + team development
Design operations
Stakeholder relationships
Framework + Process
Talent recruitment
Studio leadership
My leadership approach is based on kindness, assertiveness, humour, and inclusivity. I believe every voice matters, and as a design leader, it's my responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels heard. Happy, supported teams build better products, so morale and wellbeing are more than just a cultural concern.
No two teams are the same, so I like to establish an agreed way of working upfront. This includes how feedback is given, how and when decisions are made, and how we can balance autonomy with direction. From there, designers can focus their energy on doing their best work, with the right mix of freedom and support.
I come from a working-class background and live with a disability, so I am especially passionate about supporting others from similarly underrepresented backgrounds within the design industry.
A lil' bit about me as an individual
Core skills
Dog walking
Pub quizzes
Simpsons quotes
Napping
Ordering pizza
I was born and raised in rural Northern Ireland (Yes, I still have the accent, and yes, that is my real surname. Feel free to ask about it 👀), but deep down I always knew I was a city boy. So, as soon as I could, I relocated to London and ever since, I've been tutting at people standing on the left on escalators and justifying the price of everything because "London culture is totally worth it”.
I’m a dog dad to Kingsley, a Husky x Saluki mix. You’ll usually find us in one of the many parks around Clapham – just look for the black and white blur outrunning all the other dogs. I geek out on pub quizzes and have enjoyed hosting a few over the years (Quizariko is always available to host a company pub quiz!). I pride myself in always having the perfect reaction gif/image at hand, spend too much time quoting The Simpsons and/or Rupaul’s Drag Race, and I love an Oxford comma.
My core principles
Insight into what motivates me, what guides me day to day, and what kind of impact I'd like to have on the people and projects around me.
Kind leadership
I balance kindness with confident direction, focusing on the most crucial topics to help people succeed and build confidence. Engaged teams build better products.
People-centred teams
I lead hands-on and shape inclusive teams that solve problems together. I scale those teams by uplifting toolsets, skillsets, and mindsets.
Everyone can speak design
I help stakeholders and organisations understand design by describing its impact in a way they understand - happier customers, empowered employees, reduced costs, and increased revenue.
I thrive in finding simple solutions to complex problems, and working towards that moment when all the confusing, messy parts suddenly fit into place and everything seems so obvious and straightforward.
My recent experience
View my CV for more information
Most commonly-used tools
With expert proficiency in each
Figma
Claude AI
After Effects
Illustrator
Final Cut Pro
Framer
Indesign
Keynote
Powerpoint
Testimonials
Some of the lovely, and hopefully true, things people have said about working with me (as a colleague or a client).