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Interview with Gabriela Delgado |
Home > Designer Interviews > Gabriela Delgado |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Gabriela Delgado (GD) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Gabriela Delgado by clicking here.
FS: 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?
GD: Since childhood had artistic skills and a special gift for doing things. Strangely enough, for almost half of my life devoted my time to other jobs until I decided to start my design studies, from then til now everything changed to me. I am not saying that has been easy but I am satisfied with the achievements that I'm reaching. I never thought that I would be a designer but here I am. Though I always saw myself in artistic scenes.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
GD: My design studio formally began last year as a company, before I was working as freelancer with a space in my house suitable for my design activities, but the online work facilitates many aspects I would say almost all; is the interconnection with the world and always works well.
FS: What is "design" for you?
GD: Everything that makes life more comfortable complying with essential requirements such as comfort, safety, quality, beauty, innovation, etc.. Of course, these variations depend on the perspective of each designer. I think good design should last over time, so the visual communication plays a very important role.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
GD: I like to work in any type of design but I really love designing furniture and visual art.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
GD: It is a difficult question because I have many favorite designs and designers, for example, I love Frank Gehry, Oscar Niemeyer, Fruto Vivas, Ludwig Mies van der Roche, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Frank Lloyd Wright and many others. Currently there are many emerging designers who do an amazing job. I can name one of my favorite designs: La Flor de Venezuela, designed by the Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas for the World Expo in Hannover in 2000. It is a very beautiful design inspired by our national flower, the orchid and the tepuis of Venezuela. The flower has 16 petals that open during the day, closes at night and when it rains. Set in gardens with native flora, many aquariums, a library and an amphitheater. It is a fascinating work that I think has everything that a good design should have.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
GD: The first design I made was a ladder to a family house.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
GD: I like the sustainable materials and my iMac.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
GD: I feel more creative when the day begins.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
GD: It depends on what kind of design I'm working on, for me it is important the appearance, comfort and functionality
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
GD: Many emotions, especially a joyful expectation
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
GD: Pleased and with much gladness.
FS: What makes a design successful?
GD: Its beauty, efficiency and functionality.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
GD: The visual language, the concept. The design should be truly attractive to seduce and have a message that reaches the potential user.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
GD: The designer has the responsibility to make life more comfortable and safe, doing the best for people and for the environment.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
GD: I think we are on track. There is so much talent and much more awareness for the environment, an issue that should matter to everyone. Every day the design gets more boom and I think will continue growing through the continuous contributions of designers, creators, artists, engineers, architects in the different fields.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
GD: Let's say my first formal exhibition was in December 2012 and the next one is scheduled this year in early December.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
GD: My main source is nature. Creativity is fed by observing, creating, always creating and when I return to the books. It inspires me a flower, my pets, a sunrise, music, an object, an emotion, life itself.
FS: 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?
GD: I have an eclectic style, intuitive, is closely related to my personality, values and life experience. My visual art is characterized by enrich the compositional elements through color to create an environment harmonious and joyful, fun, something whimsical and elegant. I focus on beauty, on the aesthetic aspect, in the visual and emotional impact. I feel very comfortable with this style, my creativity flows freely, allowing me to shape a better message.
FS: 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?
GD: I live and work in Venezuela. I think all artists is affected by their origins, culture and experiences. The creative process is very particular in every designer but work will always have the emotional side, values and points of view. With regard to the pros and cons of living in my country, the advantage is our rich culture full of nuances. I live in a tropical country, in a happy country, multiethnic, full of landscapes and contrasts. The only disadvantage is that designers have to work hard to be noticed. Our work is not a priority, but that is changing as we advance as a developed country, as it is actually happening.
FS: How do you work with companies?
GD: Working as a partner, as a contributor, also by contracts, which are usually short because I like to keep my professional independence, however I am always open to any new challenge, only depend on the amount of work I have. I consider it very rewarding to work with others, especially with those who have more experience than me, I like learning and nurture my work, exchange experiences.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
GD: Providing an opportunity for emerging designers. I think it's important to give opportunity, of any age, young and not so young. Many times there undiscovered talent. Not only must consider their background or experience, how do you know if something is good or bad unless you try. That is my suggestion.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
GD: I have different processes. I usually start with a visual idea of what I want to do, other times I work with the decomposition and from there get the concept. The sketches come to mind, do the drawings, I choose the colors, if it is necessary I do the investigation, experiment with materials. Sometimes the idea is clear, powerful, then the design does not need sketches, work flows freely, something magical happens and the end result is always the best.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
GD: My Danish style table on my living room, my other Indian coffee table beautifully carved, my carpets, my ipod Boss, my iMac.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
GD: My life is like any mortal. Awakening, showering, take breakfast, work and more work that I enjoy fully.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
GD: Apply their knowledge and follow their instincts. Very importantly, Stay Updated.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
GD: The advantages, the designer is always creating, in constant growth benefiting the lives of people. The designer is never boring, is a highly invigorating profession. The disadvantages, work is not always well appreciated, unless you're a well known designer.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
GD: I can not say that I have a golden rule but i use my knowledge and follow my instincts, my source of inspiration.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
GD: The designer must have the ability to complete successfully its concepts and interpret the needs of today's world
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
GD: I have many tools, but I like working with my mac where I have everything I need to create and carry out my designs.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
GD: That is very true. Well, to make best use of my time I have a methodology, the first is to conclude with the small jobs, then I fully dedicated to the project more complex. I have a schedule for appointments, I have reminders, make notes of every thing to do, first the most urgent and so on.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
GD: It depends on the complexity of the design but also depends on the mood, there are days when the skill and creativity are at their best, sometimes not, you need to stop, rest or do other activities and get back to work in better condition.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
GD: What colors look best with... Can I move or remove this wall
FS: What was your most important job experience?
GD: When I worked in my father's law firm, I started knowing nothing and ended up doing everything.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
GD: D&V, G&D, D&R, Porto Pizza, Karpos Viajes, Mitos Confecciones, Viajes Rose Mary, are some of my clients
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
GD: I like all kinds of design but i love interior design, designing furniture and visual art. I love the whole process and get the right solutions that fit the customer's requirement. I enjoy planning, choosing colors, materials, furniture, equipment, do something special to harmonize the space, if it need a garden even better.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
GD: I want to keep working my visual art, alternately, blending or mixing this with the interior design and furniture. They all fit together and can bring unique experiences and innovative concepts.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
GD: I work on my own, I have made all designs for myself. Some of my designs of lamps needed technical support and for that I must consult with engineers and architects.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
GD: I am currently finishing the remodeling of a travel agency. It has a different concept to the common in my region. The type of furniture, the color palette, textures and lighting create a lightweight and welcoming atmosphere. The main idea is to make the customer feel at home, and that the owners and employees enjoy an attractive workspace.
FS: How can people contact you?
GD: Through my website http://www.wayuugdstudio.com and my email grupogds@gdedesign.com
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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