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Interview with Anna Kholomkina |
Home > Designer Interviews > Anna Kholomkina |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Anna Kholomkina (AK) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Anna Kholomkina 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?
AK: Since childhood I`ve always been keen on drawing, but also was good in exact sciences; so later when I had to choose a university to enter and future profession I decided to combine my craving for art and technical mind and managed to become a student of one of the best and well-known Russian higher educational establishments, Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry, located in Moscow, faculty of Industrial Design (this summer I`m a graduate). Fortunately, it was the right choice, this one became the place where I had the opportunity to study drawing, painting, sculpture and history of arts on a par with designing, composition, coloristics, technical drawing, scaled model making and so on. And that`s where I understood, designer is what I really want to be.
FS: What is "design" for you?
AK: I would say, design is a way of thinking when it refers to your profession, it`s perception of object form and color, skill to operate them to make it more functional and easy to use. In common, good design is something, that can make human life better in all dimensions.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AK: Nevertheless, I like to design complex systems, such as training simulators, industrial machines, etc., it`s also very interesting for me to design children's toys, when working in this area you should tackle different problems connected with ergonomics, psychology, functionality, security - all of that is hard, but process is coming over.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AK: I wouldn`t completely call it a design, but it was the first time I was working for a company and I`m very proud of the result. That time I had to make two realistic 1:20 scaled models of Mobile Surveillance Van for Rostec Corporation, one of which had a dismountable roof and an interior. Also I was given a task to work at outward graphic design.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
AK: Late in the evening or at night, when it`s silent all around and I can focus on my thoughts and work as fast and efficient as possible.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AK: I was always taught to give attention to ergonomics (so I do follow the advises), if I design an interacting with human object; also I try to focus on construction and internals of the object to find out its future form.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AK: Enjoyment, especially, when sketching - it`s wonderful, when you can depict accurately, what you imagine.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AK: Satisfaction, when all the work is done and I see, that every time I can make it better and better.
FS: What makes a design successful?
AK: Designer`s professionalism and virtuosity.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AK: Harmonicity of the whole object composition and functionality. Also good designed product should have a kind of highlight, be special.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AK: Designer should be well-educated so that he or she can produce worthwhile products, that are useful and qualitative.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AK: I am inspirited, when watching science-fiction movies and reading books, usially I feel creative after visiting good exhibition or art-gallery.
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?
AK: I`m not sure, my design style has already taken shape, as I`m just starting my career, but I always try to make designing objects easy to use, compact and modularized.
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?
AK: I live in Russia, Moscow, and yes, I do certanly feel the cultural heritage not only of your my country, but of the University I`m studying at affects my designs: Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry arised from world-famous Vkhutemas (later Vkhutein), art and technical school, known for its accurate, balanced and constructive design, so I`m trying my best to hold up the traditions.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AK: Firstly I draw a lot of sketches, then make research scaled models and then make 3d models, put the finishing touches on details, handmake plastic final scaled models and other final presentation things.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AK: Desk chair, table lamp, computer work table, robot vacuum cleaner, handmade glass vases.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AK: Work hard and don`t give up even if the task seems to be impossible to do or if you need to start everything afresh.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
AK: Ability to make good sketches, especially by hand, it enhances the brain functions, and skill of possibility thinking.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AK: I use both real and virtual tools: pencils, markers, liners and different programs(Autodesk 3ds Max, CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop and so on and keep on capturing new ones).
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AK: Besides designing I still have to study, so the process of designing a complex object/ group of objects or a system takes about four months.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
AK: For the time being, the first one, when I was making a model and design for Rostec.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AK: Now I`m doing my diploma project, and after graduation, I`m going to look for a job and a year later try to enter master course and get a master's degree.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AK: Now I am working by myself, but further I would like to try to work in team.
FS: How can people contact you?
AK: via my e-mail AnnaColo@yandex.ru
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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