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Alireza Merati

IranJewelry

Interviews with Alireza Merati

Read the interviews with Alireza Merati: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Interview

Fabiana Earring · 17 questions

The name Fabiana has been chosen regarding its meaning: bean grower. A pearl as a symbol of nature is protected by an exterior gold case in a more or less beehive-shaped form which is quite precious itself, and It…

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The name Fabiana has been chosen regarding its meaning: bean grower. A pearl as a symbol of nature is protected by an exterior gold case in a more or less beehive-shaped form which is quite precious itself, and It stresses the importance of nature.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

My main focus was on tying function to concept and beauty.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

I want to find a company that will produce and market my design on license.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

It took me almost 4 months.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

I wanted to pursue an inspiration. In fact, I intended to create the embodiment of a particular concept.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

I have not produced my design yet, but if there were offers from companies, I would market this product on license.

What made you design this particular type of work?

People use jewelry in their daily life as a fashion product. Jewelry’s appearance has a substantial impact on both user/viewer groups, and it is a kind of product that lasts for a lifetime and has a great value itself. I wanted to design a pair of earrings, which would depict beauty and concept together.

Who is the target customer for his design?

All women.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

This design is presenting a particular concept; moreover, an interesting feature of this piece of jewelry is the suspended pearl, which swings loosely in the main piece with every motion, and strikes the viewer's attention.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The name Fabiana has been chosen regarding its meaning: bean grower. The word "bean” is referring to the pearl.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Sketches, Software, Books, Articles.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

The most interesting feature of this piece of jewelry is the suspended pearl, with every motion, swings loosely in the main piece, and strikes the viewer's attention. The combination of gold, diamonds, and pearls implies simplicity yet, at the same time, the complexity that is sensational.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Multiple computer software have been used to design this work.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

I read some books about art and the influences of artworks, and I also researched jewelry appearance and its visual impacts.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

Jewelry design is a form of art that we are integrating into our daily lives. It enables you to combine your creativity and skills to make an imaginative and iconic piece that goes beyond mere forms and shapes. The main challenge was creating a piece to depict the formless shape into a conceptual form, especially regarding standard units and execution limits. As Herbert Edward Read once said in the book "The meaning of art": "the work of art is in some sense a liberation of the personality. We contemplate a work of art, and immediately there is a release of feelings and heightening".

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I wanted to represent my ideas.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I put a lot of effort into the design of this project, and I also encountered several errors, which required patience and diligence to be fixed. Once again, in my life, I learned how to fight over what I want and never stop until I see it fulfilled.

Design Legend Interview

37 questions

I am a freelance designer with an architectural background. Currently, I am an MSc student of architecture.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I am a freelance designer with an architectural background. Currently, I am an MSc student of architecture.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

I have always had a great interest in art and been attached to a certain type of it during different periods of my life such as painting, drawing, architectural design and as for the recent years, I’ve become passionate about jewelry design. Besides, having 3D modeling skills and other architectural designing experiences have been the backbone of my jewelry design skills which helped me to develop and empower my ideas.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

It was absolutely my own choice to become a designer.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

Interior design for buildings would be my answer here, but I like designing jewelry the most.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

I suggest that young designers keep up with technology constantly. Furthermore, being a true artist comes with studying and knowing about art.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

When the design ties function, creativity, and uniqueness together to create a visual representation of an idea.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

When the designer links the idea to the right proportions and technical properties, all of which together lead to aesthetic appeal and presentation quality.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Aside from function, a good design is in some sense a liberation of the personality. We contemplate a work of art, and there is immediately a release of feelings and heightening. In fact, a good design heightens the quality of daily life.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

If I had the opportunity, I would design jewelry for top jewelry brands.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

My painting exhibitions, which I was supposed to have two years ago.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

I wouldn’t call it a secret, but rather, a combination of passion, diligence, and a great appetite for art.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Rene Magritte, Walker Evans, Richard Serra, Sir Herbert Edward Read, Wassily Kandinsky, Tadao Ando.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

Benesse House museum by Tadao Ando in Japan. The Benesse House is a facility integrating a museum with a hotel, based on the concept of "coexistence of nature, art, and architecture." It is a place where people can explore art, nature, architecture, and their own thoughts in a multi-layered and synergistic fashion. The place has a life-giving spirit and to me, it is an astounding architecture project.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

I like one of my ring designs the most. It has a simple appearance, a coherent structure, and an important story.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

I think improvement tends to be a gradual transition and should not be stopped. In my opinion, to be a better designer, people have to always think of new ideas and adapt themselves to changes, new trends, and needs. Moreover, I can add reading constantly and learning from the past errors.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I can think of several answers, none of which I can pick.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

The design process is just as important as the final product. The design process is one of the many steps required to create a form of art or any ideal which the artist can realize in form. Art sheds light on the undiscovered side of our feelings and personality and is the liberation of our personality.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My family and my friends.

What helped you to become a great designer?

My fascination with art and design.

How do you think designers should present their work?

By presenting their works in exhibitions, competitions, and galleries.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

Two different rings and a pendant.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

New ideas and consistency.

How does design help create a better society?

It heightens the quality of daily life and helps to create a more comfortable and pleasant life.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

I think this has been already established that products are getting closer and closer to human needs every year, and I think this trend would get faster and more expansive as time goes on. Besides, it seems to me that designs are going to be more eco-friendly and designers will go green.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

Depending on the object type, designing can take time anywhere from a few hours to months.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

After realizing the project and its important elements such as function, users, standards, sustainability, concept, and culture, sketching my primary ideas would be the next step. Therefore, if I come up with satisfying ideas, I develop them until I have some final sketches. Computer modeling, sculpting clay, and fixing errors would be some of the next steps.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

I think it is reciprocal.

