Interview with Birger Linke

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.

Becoming a designer was a personal choice.

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.

Follow their passion, and then not give up.

Talent. And lots of luck.

Is it fresh? Does it solve a problem? Does it move people? And make the world a more beautiful place?

It's more pleasing to the eye.

Anything that solves a problem, except religious or political ones.

A hotel, a yacht, a Mars station, ...

Not to give up.

Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.

A smart solution, that is also beautiful.

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).

Not to give up.

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.

It's a problem solver.

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).

The above mentioned people in my life, passion, and persistence.

Getting ideas sold.

Being real, and believing in their ideas.

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.

Solve a problem beautifully.

To solve their problems beautifully.

It solves a problem and makes the world a better, more beautiful place.

More focus on quality over quantity, especially in Asia.

Wherever people face a problem that calls for a solution.

That depends on the project. It can be an hour or a year.

With a lot of questions, to really understand the clients problem.

Smart solutions, executed beautifully.

Both effect each other. Though I hope the earlier is actually GOOD design, leading to positive, meaningful trends.

A supporting role, except we design for technology.

Open eyes, imagination, paper and pencil, Adobe Creative Suite, or and means necessary to execute an idea.

That depends on the project.

Did it move people?

I wish I had done that.

Inspiring people who want to try something new, who don't take no for an answer.

While books definitely have an effect on my thinking, it's rather observations and conversations that effect my design.

Observing, comparing, keeping an open mind.

I wouldn't mind having a chat with Elon Musk about designing that Mars station.

It's always the next project that counts.

Blue, the next discovery, fresh crab by the sea, spring, considering the time I spend with it: my phone, Birger Linke Design.

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.

When an idea gets sold, without much of a fight, just because the client loves it.

I had potential.

I have no clue.

Get in touch!

Birger Linke Design focuses on graphics & identities, packaging & products, spaces & experiences, and communication & collaboration in Beijing, Hamburg, and Singapore.

A solution to a problem, beautifully executed.

Anything that solves a problem, except religious or political ones.

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).

A top-up card for a telecom provider

One that is relevant for a given project.

Late at night, just before I fall asleep.

Does it solve a problem? Is it beautiful?

It's a satisfying process. Of course, it can come with a fare share of frustration, too.

It's the point why we're in this, isn't it?

It solves a problem, making the world a better, more beautiful place.

Does it solve a problem?

To make the world a better. more beautiful place. That obviously includes the environment.

There will always be problems to solve. Design will help to find solutions.

Work was exhibited at "Neue Sammlung" of the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich, Germany – one of the world's leading design museums.

Inspiration can come from anything, anyone, anywhere. So it's important to go through this world with open eyes.

Relevant to a given project. A smart solution to a problem, beautifully executed.

Originally from Hamburg, Germany, I'm currently based in Beijing. Being an outsider and looking at things differently helps to come up with a fresh approach to a problem, that others might have just overlooked.

I start by asking a lot of questions – to truly understand the company's/the client's problem.

Have a conversation. Is the designer really interested in the company? Does he have a point of view? Does he try to understand the problems the company faces? In addition, a look at the designer's previous work wouldn't hurt.

I start by asking a lot of questions – to truly understand the company's/the client's problem.
Then it's time to let the imagination run wild ...

I'll wake up and get ready for a day at the office, with conversations and the attempt to putting something to paper (or the screen). Have some breaks in between. Except when I'm traveling, exploring, watching a movie, or doing other nonsensical things.

Follow your passion, and then don't give up.

Not many people have the opportunity to create something every day – though 90% of it is for the bin.

There's always a solution.

Persistance.

Open eyes, imagination, paper and pencil, Adobe Creative Suite, or and means necessary to execute an idea.

Setting realistic timelines.

That can be anything from an hour to a year, depending on the project.

Can you just help me with this?

Watching people that care about the details.

While on one hand I work for multinationals (at the moment I'm looking after VW China), I also run my own design consultancy, with many clients form the healthcare and wellness industry (i.e. Bioformula, Vitalorga, Livinguard).

Any work that allows me to solve a problem. If this work also makes an impact on people's lives or even society as a whole, that will be perfect.

The next project.

That depends on the project. I'm always open to collaborations.

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.

+8613716216427
or at birger.linke@birgerlinke.design

Just get in touch!