| THE AWARD |
| CATEGORIES |
| REGISTRATION |
| SUBMIT YOUR WORK |
| ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
| TERMS & CONDITIONS |
| PUBLICATIONS |
| DATES & FEES |
| METHODOLOGY |
| CONTACT |
| WINNERS |
| PRESS ROOM |
| GET INVOLVED |
| DESIGN PRIZE |
| DESIGN STORE |
| THE AWARD | JURY | CATEGORIES | REGISTRATION | PRESS | WINNERS | PUBLICATIONS | ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
Design Legends Interview with Andromachi Kakava |
Home > Designer Interviews > Andromachi Kakava |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Andromachi Kakava (AK) for A’ Design Awards and Competition. You can access the full profile of Andromachi Kakava by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
AK: Of course! Initially, I attended one of the best schools in Athens at the time, studying decoration, architectural design, and graphic design. I chose to specialize in graphic design. Throughout my studies, I worked as a graphic designer for various magazines, advertising agencies, and creative studios, where I gained valuable experience in graphic design and branding. Afterward, I worked in major advertising agencies for several years while also attending a series of seminars and workshops to expand my knowledge in design and the emerging graphic design software of that era. Later, I began taking on my first jobs as a freelance designer, working on various projects related to branding, logo design, and graphic materials. This gradually led me to start my own company.
FS: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
AK: My motivation lies in creativity and problem-solving through design. I enjoy creating and expressing my ideas through design, providing solutions that are both aesthetic and functional. Additionally, I am passionate about continuous development and the ability to positively impact the world through design.
FS: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
AK: After finishing high school, I was searching for something creative, something I truly enjoyed, not just a job. Through friends, I discovered graphic design, and it immediately captured my interest with its creativity and freedom. I decided to pursue studies in this field. Through my courses and projects, I learned new techniques and processes that helped me develop my skills. It was an experience that made me feel like I was doing something genuinely creative and fulfilling.
FS: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
AK: We have a diverse range of clients and products, from paper goods and detergents to food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. I don’t prefer designing for one category over another; I enjoy experimenting with different styles and design techniques. This variety of products and clients motivates me to create something original and different each time. I don't have a specific type of design that I prefer to work on more; instead, I appreciate the flexibility to work across various categories and to create something unique with each project.
FS: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
AK: New designers need to demonstrate creativity, confidence, dedication, and continuous learning. It’s important for them to invest in developing their skills, maintain connections within the design industry, and work hard to improve their existing work. Additionally, creating a portfolio that reflects their abilities and continuously promoting it are crucial elements for their success.
FS: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
AK: An exceptional designer differs from a good designer in their unique and creative approach to design. Instead of following trends and stereotypes, an exceptional designer can create innovative and original ideas that stand out. They also possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, along with the ability to understand and meet their clients' needs and requirements. The result is a design output that distinguishes itself and effectively highlights the brand it represents.
FS: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
AK: A truly good design is characterized by its aesthetics, which are both appealing and functional. Some criteria used to evaluate design include ease of use, functionality, and the quality of materials. Most importantly, the packaging must convey the product's message and communicate effectively with the consumer, making the type and use of the product clear. Additionally, innovation and creativity are key elements that can be assessed in a good design.
FS: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
AK: Good design holds significant value in the market and the success of a business, as it helps create a strong brand image and identity. A well-designed product can attract consumers, build trust, and differentiate your business from competitors. By investing in quality design, you can enhance your customer experience, increase sales, and strengthen your communication with your audience. Furthermore, effective design showcases your products and services in an impressive way, earning customer trust and loyalty. Overall, investing in good design is a strategic move that can help you stand out in the market, increase brand recognition, and achieve greater success and competitiveness.
FS: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
AK: The secret to success in design lies in creativity, innovation, and a careful approach to solving problems. My key ingredients are a deep love and passion for design, continuous education and learning of new techniques, and a commitment to quality and precision.
FS: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
AK: Here are some inspiring figures in the field of design: 1.Dieter Rams: The German designer renowned for his simplicity and functional design. 2.Jonathan Ive: The former Chief Design Officer at Apple, known for designing iconic products like the iPhone and iPod. 3.Paul Rand: The famous graphic designer who created logos for companies like IBM and UPS. 4.Karim Rashid: A designer known for his modern and colorful style. These are just a few of the many designers who can serve as inspiration. Each designer has a unique way of thinking and approaching design, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources.
FS: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
AK: Personally, to improve my design skills, I have attended various seminars and design courses. I constantly seek ways to enrich my knowledge and evolve my design style. Additionally, I regularly attend packaging and typography exhibitions to stay updated and inspired.
FS: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?
AK: My love for design is immense, and I wouldn't want to do anything else. However, I have another passion that allows me to combine my interests: travel and photography. I love traveling and capturing moments through photography. It’s a way to immortalize unique experiences and share them with others. By traveling and exploring new places, I discover different cultures and find inspiration for my photography.
FS: What helped you to become a great designer?
AK: The key factors that can help someone become an exceptional designer include dedication to practicing and improving their skills, creative thinking and inspiration, the ability to work in a team environment, a strong understanding of design principles, and the capacity to meet client needs by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Additionally, staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in the design field is also crucial.
FS: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
AK: My ultimate goal as a designer is to create designs that are functional, innovative, and beautiful, providing the best possible experience for the user. I strive to achieve the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, offering solutions that are both beneficial and enjoyable for the user. Additionally, I aim to continue learning and evolving as a designer, investing in my education and staying up-to-date with new trends and technologies to maintain my competitive edge in the design field.