What is the role of technology when you design?

I use 3D modeling software because they ease the complex process of developing ideas through forms.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

3D max, Rhino Core, Matrix, Adobe Photoshop.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

Color, materials, and lighting influence the way we perceive designs, and our brain processes and judges what it perceives. Psychological influence, information, and effects on the psyche are aspects of our perceptual judgment processes.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

Every time I see a new and great design, I realize that there is an infinite source of ideas and it helps me to try to be more creative.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

The Meaning Of Art by Sir Herbert Edward Read, The Art Of Color by Johannes Itten.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

New experiences and studying architecture had big influences on me.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

Zaha Hadid, Salvador Dali, and Forough Farrokhzad.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Lime green and black, Commercial centers, Spaghetti, Spring, David Yurman.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

Drawing my ideas and checking out new designs every day on social media and magazines. I also have a constant habit for keeping myself motivated by reading books, working out, and reorganizing my plans.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

I started drawing since I was a child and back in those days, I just knew that I have a great desire for art, but I didn’t realize that I like to be a designer.

Designer Interview

34 questions

I have always had a great interest in art and been attached to a certain type of it during different periods of my life such as painting, drawing, architectural design and as for the recent years, I’ve become passionate…

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 have always had a great interest in art and been attached to a certain type of it during different periods of my life such as painting, drawing, architectural design and as for the recent years, I’ve become passionate about jewelry design. Besides, having 3D modeling skills and other architectural designing experiences have been the backbone of my jewelry design skills which helped me to develop and empower my ideas.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I am a 27-year-old freelance designer with an architectural background. I started to work as an independent designer since the middle of my BSc period and my initial focus is on combining art and technology to develop and communicate my ideas through the designing process.

What is "design" for you?

The design process is just as important as the final product. The design process is one of the many steps required to create a form of art or any ideal which the artist can realize in form. Art sheds light on the undiscovered side of our feelings and personality and is the liberation of our personality.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Jewelry Design, Furniture Design, Architectural Design

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

I designed different types of facades for a building.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I like 3D modeling software because they ease the complex process of developing ideas through forms.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I have to think of a solution during the designing process

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Every work of art has principles of form or coherent structure. I personally think standards are of significant importance no matter what type of product we are designing. Therefore, I always try to focus on proportions and standards the most. Moreover, every design should have a particular massage or concept.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I feel like I’m nurturing my inner self.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I feel like I have shared my ideas, feelings, and perspective towards art.

What makes a design successful?

I think a successful design is the product of careful use of design elements and creativity to create a visual representation of an idea.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Function, proportions, creativity, and presentation quality.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

In my opinion, the most important responsibility of a designer is to consider aesthetical, cultural, and functional aspects and influences of the work. Furthermore, seeking sustainable designs in order to reduce negative impacts on the environment is crucial.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

As time goes on, human needs become more complex in all respects; this may stem from the change of our mindsets and emotions through generations. Therefore, I think the design field keeps evolving as well, and we can see numerous fields of design that have been subjected to change over time.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last exhibition was in 2013 in Milad Tower, Tehran, Iran and I plan to have a solo painting exhibition in the current year.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Not always have I had an inspiration source for my designs. A lot of times, I came up with an idea based on some elements like function and culture, or by developing my sketches. However, ideas sometimes germinate in my mind by inspiration from nature, dreams, books, or a specific viewpoint of a notable person.

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 had a great interest in conceptual artworks or performances; to be precise, my fascination lies with the kinds of works which entail going through a lot of contemplation in order to reach the artist’s point. Therefore, often I try to create a conceptual design to affect the viewer the same way.

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 Tehran, Iran. I consider certain elements during my design process, one of which is culture; however, when I mention culture, I don’t mean my country’s culture necessarily. While Iran is a country with a long history in arts and various great ethnic cultures, I don’t let my culture affect my design as a predisposition. The greater the importance of culture in each project is, the more I let it influence my design. In fact, this aspect is not constantly affecting my design.

How do you work with companies?

I work with companies or individual clients as a freelance designer.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Companies can realize designers’ portfolios in order to choose the right designer.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

After realizing the project and its important elements such as function, users, standards, sustainability, concept, and culture, sketching my primary ideas would be the next step. Therefore, if I come up with satisfying ideas, I develop them until I have some final sketches. Computer modeling, sculpting clay, and fixing errors would be some of the next steps.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

As a young designer myself, I suggest that young designers keep up with technology constantly. Furthermore, being a true artist comes with studying and knowing about art.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Although every job or activity has its pros and cons, I can’t think of any negative aspects of being a designer except for having to spend a lot of time on the computer. On the other hand, about the positive sides, I can name self-satisfaction, the ability to express your creativity, and imagination.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

For me, the most important rule in the design process is to develop my ideas in coherence with function and standards.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Nowadays, computer skills are very important for designers. Besides, achieving a particular perspective towards art would be necessary.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Sketches, Software, Books, Articles

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Before I start to work, I plan to get the most out of my time; therefore, I oftentimes schedule my work beforehand.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Depending on the object type, designing can take time anywhere from a few hours to months.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

what software do I use?

What was your most important job experience?

All of my job experiences are important to me.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I like designing jewelry and furniture. People use jewelry in their daily life as a fashion product. Jewelry’s appearance has a substantial impact on both user/viewer groups, and it is a kind of product that lasts a lifetime and has a great value itself.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Continuing my MSc period and starting my own jewelry brand.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Actually it totally depends on the project.

How can people contact you?

Email address: Alireza.Merati.a@gmail.com

Instagram ID: Alirezameratiii

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Alireza Merati regarding Fabiana Earring comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.