Joshua Ribbeck

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Joshua Ribbeck ("JR") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

JR : My background in design is entirely self-taught. Without a formal degree, I’ve built my expertise through countless hours of practice, real-world projects, and continuous learning. I grew up in a family of contractors and architects, and my best friend who was a comic book artist would try and teach me how to draw. So I have always been around different styles of art and design which gave me the basics.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

JR : Creating unique designs that make the intended audience feel good about what they see. I became a designer in 2003 when a client asked if I could design a website. So that got me started into the design field of advertising and products and it steadily grew from there as I produced work that all my clients appreciated.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

JR : I was forced based on wanting to expand my services. I did not have any intention of becoming a designer in the beginning. I was a technical expert in the information technology field.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

JR : I design a wide range of items. Graphics for advertising, Visual Effects and 3D, Packaging, Furniture, Pens, Retail Products, Websites, and software GUIs. I enjoy everything I design and will keep designing everything listed!

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

JR : Practice. There is no substitute. But another thing that I did when I started was looking at awards and all the top designers and trying to emulate them. Model yourself after the best.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

JR : Attention to detail is what separates the two, and your ability to think creatively and design that pleases a wide audience.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

JR : Attention to detail and how it resonates with larger audiences.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

JR : Good design is an investment that creates lasting value by enhancing functionality, user experience, and emotional connection. It differentiates you from competitors, communicates your values, and drives better business outcomes, all while saving time and money in the long run.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

JR : I enjoy designing furniture, pens, graphics and packaging. I design for my myself and my clients.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

JR : Designing and building the most advanced animal shelter on earth, called Fellowship for Animals.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

JR : My secret ingredient is a blend of curiosity, forward thinking, and a relentless focus on creating designs that truly resonate with people.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

JR : I honestly don't have any specific person. I just look at everything design from all areas and absorb things I like.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

JR : One of my favorite designers is Jack Storms and how he makes dichroic glass sculptures that are amazing!

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

JR : I have many designs I think are great. But the Mukava coffee table is one of my favorites. The balance of wood, glass and brass combined with a modern style is perfect to me.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

JR : Spend as much time practicing and exploring your style to the fullest. I also tried to expand my skills with new designs and areas that could compliment each other.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

JR : I would be an electrical engineer.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

JR : Design is the art of solving problems and telling stories through visual and functional solutions. For me, it’s about creating experiences that connect emotionally while serving a clear purpose. Design is where creativity meets strategy to shape how people perceive and interact with the world.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

JR : I was my biggest supporter. I did everything on my own.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JR : Practice and exploring what the best designs and designers were.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

JR : The cost of building things and buying the equipment.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

JR : In the best way possible that pleases your client and public that views it.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

JR : Building the most advanced animal shelter on earth, Fellowship for Animals. I will continue to design furniture, pens and many other things. I don't limit myself.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

JR : To please my clients and the public who views my work.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

JR : Top quality work.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JR : Design helps create a better society by addressing real-world challenges with innovative and inclusive solutions. It improves accessibility, enhances quality of life, and fosters connection by creating products, spaces, and systems that serve diverse needs. Good design can inspire change, promote sustainability, and bring people together, shaping a world that is not only functional but also meaningful and equitable.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

JR : Fellowship for Animals which is the most advanced animal shelter on earth. Also designing IsoPets which is a brand extension of the shelter.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

JR : All of them! I love designing everything I can.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

JR : Not much. It's very easy to get started in design and free resources are everywhere. Costs to produce items are cheaper than ever with things like 3d printing, etc.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

JR : More things in virtual and augmented reality as the technology improves.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

JR : It can take from a few hours to many months. All depends on what I am designing.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

JR : I browse the internet and look at every design out there, so I can see what exists and how can I design something unique that is different.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JR : Produce quality and don't half-ass your work!

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

JR : It's a mixture of both.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

JR : Technology makes it easy to produce concepts and create prototypes which saves time and money.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

JR : 3ds Max, Photoshop, Illustrator, Revit.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

JR : Color, materials, and ambiance are essential in design for creating mood, functionality, and sensory experiences. Color evokes emotions and sets the tone, materials add texture and practicality, and ambiance ties everything together to shape the atmosphere. Together, they transform designs into immersive and memorable experiences.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

JR : I wish for them to appreciate my designs.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

JR : Excitement to see new concepts and art!

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

JR : I have always designed by myself, but sometimes doing collaborations can produce some amazing things! I think there is nothing wrong with co-design if you work well with the other person.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

JR : My clients.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

JR : I don't read books. I learned everything on YouTube.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

JR : By watching videos and then applying what I learned.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

JR : I would like to meet many designers and skilled artists. There are so many that would be interesting to talk with.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

JR : I love winning because it validates my skillset and all the time I spend investing in my designs.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

JR : Green, The beach, Mexican food, Summer, computer, don't have a favorite brand.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

JR : My brain motivates me. I am always thinking of new ideas and how to implement those ideas into reality. I enjoy the challenges and then finding solutions!

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

JR : No, I was working with electronics as a kid.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

JR : We will be living in space in a thousand years, and hopefully earth is still habitable.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

JR : I love design, and I hope people love what I create!