BenjiLock LLC

Specialized in Design.

BenjiLock LLC

About BenjiLock LLC

Whether you're on the go, heading to work, school or for a quick workout at the gym, storing your personal belongings has never been easier or safer. Introducing BenjiLock, the World's First Traditional Rechargeable Padlock with Fingerprint Technology, which means that not only you can open it with the ease of your fingertips, but also with a set of traditional keys. In less words, a hybrid. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CES 2017 selected BenjiLock as an Innovation Award Winner in the Smart Home product category. While exhibiting at CES this past month, it opened the doors to showcase not only the product, but the story around the grind and passion of an immigrant Entrepreneur from Dominican Republic which now resides in Los Angeles, CA. Another set of accolades include a 2017 Twice Pick Award Winner, an Edison Award Nominee, MIT 35 Innovators Under 35 nominee and a 2017 Big Innovation Award Winner. The company is now working to launch the product in Q3 and it's building a social following through mediums such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with BenjiLock LLC

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 had the pleasure to pursue my Bachelors in Advertising, Graphic Design and Marketing at UNAPEC, which is based in the Dominican Republic. Personally, for me, music was the main form of expression to let my inner creative out. While studying and improving my designing skills, I was also a musician, so I always tended to be inspired to create some form of art. However, to this date, I never thought I was going to have a chance to create, design and work on a product from a simple idea of a personal issue to a reality. I knew I was going to create something in life, but I never really thought of being a designer. Art, as a whole, it's a passion that I've never taken for granted.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company’s purpose is to redefine the personal security experience using hybrid technology with the consumer in mind. BenjiLock is the world's first traditional rechargeable padlock with fingerprint technology, which means that you can not only open it with the ease of your fingertips, but also with a set of traditional keys. In less words, a hybrid, so if the technology fails, you're still able to use your lock.
What is "design" for you?
From a simple lyric of a song or a poem to a beautiful landscape in photography or the making of an invention, all of this for me, constitutes design and art. I'm extremely open minded when it comes to the word design.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
From an invention, just like I did with BenjiLock to a beautiful and clean website, while using my marketing and advertising expertise in the creation of a packaging, exhibition, event, communication and much more. I truly enjoy the whole process.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
There's a lot of designs that I actually enjoy seeing, but one of my favorite designs has to be the Vertical City in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. I had the pleasure to visit the city last year and having the chance to see this massive complex. It takes a lot of guts, innovation and creativity to design and build a facility of this nature.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first thing I designed for a company was an advertising and marketing campaign.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I don't really have a favorite, so depending on what I'm trying to achieve in the moment, I use whatever it's available in front of me to be creative.
When do you feel the most creative?
There's really no time. It's unexpected. The mind does wonders.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I focus on the person next to me, regardless of what type of design it is. I always ask myself, how is this person going to digest what's at stake. Simplicity is key.
What makes a design successful?
In my particular case, simplicity. If my kids are able to understand it, then that's the sign for me that I'm doing something right.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The pattern, functionality and how this is going to create an impact moving forward.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Sustainability is a priority that I tend to pursue every time a design idea comes in place. I have kids, so it's a must for me to see them grow in the best impact whether is economic, social or environmental.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design is always evolving and in this day and age, it's everywhere. The future looks bright as it's becoming increasingly accessible to all, including my kids.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition was in the month of April in the city of Los Angeles. My next exhibition is in my hometown of the Dominican Republic, but I would love to hold a future exhibition in Europe.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My creativity is fueled by what life gives me. You just never know what life hits you with and that's how I have always created. However, I'm always inspired by the ocean, nature and music.
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?
Able to understand what's at stake without an explanation. Simplicity.
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 currently live in Los Angeles, California, but I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, so having the chance to live in two different worlds, has helped me tremendously to appreciate life and be humble. The cultural heritage didn't really affect me. The pros are that if you put your passion to it, you're able to achieve anything you want. The cons are that if you're trying to form a team, not everyone has the same drive to join you in the journey of creating and developing new ideas.
How do you work with companies?
I tend to work remotely, but with always a sense of what's at stake and its deadline.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Get to know them on a personal level and you will achieve wonders. As far as selecting a good designer, sometimes it's not the amount of knowledge, it's the relationship.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I tend to sketch ideas with a cup of coffee and that's how it starts. Also, reuniting with my team and brainstorming helps a lot.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I absolutely love my Nest thermostat. It's simple and easy to use. Besides that, I like the design of my living room couch, refrigerator, an oval mid-century living room dining table and the outside of my home. It was built in 1924, so it has a Spanish style, but also with a touch of modern life, thanks to me!
Can you describe a day in your life?
The first thing I do after waking up is making breakfast and having my kids ready for their journey ahead, which is school. After dropping them off, I tend to walk or exercise for an hour or so to relax the mind and start fresh for my own personal journey.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Don't quit and be open minded. Everyday you're learning. It never ends.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
From my perspective, the positive is to see the work come to fruition, the negatives is probably the weird hours of work that I and my team put into anything we do.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Always give your all, but if for some reason, you're not feeling it that day, take some time off and regenerate to motivate yourself again.
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 to tell you the truth. The traditional way. Besides that, good reads, music and nature. As far as software, the Adobe catalog is always great, SolidWorks and much more.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
When the creativity sparks, it's time to work and it's usually a 24/7 thing. Either you have it or not. However, sleep and giving back to the family is always key to build a strong positive relationship for the journey ahead.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
What's your schedule like? or how long would the process take?
What was your most important job experience?
My most important job experience was actually being laid off from work. I took the time to take care of my kids, focus on my family and the future. With that being said, the creativity came with it to start my own journey.
Who are some of your clients?
For the moment, I am my own client, due to the nature of my business. As far as an entrepreneur, I've had the pleasure to had clients in the field of consumer electronics, toys, wine and real estate.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
To create simplistic solutions in solving problems that consumers are facing today.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
My main goal for the rest of the year is to keep innovating in our field, polish our current product and design portfolio and bring BenjiLock to market.
How can people contact you?
I can be reached through our website which is BenjiLock.com or directly rcabral@benjilock.com.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Just a thought for current and future designers, makers and innovators, no matter what life throws at you, the journey could be difficult, but if you keep working hard towards a goal, anything is possible! Thank you for the opportunity!

