Design Legend Interview
47 questions
I studied graphic-design at Kunstschule Amsterdam, international's school of communication design in Hamburg, Germany.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I studied graphic-design at Kunstschule Amsterdam, international's school of communication design in Hamburg, Germany.
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
Art was my preferred subject in high school. To follow my passion and make a living at the same time, becoming a designer seemed to be the right choice.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
Becoming a designer was a personal choice.
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
While I focus on communication design, I believe a good designer can design anything. It's just about the right proportions. Previous projects included graphics & identities, packaging & products, spaces & experiences, and communication & collaboration.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
Follow their passion, and then not give up.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
Talent. And lots of luck.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Is it fresh? Does it solve a problem? Does it move people? And make the world a more beautiful place?
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
It's more pleasing to the eye.
What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
Anything that solves a problem, except religious or political ones.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
A hotel, a yacht, a Mars station, ...
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Not to give up.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
A smart solution, that is also beautiful.
What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
It is quite satisfying, when people actually want your design so much that they go the extra mile to get it.
For example, I got calls from collectors interested in a limited edition product (Ashkenazy Lager for London Philharmonic Orchestra) or have users bid for it on eBay (Collaboration with Stikfas toys for Republic of Singapore Navy).
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Not to give up.
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I would have been a commercial pilot. While I hold a Private Pilot License, my eye sight wasn't actually good enough for Lufthansa at the time. On the hindsight, and looking at the current situation, this might have not been a bad blow of fate.
How do you define design, what is design for you?
It's a problem solver.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
I had the good fortune to work for bosses at the start of my career, who taught me a thing or two (from mounting a presentation board properly to kerning a line) and supported me (letting me judge my first award show, for example).
What helped you to become a great designer?
The above mentioned people in my life, passion, and persistence.
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Getting ideas sold.
How do you think designers should present their work?
Being real, and believing in their ideas.
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
I am currently rolling out a new brand design for an Italian skincare brand across China, that will give it visibility in more than 500 beauty clinics across the country.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Solve a problem beautifully.
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
To solve their problems beautifully.
How does design help create a better society?
It solves a problem and makes the world a better, more beautiful place.
What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
More focus on quality over quantity, especially in Asia.
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
Wherever people face a problem that calls for a solution.
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
That depends on the project. It can be an hour or a year.
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
With a lot of questions, to really understand the clients problem.
What is your life motto as a designer?
Smart solutions, executed beautifully.
Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Both effect each other. Though I hope the earlier is actually GOOD design, leading to positive, meaningful trends.
What is the role of technology when you design?
A supporting role, except we design for technology.
What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
Open eyes, imagination, paper and pencil, Adobe Creative Suite, or and means necessary to execute an idea.
What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
That depends on the project.
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
Did it move people?
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
I wish I had done that.
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
Inspiring people who want to try something new, who don't take no for an answer.
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
While books definitely have an effect on my thinking, it's rather observations and conversations that effect my design.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Observing, comparing, keeping an open mind.
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
I wouldn't mind having a chat with Elon Musk about designing that Mars station.
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
It's always the next project that counts.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Blue, the next discovery, fresh crab by the sea, spring, considering the time I spend with it: my phone, Birger Linke Design.
Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
As a young designer, I was briefed to design a direct mailer for the Lexus Golf Cup. Insisting to use real grass in the pack, my colleagues organized samples so fresh that they still had worms in it.
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
When an idea gets sold, without much of a fight, just because the client loves it.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
I had potential.
What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
I have no clue.
Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
Get in touch!
