Designer Interview
26 Froen
I have always had a love for great design and art. Moreover, I've always been designing, creating and producing in many ways. I particularly love the feeling of seeing a vision and an idea come true.
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 love for great design and art. Moreover, I've always been designing, creating and producing in many ways. I particularly love the feeling of seeing a vision and an idea come true.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I've had experience with different companies. I've been part of starting up and running, a well-established Danish jewellery company called 'JEWLSCPH'. Moreover, I have worked with product design, graphic design, web design, visual identities and more, for different companies, throughout the years.
What is "design" for you?
Design for me is all about personality, adding character and differentiating one product from another.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I mostly design on the computer.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Creativity.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Satisfaction.
What makes a design successful?
The level of details and consideration put into it.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The balance of the design - if you can see the designer has put a lot of thoughts into the design, making sure proportions, elements, etc. are all properly balanced. The details always make a difference.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Always consider the impacts the product will have on the global environment, as well as making sure, that the people working with producing the product, have good conditions.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think the field of sustainable design will grow even more in the future.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
During Copenhagen Fashion Week 2013, displaying the first prototype of the watch.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I normally find the inspiration in my surroundings - on the internet, galleries, exhibits, shops, billboards, markets, etc. I rarely look for it, and I often gets most inspired when I am not specifically looking. It usually helps on my creativity to be taken out of my normal surroundings, in particular, when travelling, experiencing other cultures and ideas.
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?
Scandinavian minimalist.
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 Copenhagen, Denmark. I absolutely feel the cultural heritage affects the design I make - however, I also get influenced from travelling around, seeing different cultures, challenging my own cultural heritage, which I believe is essential to evolve.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Thoroughly go through the designers portfolio. Even more importantly, speak with the designer and discuss the ideas, you can usually get the idea if you have a shared understanding of the job.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I usually consider and visualize the design for a longer period, before sketching it out, and start working on it. From there on, there will usually be many revisions and amendments of the design, to make sure it not only looks good, but also fits the exact specifications.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
An old wall clock
A custom build wood table
Eames chair
Barcelona chair
'The egg' by Arne Jacobsen
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
You constantly learn - learn from others, as much as possible.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
KISS - 'keep it simple stupid', I always go back and simplify my designs, when I think I've finished it.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Visualization and understanding of the client.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Sketches and Illustrator/indesign/Photoshop
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
It can be very difficult at times. Being an entrepreneur and running a company, limits the actual free time to design on a daily basis. I try to design when I have time and feel the inspiration to do so
Who are some of your clients?
LIVA, JEWLSCPH
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
The continuous work of building, branding and marketing our watch company.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I usually develop my designs myself.
How can people contact you?
E-mail: dm@manniche.com