Extended Interview with BenjiLock LLC

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I had the pleasure to pursue my Bachelors in Advertising, Graphic Design and Marketing at UNAPEC, which is based in the Dominican Republic. Personally, for me, music was the main form of expression to let my inner creative out. While studying and improving my designing skills, I was also a musician, so I always tended to be inspired to create some form of art.
How did you become a designer?
My creativity is fueled by what life gives me. You just never know what life hits you with and that's how I have always created. However, I'm always inspired and motivated by other designers, makers, entrepreneurs, the ocean, nature and music.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
My family was always very supportive of my creativity and artistic background during my high school days and towards college, so it was very natural and never ever forced.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
From an invention, just like I did with BenjiLock to a beautiful and clean website, while using my marketing and advertising expertise in the creation of a packaging, exhibition, event, communication and much more. I truly enjoy the whole process of designing. However, I'm always open to work on ideas that are sustainable for the future of our generation.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Be extremely open minded to learn from others. I don't consider myself a legend at all. I learned to seek guidance and mentorship. You will learn so much by just being in a positive mindset and able to work as a team. If you give back, it will come back.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
The drive and passion to get things done. It doesn't matter if you went to the most expensive school, if you don't have the passion, it won't do you a thing.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
From my personal perspective, I evaluate a good design on functionality, environment and what impact is going to generate for the future of our generation.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
The value of a good design is that it could create an economic, social and environmental impact to our current and future generations.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design and make a unique innovation for comic-book writer Stan Lee. He's such a legend and myself being a pop culture fanatic, it would be an honor to create something for the future of his franchise.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I currently don't have a dream project. My creativity is fueled by what life gives me every day. You just never know what life hits you with and that's how I have always created.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My secret ingredient is being myself and always open minded to learn every day.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I tend to get inspired by the real everyday people, regardless of what industry or heritage you're coming from, whether you're just trying to provide for your family or working hard towards a goal. That's my real inspiration.
What is your biggest design work?
I like designs that are simple and easy to digest with a first look. That are innovative, but with an ease in functionality.
Who is your favourite designer?
My purpose is to redefine the personal security experience using hybrid technology with the consumer in mind. BenjiLock is my creation and is the world's first traditional rechargeable padlock with fingerprint technology, which means that you can not only open it with the ease of your fingertips, but also with a set of traditional keys. In less words, a hybrid, so if the technology fails, you're still able to use your lock. The simplistic and functionality of the design and the overall use of the product, it's what made it not only for myself a success, but to this date, to hear and read the overwhelming amount of positive reaction, it's a humbling experience that I will never ever forget.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
There's plenty of good people that are extremely open to help you in your exciting journey to become better. I learned to be open minded, to listen and to always seek guidance.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
From a simple lyric of a song or a poem to a beautiful landscape in photography or the making of an invention, all of this for me, constitutes design and art. I'm extremely open minded when it comes to the word design.

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