Sebastian Popa

My interest in arts and design was developed since I was a child. As a result of this, at ten years old I enrolled at an arts school, followed by an arts high school in my hometown, where I studied fine arts and design. Next, I enrolled at The National University of Arts, Bucharest, graduating in 2010 with a BA Product Design Degree. Wishing to continue my Arts and Design education, I chose to study at the MA Industrial Design Course from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design London from which I graduated in the summer of 2012. This represented a higher education experience consisting of conceptual, commercial, creative, critical design approaches, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and much more, all held at the heart of the Design Community, in London and other cities throughout Europe.

I am an industrial designer from Romania. In my work I try to experiment on various areas of the design discipline, trying to diversify my design language. Besides the commercial part of the design world, I am also interested in the areas of conceptual and critical design.

I like to do various design works as I think in this way i can expand my knowledge and improve my skills.

I can't say there is a specific one, I try to approach design as a whole.

To make meaningful things that can improve the quality of life or that can make people happy without damaging the environment.

"NOISE: The Art of Protest", 20th April - 30th June 2013, People's History Museum, Manchester

I try to get to the essence of the object I want to create, or of the problem I have to solve. Then I try to get rid of all the unnecessary things around it, and stick to the point. I try to make my objects quite straightforward. Nevertheless, I think my projects are very different one from the other. This is because now I work for clients that have different requirements. Of course, each project is influenced by my vision, but I have to stick with the briefs I receive and this makes them very different.

I live in Constanta, Romania. Pros: Being home, having my family and friends close to me. Living in my hometown allowed me to feel very comfortable with my work. This means I know where to find materials and manufacturers for my ideas. Cons: There are not that many design exhibitions around here.

Give some freedom to the designer, he knows what he's doing. Companies can select a good designer by analyzing the designer’s portfolio. If they feel they identify with the designer’s approach, it means it is highly possible that the relationship between the company and the designer will be fruitful.

My main methodology is to carefully analyze the problem I’m dealing with. Also, a good idea is to observe the user’s behavior related to that specific problem. This can give valuable information that can contribute to the development of the specific design. I often do a lot of sketches, then I can do a 3D model, and after that I build some physical models or a prototype. This can help me choose the best idea.

Everyday I try to read for at least 1 hour, and I try to do at least one hour of sport. The rest of the day is related mostly to my work.

Make most of your time and try to improve your abilities as much as you can. Once passed, time doesn't come back.

Positives: you always do something different, there is no routine. Also it is a highly creative profession that puts your brain to challenge. Negatives: Sometimes people don't appreciate this profession at its real value.

I think sketching, model making can be helpful and of course, the different design software that is essential today.

Well, my design approach is different. Sometimes I use to do a lot of sketching, other times I do models. I also I use 2D and 3D modelling software.

I try to establish my own gradual deadlines, so I will not run out of time when designing something.

It really depends on its difficulty. Sometimes the design process can be really quick and take one day, other times several months. It depends on what I'm designing.

I lately enjoy doing critical design works as I think this is a really interesting design approach that can generate unexpected results.

I mostly develop my designs by myself, but I have also been involved in team projects

I have all my contact details on my website: www.sebastianpopa.com Also, I have a linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianpopadesign I also use a variety of social media: twitter: sebastian_popa instagram: sebapopa Or, the best way is through my email: sebastianpopa1@yahoo.com