Designer Interview

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Interview with E. Rota Jovani at Monday 18th of March 2013

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?
ERJ: More than a designer, I consider myself a researcher of the world that surrounds us, evolving alongside the rest of things. I enjoy creating new items taking into account the blend of established elements. This is how natural evolution works, and in my opinion is the best way to make a design up.

FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ERJ: We carry on different kinds of theoretical research which I hope one day will come to light.

FS: What is "design" for you?
ERJ: The amazing combination of everyday light, shapes and objects, not to mention the chromatic perception within them.

FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ERJ: There are mainstream designs made with great charisma and sensitivity. That is why they ended up being classical design items. A set up classic is always a good design.

FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
ERJ: My favorite popular design object is my Volkswagen Beetle. I love the fact that it’s all round. I prefer curves rather than edges.

FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
ERJ: Tricot textures.

FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
ERJ: The blend of materials and colours.

FS: When do you feel the most creative?
ERJ: When I search for novelty when approaching a new project.

FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ERJ: I always focus on the surprising and the aesthetic dimension of a design.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
ERJ: Something like discovering an unknown, hidden planet.

FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
ERJ: It’s a priceless feeling.

FS: What makes a design successful?
ERJ: Charisma, class and novelty.

FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
ERJ: Its aesthetical side, as well as its functionality and charm.

FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
ERJ: Make the world better with new objects which are functional, touching and beautiful.

FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
ERJ: When humanity frees itself from the prevailing speculation that manipulates everything nowadays, design will have no limits and will be able to reach amazing heights.

FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
ERJ: I have always worked in camera; I have never had a direct recognition. I hope that from now on my work is shown wherever it’s welcome.

FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
ERJ: Mixing or combining several elements to create a new one. I try to feed my creativity with doses of imagination, reality and fantasy.

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?
ERJ: I’d rather not be classified in any particular style, for at times I can be close to minimalism and other times be more baroque, although I do have a soft spot for Expressionism and Dadaism.

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?
ERJ: It doesn’t affect or influence me, but I do take it into account when I’m working. Although the aesthetic dimension is becoming more and more important, I think that a strictly functional purpose still prevails.

FS: How do you work with companies?
ERJ: I am a freelancer.

FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
ERJ: They should allow for an adaptation period and observe the impact of the designer’s approach.

FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
ERJ: It’s utterly anarchic, there are no rules, but it’s brimming with sensations.

FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
ERJ: My Luxo lamp; an Omega automatic watch from the 50s; a “Malaz Watch” -a stop watch from the 40s-; my Volkswagen Beetle; my black angora scarf.

FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
ERJ: I keep rushing from one place to another so that everything gets done on time.

FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
ERJ: Imagine before reasoning. Apply as much fantasy to reality as you can.

FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
ERJ: Don’t put bounds to imagination and never surrender. These are the best aspects.

FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
ERJ: That when people see it, they smile.

FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
ERJ: All those that involve one or more of the five body senses.

FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
ERJ: Brain, senses and environment.

FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
ERJ: Sometimes in life I’ve had to force time searching for space.

FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
ERJ: The idea can be spontaneous, whereas its development can be endless.

FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
ERJ: There’s always something unknown yet to discover.

FS: What was your most important job experience?
ERJ: My best experiences always involve discovering unknown states or feelings.

FS: Who are some of your clients?
ERJ: The Tot-Hom Group.

FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
ERJ: I enjoy theoretical work. It’s when doing so when I really connect with my inner self.

FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
ERJ: I started up with textile design and now I intend to approach decorative design and observe the origins of natural designs produced by nature.

FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
ERJ: I work with a magical, splendid, sublime team.

FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
ERJ: Concerning my theoretical work, I’m working on the importance of colour in nature and what are its origins and causes. As for more practical issues, I intend to diversify the adjustable lamp as well as searching for other variations within this context.

FS: How can people contact you?
ERJ: You can check out our website: http://www.erotajovani.com and there you will find all contact details.

FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
ERJ: I believe we should leave some space for mystery; otherwise people can lose curiosity and that is something that must never happen!

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

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