Design Legend Interview
25 Froen
In the late 90's, after finishing my B.A. in Fine Arts (concentrated on painting) I started my career as a graphic designer. Meanwhile I work as an illustrator and editorial cartoonist.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
In the late 90's, after finishing my B.A. in Fine Arts (concentrated on painting) I started my career as a graphic designer. Meanwhile I work as an illustrator and editorial cartoonist. I have some national and international award in both graphic Design and Cartoon fields.
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
Visual language is the most diffused language. Meanwhile you can make your own accent in this language. It is an alternative way of communication, and alternative is always attractive.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I always wanted to be a painter, an artist. Being a designer is no obstacle to become an artist.
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
The creation process is always fun. I enjoy to watch the shaping process of my concept. Creating posters, books or covers, logo, visual identity and illustration are the most favorite ones.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
I don't think that I am a legend. Learning is an essential. Walk around the streets, try to focus on unnoticeable things. Analyze self existential matters.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
In my point of view a great designer does thing that I can easily say: How she/he get to this concept?!
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Even an old theme should have a fresh design idea. Mature skill of making a design to come true is important. Easy to navigate, easy to communicate.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Every good design, no matter how important or big it is, can improve aesthetic taste.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
A big conceptual exhibition/event of my assembling art objects.
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
I always try to come back to human roots, use eastern culture. Try to be honest with myself and design culture that I carry.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Almost all Polish famous designers. John Maeda, Paul rand, Stefan Sagmeister, Reza Abedini.
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
I do like Sagmeister's works, because they are very daring and expressive, strait, fresh. I like his skill of manipulating every design project.
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Anything in visual art field.
How do you define design, what is design for you?
A bridge on the world's cross roads.
What helped you to become a great designer?
Consistency and persistence.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Oh! Involve in international projects. One of them is to work with Penguin Books as a book cover designer. As an illustrator I want to be a part of Ladybird Publication illustrators.
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
I ask to clearly define the task. Start the research, try to improve my knowledge regarding the task if needed. Start gathering the details. Start working.
What is your life motto as a designer?
Be honest!
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
I wish people say their thoughts about my design, I want to learn from them.
Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Most of the people I interacted are poets.
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
There is no book that effect on my design, it effects on my view. I like books that make me to brows another books, "My Name Is Red" is the most famous of them.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
There is no other way but doing and practicing.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Red, field, vegetables and fish, autumn, retro stuff, Adidas.
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
When I found a great idea and specially when I found out how to make it happen.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
It was only obvious that I was good at painting.
