Designer Interview

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Interview with Anna Kholomkina at Tuesday 19th of April 2016

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 & Competition 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 & Competition cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.

Designer of the Day Interview

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Interview with Anna Kholomkina at Sunday 18th of March 2018

FS: Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
AK: I`ve entered Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry at 2012 and graduated withhonors at 2016 as a Bachelor of Industrial Design. Now I continue to study to obtain the Master's Degree. From 2012 to 2016 I did several design projects for Sheremetyevo-Cargo, Russian Railways, RTEC-Software Systems.

FS: How did you become a designer?
AK: As a child I have always been interested in everything and in school was good both in exact sciences and liberal arts. I wanted to do something to combine these two directions and design become a perfect choice for me.

FS: What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
AK: When designing the main base thing is scenario planning; it`s very important to imagine and analyze product life cycle, how it`s being produced, used, utilized,... Other keystones are analogue observation and good technical drawing.

FS: Which emotions do you feel when designing?
AK: Depends on the project itself. At the process I am usually concerned and try not to be led by emotions and use brains and logic. But when the project is finished and I am really pleased with the result I feel like the happiest one in the world!

FS: What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
AK: The most important one is drawing. I`ve been studying it more than 5 years and continue now. It allows me to draw understandable sketches of good quality so that customer can get the point of my idea with ease.

FS: What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
AK: Now my main goal is to graduate from the Academy and the dream is to found my own design studio.

FS: What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
AK: It is extremely important to understand whether you really want to dedicate your life to design or not. Does it bring you joy or you feel uncomfortable?

FS: You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
AK: Two principles are to work hard and go outside the framework, to thinking outside the box.

FS: What is your day to day look like?
AK: Now every day of me life doesn`t truly differ from another; I have to study every day, in the evenings and on holidays I do homework and small-scale projects.

FS: How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
AK: I follow different accounts connected with design trends via Pinterest, Instagram and so on, but always try to keep my own style when designing.

FS: How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
AK: Good design always takes into account ergonomic aspects. Well-made product is comfortable to use and pleasant to look at.

FS: How do you decide if your design is ready?
AK: It is very hard question; sometimes it`s better not to overthink. When I see I`ve made everything I could and the design seems to be logically relevant, it may be called finished. But I think it`s always something you can add and it always will be so, no matter how good your design is.

FS: What is your biggest design work?
AK: It is my Bachelor diploma work - Brake Valve Checking Workstation, A' Design Award Winner for Engineering and Technical Design Category in 2016.

FS: Who is your favourite designer?
AK: I can`t call just one; I admire so many different designers working in various styles - from every one you can learn something useful.

FS: Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
AK: In common I try to not depend on my culture and design cross functional, universal products. But if I do project not for international usage, but from a perception that that certain product is meant to be used only in Russia I should obviously consider cultural assumption and mentality.

FS: Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
AK: I prefer to do the biggest part of the work alone, because there are some work stages when the only person I can truly rely on is myself, though then of course we discuss results with colleagues. Nevertheless there are some people I can trust, those ones who do another parts of the project so that I am nothing to worry about.

FS: What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
AK: All the philanthropy I can do at the moment is helping my groupmates and younger students at the Academy, giving advises and sharing useful information.

FS: What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
AK: Attending the A’ Design Award in 2016-2017 caused winning one of the most valuable prizes, that allowed me to show myself a good designer and undertake a Master’s Degree. I regard becoming the Designer of the Day as one of the most milestone in my current career.

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

A' Design Award & Competition 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 & Competition cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.