FS: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
AK: Some changes I would like to see in the design industry in the coming years include increased integration of sustainable design and circular economy principles into the design process, promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels of the industry, and the development of sustainable and innovative materials and technologies. Additionally, I hope to see more collaboration between designers, artists, and entrepreneurs to create holistic and innovative solutions. Finally, I would like to see a greater emphasis on educating and training new designers on sustainability and social responsibility.
FS: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
AK: The design industry is likely heading towards an even greater focus on digital experiences and designing for artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Designers are now working to create not only beautiful and functional products but also experiences that are more efficient, adaptable, and enjoyable for the end user. Additionally, design is becoming much more conscious of sustainability, social responsibility, and multiculturalism. Therefore, the future of design appears to be very promising, filled with challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field.
FS: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
AK: When launching a new brand, the first and most crucial step is to clearly define your brand's goal and message. You need to know precisely what product or service you are offering, what your unique advantage is compared to competitors, and what message you want to convey to consumers. Once you've defined your brand's goal and message, the next step is to create a comprehensive brand identity that reflects your brand's essence and values. This includes designing a logo, selecting a color scheme, crafting a slogan, and developing other visual elements that will make your brand recognizable to consumers. After establishing your brand identity, you need to develop a marketing strategy to promote your brand. This can include advertising, promotional activities, social media marketing, collaborations with influencers, and other communication channels. Overall, the success of a new brand depends on how well you build a strong identity and how effectively you can promote it to your target audience.
FS: What is your life motto as a designer?
AK: My motto as a designer is "Create with passion and novelty, always seeking harmony between functionality and aesthetics."
FS: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
AK: Design can create trends through its innovation and creativity, while trends can steer design in specific directions based on societal preferences and needs. Typically, design and trends interact with each other, continuously evolving and influencing one another.
FS: What is the role of technology when you design?
AK: Technology plays a crucial role in design, enabling us to utilize various tools and software for creating and refining our designs. It allows us to produce more precise and advanced work, explore different perspectives and alternatives, and communicate our ideas with others easily and effectively. Additionally, technology enhances our efficiency and productivity, saving time and resources. Overall, technology is an indispensable tool for design and innovation in today's world.
FS: What do you wish people to ask about your design?
AK: I hope people ask me about the inspiration behind my designs, what drew them to choose that particular design, and which elements they like the most. Additionally, I would love to hear their feedback on any improvements I can make to enhance my designs and make them even more functional.
FS: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
AK: My ideal design partner is someone with a creative approach, a good understanding of the project's needs and goals, and a willingness to collaborate and exchange ideas. I firmly believe in collaborative design, as working with other creators can lead to more innovative and creative solutions. Collaboration fosters mutual inspiration and enhances our abilities, and the exchange of ideas helps bring out the best solutions for each project. Therefore, collaboration is crucial for me in the design field.
FS: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
AK: To develop my skills as a master designer, I undertook the following actions: 1.Continuous Education and Learning: I have attended seminars, workshops, and online courses to expand my knowledge in various areas of design. 2.Experience and Practical Training: I have worked on numerous projects of different types, striving to broaden my experience and acquire new skills. 3.Critical Analysis: I listen to the opinions and feedback from my clients, constantly aiming to improve my work. 4.Collaboration with Other Professionals: I have worked with teams of designers and other specialists in related fields to develop new ideas and approaches. Through these efforts, I have been able to enhance my skills as a master designer and deliver high-quality and innovative designs to my clients.
FS: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
AK: I would love to meet Coco Chanel and discuss how she revolutionized the fashion industry with her style and innovations. I want to learn more about the influence and creative process that led her to create her iconic designs and how she managed to become one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
FS: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
AK: Oh, thank you so much! It’s certainly wonderful to receive recognition for one's work and be in the spotlight. However, I’m not fond of the word "famous"; I prefer the acknowledgment of my work and efforts. It's important to have one’s efforts and hard work recognized without the need for publicity.
FS: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
AK: My favorite color is blue, my favorite place is the beach, my favorite food is pasta, my favorite season is spring, my favorite item is my camera, and my favorite brand is Apple.
FS: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
AK: As a designer, what makes my day truly wonderful is my creativity and the ability to express my ideas through design. Seeing a project evolve from a sketch on paper to a digital masterpiece is always an experience that fills me with joy and satisfaction. To stay motivated as a designer, I strive to keep my mind open to new ideas and challenges, experimenting with different styles and approaches. Most importantly, I make sure to keep my passion for design alive and enjoy every moment spent creating something new and unique.
FS: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
AK: When I was a child, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to become in the future. However, I was always fascinated by creativity and art. I would draw everywhere, even on the walls. I took painting classes from a very young age as well. These interests definitely hinted at my future passion for design. Over time, I developed my skills and decided to pursue a career in design when I realized how much I enjoyed creating and designing. So, while it may not have been obvious when I was a child, my love for design grew over the years and led me down this path.
FS: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
AK: It's incredibly difficult to predict what will happen 1,000 years from now, as the world evolves rapidly and many unpredictable changes can occur. However, I hope that with technological advancements and human progress, the world will become a better place for everyone. I envision a future where peace, solidarity, and sustainability prevail, and we have found ways to manage the challenges we face today, such as climate change and poverty. Additionally, I hope technology will enable us to explore new worlds and uncover new secrets of the universe. Regardless of what the future holds, it is crucial to remember the importance of governance, justice, and solidarity as we move forward.
FS: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
AK: As designers, we want our fans to know that we strive to create designs that reflect our inner world and convey messages and emotions. We aim to produce designs that stimulate the senses and inspire those who purchase them. Additionally, we love the design process and exploring new ideas and techniques. Thank you so much for supporting us and our work!
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.
Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Andromachi Kakava.
| SOCIAL |
| + Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Comment | Testimonials |
