Alain Aebersold

Specialized in Design.

Alain Aebersold

About Alain Aebersold

Alain Aebersold grew up in the canton of Berne in Switzerland. After high school he attended the School of Design in Biel and graduated at the Department of graphics. After several years as a graphic designer in studios and advertising agencies in Bern, Zurich and Berlin, he decided to finish his studies with a Masters degree in Communication Design. He graduate, with a thesis about the integration of letters in time­based media. He is currently working and living in Zurich

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Alain Aebersold

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Since I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and working three-dimensional. In high school I was able to visit the main topic visual arts. Afterwards I had the possibility to visit the graphic design class at the School of Design in Biel. I always wanted to work in a creative way and for me graphic design is a great way to work in this field.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Currently I work part time as a art director in a agency. There we work for national and international clients. in addition, I realize smaller, personal projects.
What is "design" for you?
Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I love projects where I can interpret something abstract visually. For example, give a face to a music album.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My most favorite design in probably my last album cover design. I always loved to create surreal landscapes. And here I could use them to transport my visual idea of a sound.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I don't really remember. But one of my first tasks I remember was the redesign of the Corporate Design of a hair stylist.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love to switch between different media. 2D and 3D, analog and digital.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I think it's important that there is a personal challenge. No project should feel the same.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
In the beginning, it's often a lot of frustration: Not finding the right idea or not reaching the visual style i was hoping for. But then, when I find my way and find a solution, I often get enthusiastic and can't stop thinking on further possibilities.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I have to get a pause. I really get annoyed of my own design and then I have to lock it away for several months. Then I can watch it again and usually enjoy my performance again.
What makes a design successful?
When people have to look at it, when it transmits something that produces an effect.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The most important point is probably whether it has something unique. And whether the chosen design makes sense in context.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The responsibility of a designer is no greater than that of any other human. Be nice, be responsible, no matter what job you do.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
There are many new technologies in the starting blocks. How the design will change, will show through these technologies.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I have never had an exhibition for myself alone. And currently nothing is planned.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The biggest inspiration is maybe my childhood. I played a lot in the near forest. I there was a lot of space for imagination. Now, I also love fantasy, sience fiction, comics, art and design. With the internet it's so easy to get a lot of inspiration in short time. But I think it's still the inner child which is the biggest source.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I would describe it as organic swiss graphic design. I prefer organic forms over geometrical ones. And I prefer to look at them. But the typo elements have to be cleaned up.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Zurich, Switzerland. And we have this big heritage of the famous swiss graphic design. There are a lot of good graphic designers. And I also love the typical swiss graphic style. But I feel my own work going in another, more organic, direction.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Ask the designer, how he sees the process. If he has no idea and just want's to do pretty stuff, look for someone else.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First I always start with a visual and thematic research. I try to find my inspirations in a wide field. I do little, quick sketches to note my ideas. Afterwards I start with mood designs. Designs that are not necessarily purposeful, but display possible directions. I try to do a lot of them to have a wide variety of possibilities. Also to find the right style for the design. And then I start designing in a more concrete way and thinking in a bigger context.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I start the day with a coffee at home. Then I walk about 20 Minutes to the office. This time aI need for myself, to plan the tasks and to structure the day. the morning I do rather top-heavy work. After lunch is a great time for research. And in the later afternoon and early evening I do more creative work. In the evening I like to go for a drink with friends, at home I love to cook something with my lovely girlfriend.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Never be arrogant. Be always ready to learn something. Never see yourself as completed.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positive thing is that you can practice your passion professionally. But that's also the negative part. Work is never over.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I work with Adobe Creative Suite for Layouts, logos and image editing. I'm now learning Sketch for bigger websites and Axure for wireframing. And I always try to get better with 3D programs.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I always try to get some free time in the evening and at the weekends. I need recovery time to stay awake and inspired.
What was your most important job experience?
Maybe my first big website. It was a hard time, but I learned a lot about timing and process.
Who are some of your clients?
My personal clients are bands like "Death by Chocolate" or "Tawara", or the theater group "Ressort K". In the agencies I worked and work for clients like SBB, Post, Franke, Allianz, Swiss, Public Eye, Amnesty International, SolidarMed and a lot more.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I like experimental work a lot. Experiments are good way to find new solutions.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Currently I work as a art director in a agency. And there are a lot of projects around.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
In the agency I work in a team. With my own projects I work often alone or with people I like.
How can people contact you?
Through my website: alainaebersold.ch, or through behance.com/alainaebersold

