Design Legend Interview
50 Froen
I finished Moscow University of Printing Arts - that predetermined my future occupation.
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I finished Moscow University of Printing Arts - that predetermined my future occupation.
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
Feeling that I made something real
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I think it was destiny. I'm always draw good, but never think about design.
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I want to specialise in alcohol packaging - from product design (label, bottle, etc.) to gift boxes and visual communication strategy.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
Searching for their unique style and ways.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
ability to find clients which will believe in your ideas.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
I like it, it is main that talks to me - it's good thing.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Everyone wants beautiful and comfortable things - good design tries to do the best of the best.
What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
Rebranding for Russian church, I think it needs a very good and strong identity.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Myself branding, I'm searching everytime, all ideas not final, now it is WNK studio, last year it was WONKA Creative, so It is very hard to find best solution.
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
It is fantasy. Half of my life I live in fantasy world in my mind.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Stranger & Stranger. Great studio.
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Can't remember, it is always changing.
What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
Greatest - is minimalistic. Like Nike logo - simply clever.
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
I comparing my project with other, and look how better or worse I am.
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Engineer or manager.
How do you define design, what is design for you?
Design - it is how world looks like.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My wife, and I think my dream to be not just an usual designer.
What helped you to become a great designer?
Hope and long-working nights
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Distrust and misunderstanding. In Russia all thinks that designer is only to draw your ideas. Everybody are smarter them designer and nobody listen them.
How do you think designers should present their work?
personal, no mails or online
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
Onegin new products - bitters, or limited edition. Maybe cognac brand, I will try to do my best.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
Right now - Silver at A Design Award.
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Best images and ideas them before.
How does design help create a better society?
When you can understand something just looking for picture or icon - You do not have time to get angry at the complexity of the world
What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
rebranding of old Armenian cognac. It's hard to jump deep in different culture to find unique way.
Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
Onegin, because it was illumination and I made it to real product.
What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Don't know
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
can't answer for this question
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
sometimes 1 week, sometimes - year. Client is very urgent component
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
start from pencil and paper. First idea is the most strong
What is your life motto as a designer?
always strive and always prosper
Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Design sets.
What is the role of technology when you design?
Don't think about them, impossible is possible
What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
pencils and adobe cc
What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
urgent, because every idea can be killed by bad presentation - as materials or colour mistake
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
How did you invent it?
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Surprise and joy for the industry
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
no, not for me.
Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Client, his opinion is the first thing you need to convince
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
I don't remember.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
I trying to do all step of project only by myself, with out outsource or other designers.
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
with God, discuss about how life is organised. Why so easy or difficult sometimes.
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
I'm not famous, it is my first award. Let's talk about it maybe after 3-4 years.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
blue, Nice, steak, summer, kids and Asics
Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
Funniest thing - it is when 10 men designing little sticker for woman's gaskets throughout the year
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
I dream that someday I will win the biggest and greatest trophy and everybody will listen to me.
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
No, I was tennis player.
What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
there will be better life them now
Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
to be continued :)