Design Legend Interview
50 Froen
Award winner for Best Artist at high School - Year10. Self taught artist. Short period of study at Edith Cowan University- Textiles Degree. Perth Technical College 1991-1992 studying Fashion Design
Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
Award winner for Best Artist at high School - Year10.
Self taught artist. Short period of study at Edith Cowan University- Textiles Degree.
Perth Technical College 1991-1992 studying Fashion Design
What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
My love for art and colour. It is a calling. The need to express myself through drawing and design. To create works to make people feel good.
Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I wasn't forced. It was my inner calling.
What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I've designed large florals, a tuscan collection of ceramics, my International Tribal Ladies depicting happy, serene women going about their daily activities in a happy, serene manner. I would now like to concentrate on fashion illustrations.
What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
Follow their Bliss. Do not ignore your inner calling.
What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
Focus, determination and listening to that inner voice.
What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
When done with passion. When passion and talent combine, expect a masterpiece. The satisfaction it gives you, and in turn is well received by a larger audience.
What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Because when something is done from the heart, it radiates positive energy and evokes good feelings. Also, when theres quality , theres longevity. You can always see the difference of a good design.
What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
I would love to design illustrations for upscale design houses so that the value of the design could be appreciated and recognised. I would also very much like to illustrate for renown magazines such as for example Vogue and Bazaar.
What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
Designing illustrations for the top magazines of the world. Also, to see my illustration design interpreted into/onto fabrics and collections of the best designers of the world.
What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Passion. Adoration for design. My connection to Source.
Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
The great Megan Hess is a major inspiration.
What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
Megan Hess' work is both classic and modern and vey refined and glamorous.
What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
The Award winning design with A' Design Award - Manifestation
It is very different to traditional interpretations of this subject matter. It is a little stylised. The use of gold foil.
How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
I went for it. I took the plunge. I approached a subject matter that I wasn't entirely sure I could pull off. I tried. Im happy I did.
If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
I have a great interest in Interior Design
How do you define design, what is design for you?
The capability to make the mundane into something great, unique.
Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My husband and children.
What helped you to become a great designer?
My passion.
What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Time shortage. Taking care of a young family.
How do you think designers should present their work?
With pride. In the best possible way.
What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
I am currently in the process of setting up a brand new website to display and sell my illustrations and art. I would very much like to design as mentioned, illustrations for magazines and clients and collaborate with major design houses.
What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To become a successful, world renowned illustrator with collaborations with major design houses.
What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Quality. Professionalism. Service. Great designs and a passion for my work.
How does design help create a better society?
It embellishes our world and has the power to evoke joy and happiness from the viewer.
What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
My website and designs to market on it.
Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
All my sold paintings and art pieces in the form of ceramics and homewares. Because it makes me extremely happy to think that my designs are bringing joy to various homes, places and that people like or respond to them in a positive way enough to surround themselves with them. They allow a piece of my creativity into their homes.
What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
I think we as designers have access to great business platforms at the moment and these are improving. We can design, print, ship at the click of a button.
Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I think that with all social media platforms and technology, design is opening up to a wider audience and more interaction between client and designer.
How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
Depending on the project. A simple illustration can take between half an hour to 3 hours to produce. Paintings are different again. Depending on subject matter and style.
When you have a new design project, where do you start?
I always sketch it out on paper with pencil first.
What is your life motto as a designer?
Follow your Bliss.
Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
A good designer will set the trend.
What is the role of technology when you design?
Very important. As mentioned, it is closing the gap between client, media, designer and so on. Accessibility to a much wider audience.
What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
I have just purchased Photoshop. I use my iPhone 7 to save designs and publish onto Instagram. Also, my iPad Pro
What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Very important. I think that like a good haircut, colour and materials can completely alter the final desired result.
What do you wish people to ask about your design?
Is it available for purchase!
When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Mastery. Craftsmanship. Passion from the designer.
Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
No. It's very personal.
Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Past clients as they inspire me to create more. Proof that what I design is marketable.
Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
New York by Megan Hess. I just love her style and passion for her work.
How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Practice. Keeping myself design orientated by reading up on other designer success stories and researching fields of interest.
Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Karl Lagerfeld. He is a master of design. Megan Hess.
How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
Love it! I am happy, proud and glad that I can also be of an example to my children to follow their passion.
What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Lilac. Somewhere in the snow topped mountains, by the woods in front of a lake surrounded by pine trees! I love snowy winters. I think various foods are favourites. I can't pin point one! A croissant ? A latte"? Chocolate? I adore Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Elie Saab. Love jewellery. My diamond ring.
Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
I first proudly displayed my hand painted cushions at a renown interior designer showroom here in Perth. This was my first ever showroom experience. Upon seeing my very large cushions missing, I happily asked if they had been sold, however, I was stunned to learn they had most probably been stolen near the front entry door! So, my first sale, was not a sale at all, but a steal!
What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
I need to maintain a high, focused vibration or mood. I like to be in the zone when I sit and quietly let the creativity flow. I cannot design in a bad mood!
When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
Yes! As a little girl, for my 8th birthday in Rome, Italy, a friend doctor of ours did not buy me the average gift for an 8 year old - it was a large hard cover book called Primo Incontro con L'arte ( First encounter with Art). They knew I was destined for great things ! I didn't understand it properly then, but I've treasured the book ever since.
What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
There will be no schools. No institutions to make students sway away from their true passions. There will be places people can go to, to learn or master a desired skill. People will be more connected to their Source, their higher calling and the world will be a better place for it.
Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
I am designing with a passion, quality works which will hopefully portrey the joy and positive emotion with which I so passionately designed them for you, the client.
