Ontwerperinterview
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I have always been interested in drawing and designing objects, art and the creative process.
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 have always been interested in drawing and designing objects, art and the creative process.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
A company designing innovative puzzles.
What is "design" for you?
'Problem solving' and 'simplification'. Something created for a purpose.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
3D interesting objects.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Graphic identity and packaging.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Happiness
What makes a design successful?
When all the required elements work together seamlessly.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Form, function, fun, aesthetics...
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers are in the great position to set the standards and lead by example.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Do not exhibit.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Indulging my interests from a wide variety of areas. Letting my curiosity get the better of me and following where it leads. Combining interests.
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 am very visually orientated. I am interested in a coordination of the visual identity with shape and function. The simpler the better. "God is in the details" -Mies van der Rohe.
Design it from the consumers point of view. What is it like to look at? How will they feel when they open the packaging?
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 the UK. To me the UK is the most creative country in the world. I used to live in London following design. I now live in Falmouth in Cornwall because of the quality of life and also because of the amount of creative artists and practical types who also like to live by the sea.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I create simple functioning card models taped together to see the 'concept'. Next I work on the functionality, materials, presentation etc. A continuous development of concepts into a honed accurate product.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Anglepoise lamp. Campaign folding chair c.1900. Apple laptop... pencil... erm?
Can you describe a day in your life?
Always different, always creative.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Follow your passions and make things happen.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Adaptability. Be ready to roll up your sleeves and make it work. Being able to listen to others.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Pencil and paper (lots of it). Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop. Scalpel, ruler, card, jigsaw cutter.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Badly. I get all consumed.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depends on the object. 1 week for a good concept.
Who are some of your clients?
Most major high street stores
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy different challenges. I was addicted to designing packaging.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
To sell more of my own designs. I have more ideas/concepts on the shelf waiting to be realized.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Have worked as a team, now work by myself.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Currently designing more curious objects which play with light.
How can people contact you?
Through the website.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
"It will be great when it is finished!" I seem to say this rather a lot!
