Ljiljana Reljic

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ljiljana Reljic ("LR") 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?

LR : I am a Montessori teacher and have been training in the field of handmade toys for more than 15 years.

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

LR : Recycling packaging and creating educational toys that help children acquire knowledge

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

LR : I was not forced, it became my activity to enjoy

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

LR : I would like to design more toys for children

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

LR : To promote the applicability of their design

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

LR : Simplicity and beauty of design

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

LR : A good design is a design that everyone wants to have

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

LR : Comfort beauty enjoyment

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

LR : She would design for environmental institutions, kindergartens

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

LR : I have more ideas about ecological toys

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

LR : Exploring the applicability of an idea

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

LR : Smart ecological boards for children, fitting the packaging into a meaningful whole

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

LR : Testing and thinking is required

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

LR : Preschool educator

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

LR : Creating value

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

LR : The support of my family and friends

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LR : I think I still have a lot to do

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

LR : Technical lack of equipment and lack of knowledge in material handling

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

LR : What are people getting from that design

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

LR : Ecological didactic boxes

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

LR : Advanced training in the field of design

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

LR : Commitment to idea development

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LR : Saving time, energy, environmental protection, comfort...it depends on the design

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

LR : I am currently working on the idea of ​​ecological didactic boxes

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

LR : Ideas of social design and environmental protection

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

LR : I'm not sure I can give a competent answer

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

LR : It is certain that it will be accessible to all levels of society

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

LR : It depends on the motivation

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

LR : I start by thinking about the idea and researching materials in the environment

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LR : Everything around us can become beautiful and good design if we create it with love

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

LR : I think trends sets design

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

LR : Technology has its influence a lot

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

LR : I make my products by hand and by machine

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

LR : Colors are important for design, they make the design beautiful

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

LR : I want them to ask about applicability

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

LR : I get motivation for my work

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

LR : My daughter Katarina who draws exceptionally well

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

LR : Preschool educators

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

LR : Recycling and handmade toys

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

LR : I liked it very much

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

LR : My favorite colors are green and blue, I like all dishes with meat, I enjoy it in all seasons

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

LR : I was always making new objects from old ones or assembling new ones

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

LR : Watch a child play with things and you can discover a lot about the child