Design Legend Interview
35 Froen
I am a BA holder in Graphic Design, MA holder in Multimedia and have studied product design as well. During my studies in Graphic Design I was working in parallel as a graphic designer.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I am a BA holder in Graphic Design, MA holder in Multimedia and have studied product design as well. During my studies in Graphic Design I was working in parallel as a graphic designer. As soon as I graduated I was hired as Art Director at BBDO Group Greece(Team Athens, Point Zero Athens) and then moved to McCann Worldgroup (Ashley & Holmes Athens) working for the most prestigious accounts in Greece before I Found Matadog Design.
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I wanted to be an Architect but I didn't make it to the exams and I ended up studying Graphic Design. I always loved to draw though.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I became a designer by accident.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
I think "design legend" is an extreme phrase. Young designers should avoid following a design style and to pursue their own style, follow their dreams, work hard and above all beleive on their abilities no matter what.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
A good designer offer solutions that work. A great designer inspires everyone with his work.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
A great design should have something new to offer. Something that has not been tried before.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Because it is proven by studies that drives results.
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Never stand still.
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I would have been an architect or a sculptur.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My wife. She was next to me on highs and lows.
What helped you to become a great designer?
The most important ingredient I think is that I do not like to follow trends.
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
The biggest obstacle was to beleive in myself. That's why young designers should believe in themselves even when they fail. It's part of the process.
How do you think designers should present their work?
In a way that everyone could understand.
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
Matadog designs together with GIVE, a great team of engineers with experience in automotive industry and F1 a new motorbike. This is one of the most exciting projects I have designed.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To provide unique solutions in a way that has never been tried before.
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
To design something unique for their brand, something they haven't dreamed of.
How does design help create a better society?
Design thinking can improve our society. There are many examples out there.
What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
A project that I was working for 2 years is Viupax footwear packaging. A revolutionary Patented shoe packaging that is cost efficient in matters of production and transportation. In the way it has been designed, it makes it possible to reduce packaging cost of up to 50%, reduce freight costs up to 50%, while improving both user experience and personnel productivity in the retail environment. More info can be found at http://www.viupax.com
Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
The projects that was multi-awarded. It feels great when a project you love are recognized by the industry.
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I hope not designs produced by computers with Artificial Intelligence.
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
It depends on the project and complexity.
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
Research.
What is your life motto as a designer?
Be different.
What is the role of technology when you design?
It's very important. However, I strongly believe that a designer should first learn to sketch by hand and then use the computer.
What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
It really depends on the project. I could use markers, 3D software, clay, 2D design software etc.
What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Very important. Imagination is everything though.
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
How did you think of that?
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
What was the thinking process behind it.
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
A design partner should be passionate, unselfish, positive, hard working, fair and should have the opposite design style.
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
Books related to design and life in general.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
By improving myself as a person and my design skills.
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Alexander the Great, Pericles, Leonardo Da Vinci and Salvatore Dali.
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
It's nice to be recognized for all your hard work.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Blue, Santorini, Pasta, Summer, my iPad and Ferrari.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
As I child, I was drawing all the time. My dream was to become an Architect. But life had other plans for me. I studied design but the thing is that I allways liked to play with forms and this is something that I still enjoy doing to many of my projects. It
