Name: Arek Kajda

Location: Kassel, Germany

Occupation: Independent 3D Illustrator/Designer

Room size: 16 m² (172 ft²)

Cost of setup: ~$5,5K

Social media: Instagram, X

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Arek, and I’m a Germany-based illustrator and visual designer.

I create happy 3D visuals for brands and digital products.

As an independent designer, I manage everything from art direction to execution, focusing on developing 3D assets, including illustrations and animations, primarily for brands and SaaS companies.

I’ve always worked from home, and I truly enjoy the flexibility and freedom.

A cosy desk setup with a Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet, a custom-built keyboard, and a vibrant orange Computer-1 (TE) case, with a LEGO car and a MIDI keyboard placed on the windowsill next to a leafy green plant

Take us through your setup

My home office is approximately 16 m² and is the darkest room in the house, which also makes it the coolest in the summer.

I prefer this space because the low light prevents reflections on my screens, which is why I usually keep the window blinds down.

A well-lit desk setup with a custom-built keyboard with orange accents, a Computer-1 (TE) case, a Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet, and a Work Louder macropad

On my desk, I have my custom-built PC connected to a Samsung Space 27″ display and a Wacom Cintiq 22HD.

I share the office space with my wife (and our cat, Tony).

A tidy workspace with a central Samsung Space monitor, flanked by a Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet, an orange Computer-1 (TE) case, and a yellow lamp, with a custom-built keyboard and a “Creative Department” cap

We each have identical custom-built desks featuring black metal frames and wooden tops, positioned opposite each other.

To add a cosy touch, we’ve mounted a wooden IKEA cabinet on the wall.

A home office with a Vitra EA 117 chair where a ginger cat stretches, a Wacom Cintiq tablet on the desk, and a vintage Bianchi bicycle leaning against the wall

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

Definitely my mini PC.

It’s one of the reasons I finally made the switch to Windows.

A close-up of a bright orange Computer-1 (TE) PC case

I used to work exclusively on Mac, but as my renderings became more intense, I needed a more powerful setup.

I was aiming for something unusual and compact, so when TE announced their new mini PC case, I was sold.

The assembly process was like building with Lego, which made it even more enjoyable.

An unassembled orange Computer-1 (TE) PC case lays flat on a wooden surface, with its metal panels, screws, and cables neatly arranged, ready for assembly

It was my first-ever build, and it’s still running like a charm.

Turning on my PC in the morning by flipping this little analog switch feels like starting a jet, but at the same time, it’s really silent.

A stylish room with framed posters on the wall, a large green plant, and a ginger cat playing near the desk, while a bright orange Computer-1 (TE) case sits on a wooden cabinet next to a lamp and design books

The end result is more than just looking awesome — it’s a powerful machine that meets all my needs.