Designer Interview

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Interview with Sonia Ponka at Monday 16th of April 2012

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?
SP: My father is very creative. However when he was young he chose to be Soviet Army Officer. And it took much more time for him then for me to realize that he needs to design something. So it is never too late... and after very useful experience of studying Japanese history, I became a design researcher in Kyoto Institute of Technology.
Another important reason, which influenced all my designing, is again my childhood. My family and I had to follow my army father from place to place. Sometimes few times a year. Our "furniture" were mostly huge army wooden boxes which we painted in cute colors. So that was first extremely multifunctional furniture I was influenced by.

FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SP: I am planning to have a company "MultiMono" in close future.

FS: What is "design" for you?
SP: Design for me is a way to enjoy surroundings.

FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SP: Multifunctional pieces.

FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SP: Joe Colombo`s designs.

FS: When do you feel the most creative?
SP: When I am not interrupted.

FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SP: Function.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SP: I can`t think about anything else.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SP: I am making plans.

FS: What makes a design successful?
SP: Up-to-dateness

FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SP: First impression... and trying it out.

FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SP: I guess there are a lot, but the beauty has to come first. However beautiful and environmental pieces are the best, aren`t they?

FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SP: Definitely multifunctional, mass customized and user-friendly designs.

FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SP: Tokyo Designer`s Week, November, 2012

FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SP: I think anything can become inspiration, however I prefer to have a task (even small mission, may be). Trying to find the best solution is a great source of inspiration for me.

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?
SP: pop-constructivism?!
I really don`t know. I love constructivism (I am Russian) and I love Joe Colombo (blindly). So I always end up constructivish products, you can have fun with.

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?
SP: I have been living in Japan for 12 years and feel here more at home then in Russia. I think I can not understand the amount of influence I received. It is like radiation. You don`t know until it is too late :)

FS: How do you work with companies?
SP: I work with them gladly.

FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SP: I think companies should collaborate with designers who can design according brand characteristics.

FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SP: I have to admit that I may sit for hours looking nowhere, but there is a process in my head. And then... I draw some sketches... and then sit again, or walk, or sleep... but driving is especially dangerous when I am processing...

FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SP: Japanese washlet "Neorest", Mac, antique japanese cupboard, sofa, bed

FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
SP: I always wake up in the morning, and then everyday is different until I fall asleep sooner or later.

FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SP: Don`t put your coffee cups on yours sketches - you will have problems with copyrights.

FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SP: I am glad that I don`t have professional background. I got my master`s in design major, but before that I had no connection with design. I wish I had better skills in drawing, 3Dmodelling and so on. But I have a different perspective, which lucks common designer sense.

FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SP: The piece should be easy to clean from dust.

FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
SP: To find new solutions.

FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SP: Anything I need for particular project.

FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SP: I hardly manage my time.

FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SP: There is nothing perfect. I think every designer knows that own could be little better.

FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SP: Oh, you are designer?

FS: How can people contact you?
SP: soniaponka@hotmail.com

FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.

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