Mimaya Dale

Specialized in Jewelry Design.

Mimaya Dale

About Mimaya Dale

Mimaya Dale was born and raised in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. She now lives in B.C, Canada. She has always been artistic. Her style of designing is a collaboration between east and west because that is who she is. Designing jewelry gives her the freedom to express her thoughts and also gives her a chance to introduce hidden messages that were unwritten. Her strength is to be able to read deeper meanings in traditional objects, such as in traditional Japanese symbolism, and incorporate them with her unconventional style.

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

Jewelry Design

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Interview with Mimaya Dale

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?
I am a self taught designer. Initially I entered into the jewelry industry by training to be a gold smith. I believed I was born to be a designer and that is what my family tells me as well. I feel like there was an invisible force that pulled me to take this path. However, my key person who convinced me to become a jewelry designer is my mother.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company, MIMIDALE DESIGNS is located in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. My designs are inspired by Japanese art and culture, which are mixed with Western elements. I design mostly on a sketch book and my computer in my studio. I have a jewelry bench and many other tools, Sometimes I sit on my bench and finish jewelry pieces, other times with intricate pieces I pass them to jewelry maestro.
What is "design" for you?
For me, design is based on my personal life experiences brought to life from inspirations.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Anything that excites me! I like working with clients because it allows me to create something that is totally unique.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Any designs that have Japanese influences are my favorite things to design.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Yellow gold and Gemstones are my favorite materials. My design platform is Matrix 9.0.
When do you feel the most creative?
Just before going to sleep I tend to be most creative for some reason! So I have my sketch book on my bed side table.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
When I have a design in mind, I focus on the detail to get everything precise, including the perfect measurements and shape.
What makes a design successful?
A successful design can make a social movement and can touch other's hearts, and to me that is a successful design.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
This is a very important and serious issue that we are facing. We are leaving too many environmental footsteps on this beautiful planet. As a responsible citizen I am focused on designing and creating jewelry that will last for generations. Quality over quantity is my goal, and I aim to create jewelry pieces that do not end up in the landfill.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Mixing elements, mixing cultures, mixing ideas are all important for the future of designs. Also the future of designs need to have multi purpose functions.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, all I need to do is to be open minded and to have wide perspectives. Do some exercises regularly because that is a key to a healthy mental state. Feeling grateful for what I have and being happy are very important sources of my inspirations.
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?
My style of design is a collaboration between Japanese and Western elements. I realized it is who I am and I am expressing my emotions and knowledge through my jewelry. Designing meaningful jewelry is my goal.
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 beautiful British Columbia, Canada. And yes I do feel that my cultural heritage affects my designs. Pros of living in Canada for my designing, is it is super relaxing to be here so I feel free to express my designs. Since my designs are strongly influenced by the Japanese culture and arts it is frustrating sometimes not to be able to visit and see historical monuments, buildings, and traditional plays in Japan and that must be the cons of living in Canada.
How do you work with companies?
First I need to study the company history and motto's. When I work with companies I need to know that we are a team and need to be on the same page. Communication plays a big role and understanding their needs is a must.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Before working with a designer, a company they must know if the person is worldly, open minded and have a vision.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I first rough sketch it on paper, then transfer the idea on to the computer. Draw it in CAD software and then print it with a 3D printer. If it looks good it goes thorough to production.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CAD software, a sketch book, Gemstones, Japanese art books, and a Caliper.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I wake up, I drink tea, I turn my computer on, I check my email, I do general housewife and mother duties, I design whenever I can, I work in my studio.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Believe in yourself. One does not dream if the goal is unreachable. Set your goal, keep steering towards it.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being an designer can be lonely. Because we need to improve and produce designs that are forever improving. We are not competing with others but competing with ourselves.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Not to copy others is my golden rule in designs. The moment you copy someone else's work you become a thief, and not a designer.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Multitasking, to be open minded, Seeing possibilities that many people do not see.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
My two most important tools to use are my caliper and computer software as most of my designs are done on my computer.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Little by little, but it is important to start projects in advance.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depends, sometimes few days to few months. I am a perfectionist so it really depends on the project.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
"When do you find time to design?" , or "Where did you get your creativity from?"
What was your most important job experience?
To make a client/customer happy is the most important and enjoyable experience that I gained over time.
Who are some of your clients?
People who like my original style of jewelry and appreciate high quality art pieces. Although my clients vary in their professions they tend to have very open minded views and are established in their fields.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Japanese and Western collaboration is my favorite because it is a big part of me.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I keep moving forward. My next plan is branching out and designing in different areas.
How can people contact you?
mimidaledesigns@gmail.com. Cell+1 604 928 6227 mimidaledesigns.com

