Robson Marques de Pontes

Specialized in Car Design.

Robson Marques de Pontes

About Robson Marques de Pontes

Robson Marques de Pontes is a thirty eight years old Product Designer who has been born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and who has specialized in 3D design modeling for the transportation industry. During the last 15 years, Robson Pontes has had the opportunity to help a variety of OEM makers around the world to develop their products which, among others, includes large-scale-family hatches to one-of-a-kind hyper cars.

  • Winner of 2 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Car Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Car
  • Vehicle
M346 Homage Super Car

M346 Homage Super Car

Car Design

Brescia Hommage Hypercar

Brescia Hommage Hypercar

Vehicle Design

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Interview with Robson Marques de Pontes

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?
First, I don't consider myself an artist, nor a designer. I see myself more as a problem solver. Second, I have been interested in all sort of products and how they work, especially vehicles, since my childhood which brought me to study Industrial Design. But I can't really say I learned about cars and car design while at school. I have learned and I am still learning it on a daily working basis.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I am a freelancer, when I am not working from my office at home, I am supporting different OEMs in their own design studios.
What is "design" for you?
For me "design" is about solving emotional matters in a visual and materialistic manner in order to improve or add to people's lives.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Anything to take people from "A" to "B", with or without wheels, interiors or exteriors, which invites people and houses the human scale, or which is made to contrast against it.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
The Porsche 911, it is simply sexy. Besides, if something has been out there for more than 50 years, it is surely something special.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Helped with a face-lift for a mass production car of a well-known OEM in Brazil.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I like to work back in forth between traditional and the computer world, but I solve most of my design doubts in 3D, preferably with the support of virtual reality.
When do you feel the most creative?
Solutions come in different ways at different times, but usually they come when I am no longer thinking about, or have rested from a specific design problem to solved.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The package - everything I have to, or want to, incorporate in the design. From there, I try to connect the dots.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I try to put myself in shoes of the potential consumer of that product. What is he or she looking for when using the product?
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel there is no turning back, people will either like it or not.
What makes a design successful?
For me, a successful design must please a lot of people, but "successful design" doesn't necessarily mean a "good design".
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Is it desirable? Does it have perceived quality? Does it attend the necessities of the potential consumer?
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I see design as a tool to attend the needs of target groups that might have target matters to be addressed. Therefore, my responsibility very as much as the number of these different groups and their respective matters.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
In my opinion, after being the exclusivity of a minority, then being popularized for the masses, design is now starting its third phase as a more individualistic subject with the help of new technologies such as 3D printing.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
As a product designer, every realized project I helped with becomes a different exhibition.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Everywhere. Sometimes from different things that have not relation with each other whatsoever, but together they make sense somehow.
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 have always been attracted to forms that describe speed and sensuality, muscle and bones. But at the same time, to ergonomics and to the touch. Perhaps, one could say that I appreciate a design "from" human scale "to" human scale.
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 am originally from Brazil, but I am currently living in Germany. I spent most of my life living in different countries and I believe this gave me an upper hand when comes to compare and understand different cultural heritages.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Design accounts for a very small part of the overall development cost of a new product. Still, many companies are yet to understand the power of design as a solid investment for their products and services on a mid-to-long term. Choosing good professionals with the necessary know-how and experience is a must, but selecting a professional committed to understand the client's needs could be the game changer factor.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
Input, research, idealization, output, feedback and refinement. CAS modeling, virtual reality, package verification, presentation, feedback and refinement. Physical modeling and or prototyping.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I'd rather not give names, but most of my household items are of a simple and clean design.
Can you describe a day in your life?
My routine changes according to projects and locations. But usually, during weekdays, I wake up very early, take a nice breakfast and go to work. I try to spend my nights with the company of a nice reading. And weekends belong to the family.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
In one hand, you are in constant contact with the latest trends, technologies and methodologies, and you are always looking for the best way to solve specific problems. In the other hand however, you will find yourself confronted with the, sometimes, grueling task to defend your ideas and convincing others.
What skills are most important for a designer?
A good balance between creativity and rationality with lots of perseverance.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Cheap pen and paper, a few markers, digital illustration, 3D modeling, CGI, VR, different books, internet and pretty much anything that can add to the process.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I try to make the best use of technologies that provide me with a back-and-forth-non-linear process which allows me to do different tasks at the same time and thus exploring a broader variety of ideas.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
I depends on the product's complexity, on the client's demands, or any other possible variant.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
From a client, how long does it take to...? From a non-design related, can you draw me?
Who are some of your clients?
The major OEMs in the automotive industry in Brazil, Asia and Europe.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Transportation design. Think of a globalized world without locomotion.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
To explore other possibilities within other industries and potential clients and partners.

Extended Interview with Robson Marques de Pontes

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and pursued a degree in product design. Later, I specialized in CAS and have been working in the car design industry for the past 20 years.
How did you become a designer?
I honestly believe it couldn't have worked any other way. I was the type of kid who loved drawing during math classes, taking things apart to see how they worked, and racing my bicycle back home.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I explored different fields before design. I studied engineering, but since I spent most of my math classes drawing, it didn't quite work out. Then I tried architecture. While I loved working with the human scale, I found it a bit too political for my taste and realized it wasn't the right fit for me.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
For the last 10 years, I have primarily been involved with premium and supercars. However, lately, I have been considering some shift towards yacht design.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Well, I would not call myself that, but my advice for those starting out would be to persist. The design world is a very competitive field.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I have personally worked with a handful of great designers. They all have in common the ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively with their teams. They have a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the entire project and are always target-oriented.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design must possess at least one of three qualities: timelessness, the ability to meet a need, or strong emotional appeal. When a design embodies all three qualities, I consider it truly great design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design enhances user experience, boosts functionality, and creates a positive impression, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction, efficiency, and success. Investing in good design ensures better usability, higher engagement, and long-term value.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design an eco-friendly, classic car-inspired trimaran yacht that combines luxury with advanced propulsion systems. This yacht would provide a comfortable and efficient platform for marine exploration in high style.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I dream a lot, but designing an eco-friendly trimaran yacht with advanced propulsion is something I would love to try.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Empathy, understanding and prioritizing the user's needs and experiences ensures that every design decision enhances usability, satisfaction, and overall impact.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I personally admire the old school where styling, engineering, and craftsmanship were seamlessly integrated. Legends like Marcello Gandini, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Ettore Bugatti, and Ferdinand Porsche exemplify this timeless approach to design.
What is your biggest design work?
I am fascinated by the lines in a Porsche 911 and how the same design silloute still desirable after more than 60 years.
Who is your favourite designer?
I am fascinated by the lines of the Porsche 911 and how its silhouette remains desirable after more than 60 years, proving that true elegance endures.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
In my view, the best way to learn is by seeking knowledge from those who are already experts in the field.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
That's an excellent question which I never took the time to explore it in more detail

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