Designer Interview
36 Froen
I loved painting since I was a kid. My parents always supported my hobby which helped a lot. I had special art classes at school, then graduated art university.
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 loved painting since I was a kid. My parents always supported my hobby which helped a lot. I had special art classes at school, then graduated art university.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I`m artdirector in andcompany http://andcompany.com/. We do posters and keyart to movies and tvshows.
What is "design" for you?
There are many definition of design. Design it what shapes things in the way they are. For me personally - design is what makes you fill in a certain way.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like working on the art for movies. Also I always loved ornaments and patterns.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My favorite piece is probably "Folk Fusion". It combines pretty picture and idea. It is also very personal.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It is actually a funny story. While ago, when I lived in Moscow I designed series of metal sigils of Game of Thrones houses just for fun (https://www.behance.net/gallery/3985601/Game-of-thrones-wallpapers). I posted it and it turned out to be very popular piece. In a couple months I got email from my company "Hey, wanna work on the official poster for the next season of Game of Thrones?". Sure I did :)
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love combining 3d and 2d
When do you feel the most creative?
After I watched a good movie or read an awesome book. Or when I see other people portfolio :)
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Lighting and color.
What makes a design successful?
Good idea is a base of successful wok. Also details and the way you present it.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Idea and originality. It`s important for the design to have a personality.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think different fields of design have different goals. Every day design should make people life better and simpler. There is a great quote “Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.”
On another hand in some cases design provokes and brings people attention to a certain subjects. This sort of design should make people fill the certain way.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design is a mirror of society. It answers society's needs. It also repeats some certain patterns and trends. I think current trend is simplifying and trimming unnecessary.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Didn't have any.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
It comes from everywhere. Movies, books, friends, internet, events in life, but most commonly other people work. It is very inspiring seeing other people hard work.
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 would say colorful. I love combinations of bright colors. Also I love playing with light and mixing different styles together.
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 Los Angeles, California, but originally I`m russian. I definitely feel heritage of my own country and I use it in my works. But also I love living in LA, because it is crazy mixture of different cultures, it gives you bigger perspective on other culture and art in general. I think it is great experience.
How do you work with companies?
I work for one :). I`m artdirector in a keyart studio.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Portfolio for sure. But you never know, until you try. I think good designer it is combination of good skills, right thinking, being good with deadlines and just being nice human being.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I always start with collecting references, it is very important step. I have a lot of different boards on Pinterest, for composition, for type, for style, for everything. Sometimes I have an idea before it, but sometimes it comes in process of seeing other people work. Then i do quick sketch, then work on the details, building 3d if necessary.Then putting everything together, polishing. Preparing presentation for my work is my last step, which is very important too.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My artbooks (light and color, framed ink, concept art for movies), posters (my most recent print from Loish), 3d prints (i have 3d printed lamp which I love).
Can you describe a day in your life?
I woke up, go to work. Depends on the day I do 2-4 concepts of posters for movies or tv shows. After wok day is over there are different scenarios: yoga, books, movies, working on personal projects or hanging out with friends.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Coping other people work for studying (obviously not for portfolio), not ignoring collecting references and building sketch.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positives - everything. Negatives - balancing life and design :). Edge is very blury
What is your "golden rule" in design?
No overcomplication
What skills are most important for a designer?
Dedication
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
3dsmax, photoshop, zbrush, artbooks like "Lite and color".
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Struggling :).
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It really depends on the task. For work we can have some crazy deadlines sometimes, when you have to build something in an hour. But usually 2-3 hours should be good, more if 3d is involved. With personal projects I prefer to take my time, so it could be meter of days or weeks after work.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
How do you do that? :)
What was your most important job experience?
I think personal projects is the most important job experience. It really shows who you are and what you wanna do.
Who are some of your clients?
HBO, A&E, FX, SyFy, Discovery, Lipton, Moschino, work for projects like launching of FYI network, Tomorrowland, True Detective, 12 Monkeys, Damien, Opposite worlds, and rebranding projects for A&E network.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Keyarts, posters, book covers. Because I love it?
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I'm thinking to try myself in motion and title design. And to grow as 2d and 3d artist.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I work in a team, but every person in a team building there own design for the same task.
How can people contact you?
melaamory@gmail.com
http://www.sashavinogradova.com/