Designer of the Day Interview with Mimaya Dale

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I started designing jewelry after I finished my university degree. I first studied to become a goldsmith and that also opened up my passion to design. Although I only professionally became a designer recently, I have been designing for about 10 years part time. I got married and started a family which obviously took up a lot of my time. I have worked for a small jewelry company in Melbourne, Australia, and I have a clientele at the moment which spans internationally.
How did you become a designer?
Initially I jumped into the jewelry industry by learning to become a gold smith in Canada. I moved to firenze, Italy to study more of designing and gold smithing. After about 18 months of staying in Italy, I moved to San Diego, California to attend Gemological Institute of America to gain my degree in Graduate Gemologist. Although I was always in love with jewelry and jewelry designing I was never confident enough to take a big step, until after becoming a wife and a mother of two children. Something triggered me one day and decided to follow my dream, and I started getting back in to designing and launched my business. I have had a vision of my dream for a long time and it finally came true.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My top three priorities in designing are Quality, Precise measurements, and meaningfulness. Firstly I use sketchbooks and color pencils and all my designs are completed on the 3D computer software. Although the computer rendering is the final step in my designing, I do not rely on the images for final products. When designs come out of 3D printing I often change and alter my designing processes. Materials and the finished look depend on my inspiration and intuition. Depending on the projects, sometimes I use wax carving to help with visualizing, so I use both traditional and advanced technology for my jewelry designing.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
When I see the 3D printed models coming out I get my first excitement. Meanwhile sometimes I am very nervous especially if I am under pressure for time. When I see final projects that are completely what I have imagined the joy is more hard to hide. The biggest reward is compliments and smiles I get from customers.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I am very good with understanding people. I ever have a degree in Psychology from a university. Through studying at a university I believe I gained many skills such as patience and analyzing people, and that helped me to be a successful designer.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
In addition to making progress with my jewelry business, I also want to branch out from my jewelry designing. I want to design clothes, accessories, and shoes that can be collaborated with my jewelry designs.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
You do not need to rush, everything happens with the right timing. Keep steering yourself towards your goal.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Slow and steady wins the race, and that is the tip I exactly followed.
What is your day to day look like?
Usually when I wake up I turn my computer on. Read some stock market prices because as a jewelry designer precious metal prices affect my work. When I read newsletters from GIA(Gemological institute of America) about new gemstones and such really excites me. Also sometimes I find news headlines about gemstones I definitely pay attention. I design whenever I can until I go to bed, bit by bit if it is hard for me to find the time.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Although I do pay some attention to the latest design trends I tend to keep my style distinctively. I take pride in meaningful jewelry designing and that is often different from the common fashion trend. There are many designs that are not unique and that is not what I believe in.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Good designs need to be appealing to the eye, to offer a quality product with service, and stands up to the reputation of the designer.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I believe there is a way to improve a design. I look at a semi finished design project from 360 degree angles for a long time, and if I can not think any way to improve it then I leave it for a few days. It totally comes from within my intuition and inspiration if the product is ready or not.
What is your biggest design work?
My fine collection that I designed in my website is what I am most proud of. I have delivered positive meanings and messages in my designs and combined the elements with overall beauty and uniqueness. My fine collection has given me many opportunities and the reputation that I have been looking for and have a deep meaning to me.
Who is your favourite designer?
I love Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani's designs. If I could talk with a dead designer it would have to be Da Vinci for obvious reasons.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I feel purified when I step into the city of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto is full of historical architects and traditional Japanese culture. My designs are a collaboration between East and West, and I need to educate my self to learn about the Japanese art.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I think I can be a difficult person to work with! I am a perfectionist and for me to find a partner he or she needs to be trustworthy and hard working. I feel that I have a huge responsibility to keep my standards high, and I expect to see high performance from anyone I work with. However if I find the right person we become family.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I will absolutely involve myself with humanitarian projects. I also deeply care about the environment we live in. If I can contribute myself for a positive influence by my designing I am there!
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The experience I had with A' Design Award is priceless. I have never entered a competition before and I could not be happier that my first experience was with A' Design Award. With the Covid-19 outbreak worldwide I was nervous how everything would turn out. Given in the most difficult time they kept everything very professional and helpful, and the result gave me the confidence and reward which I really needed.

Extended Interview with Mimaya Dale

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have been playing piano since I was three years old, I have always been artistic. I have a Psychology degree from University in Canada, Goldsmith training, Graduate Gemologist degree at GIA.
How did you become a designer?
I appreciate beautiful things and love jewelry. I became a jewelry designer because I could not really find jewelry that appealed to me. I decided to design and make my own at home which was the starting point of my career.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I was directed to take this path, from my mother and my instinct.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design jewelry. Jewelry for men and unisex jewelry is something that I would like to design more of in the future.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Good designers design for themselves. Great designers design for others.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Style, quality, technology and appeal are essential for good designs.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Having a solo exhibition in Milan, I am starting to see the vision now though!
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Secret ingredient in successful designs must be the eye for detail.
What is your biggest design work?
I respect designers that are unique, and continue to stick with their uniqueness.
Who is your favourite designer?
My greatest design are my kids...! They are the results of my inspiration and life experiences. They give me the greatest joy and challenges, my husband and I are teaching them to be a responsible citizens of society, making sure that they will bring positive influences to our planet.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I would probably work for a jewelry company using my graduate gemologist degree from GIA.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is based on my personal life experiences brought to life from inspirations.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My husband, my Dad, my Mom, and my Kids gave me the physical and mental support that I needed.

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