Designer of the Day Interview with Alain Aebersold

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
In 2016, I completed my education as a graphic designer at the School of Design Biel-Bern. Afterwards I started to work as a graphic and screen designer in a crossmedia agency in Bern. Since 2011 I live and work in Zurich. Currently I work as a art director and work for national and international clients.
How did you become a designer?
Since I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and working three-dimensional. In high school I was able to visit the main topic visual arts. Afterwards I had the possibility to visit the graphic design class at the School of Design in Biel. I always wanted to work in a creative way and for me graphic design is a great way to work in this field.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
First I always start with a visual and thematic research. I try to find my inspirations in a wide field. I do little, quick sketches to note my ideas. Afterwards I start with mood designs. Designs that are not necessarily purposeful, but display possible directions. I try to do a lot of them to have a wide variety of possibilities. Also to find the right style for the design. And then I start designing in a more concrete way and thinking in a bigger context.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
In the beginning, it's often a lot of frustration: Not finding the right idea or not reaching the visual style i was hoping for. But then, when I find my way and find a solution, I often get enthusiastic and can't stop thinking on further possibilities. Then, when it's done, I have to get a pause. I really get annoyed of my own design and then I have to lock it away for several months. Then I can watch it again and usually enjoy my performance again.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
A designer should never believe he is a genius. He probably does not invent something completely new. But a designer should always be able to sample elements in a new way. You don't have to invent everything from scratch. And a designer should be sensitive, open minded and patient.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I hope that in the future I will be able to do more designs in which I am personally and thematically involved. Projects that challenge me intellectually and creatively.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Never be arrogant. Be always ready to learn something. Never see yourself as completed.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Work should always be challenging. If a project does not look like it, find your personal challenge and grow. Never just do what the minimum is.
What is your day to day look like?
I start the day with a coffee at home. Then I work about 20 Minutes to the office. This time aI need for myself, to plan the tasks and to structure the day. In the morning I do rather top-heavy work. After lunch is a great time for research. And in the later afternoon and early evening I do more creative work.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I like to watch design blogs. But I don't think that I have to keep up to every design trend. Some stuff I like and if it makes sense I try to implement it to my own style. Other stuff i don't feel and maybe it's good to know this trend, but I don't have to master it.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
When I know, that I really like it. When I get nervous and feel I fulfilled my Idea. Often, I decide impulsively when a design is ready. Then i send my design to the client.
What is your biggest design work?
My master thesis in communication design. I wanted to work with three dimensional and animated letters. Before, I didn't really work with 3D programs. But I had this vision and because I had enough time, I could learn the necessary skills.
Who is your favourite designer?
I admire Mario Hugo. You feel all the passion and the hard working background in his work. There is style but also a lot of skills.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I currently live in Zurich. Although it is the largest city in Switzerland, it is internationally a small city. But i really love that. Nature is nearby, culture is nearby. In I fifteen minutes I am able to reach the woods. And also in I fifteen minutes I reach all the urban and cool parts of the city.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I enjoy working with people I have a personal connection to. If the human basis is right, the result is better too. I believe that I am demanding and strict, but always fair and looking for the best solution.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
As a freelancer I worked more often for NGOs and was quite willing to make a special offer. But it always depends on the project.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I participated the first time and won a golden award. Until now, I was surprised where my work is communicated everywhere. I have always received e-mails that have made me aware of new releases. The team strives that the winning designs will reach many people.

Extended Interview with Alain Aebersold

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
In 2016, I completed my education as a graphic designer at the School of Design Biel-Bern. Afterwards I started to work as a graphic and screen designer in a crossmedia agency in Bern. Since 2011 I live and work in Zurich. Currently I work as a art director and work for national and international clients.
How did you become a designer?
Since I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and working three-dimensional. In high school I was able to visit the main topic visual arts. Afterwards I had the possibility to visit the graphic design class at the School of Design in Biel. I always wanted to work in a creative way and for me graphic design is a great way to work in this field.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Designing was always a passion. It was a great luck that I have the opportunity to do it professionally.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I mainly do graphic design and illustration. I also like to do web projects, simple animations and 3d.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I don't feel like a design legend. I'm still on the way. I young designer should always be open minded and and always ready to learn.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A great designer is always looking for new challenges and does not hesitate to learn.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
The most important point is probably whether it has something unique. And whether the chosen design makes sense in context.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A good design has something unique and stands out from the crowd. It should also serve a purpose.
What is your day to day look like?
I love projects where I can interpret something abstract visually. For example, give a face to a music album.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I would love to work for great musicians. Or spend more time to get better in new fields like animation or 3D.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I don't know if there is a secret ingredient. But I think passion is a important part.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I admire Mario Hugo. You feel all the passion and the hard working background in his work. There is style but also a lot of skills.
What is your biggest design work?
I love the design work of Mario Hugo or Oh Yeah Studios. They have a organic, handmade touch, and are still clean and professional.
Who is your favourite designer?
I'm proud of my Master Thesis work. I learned a lot about new technics and grew as a designer.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
You should always be open minded and able to learn new things. I don't lose your passion.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I would liked to work with animals. Maybe keeping a little zoo looking after old and sick animals.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.

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