Morteza Farahnak

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Morteza Farahnak ("MF") 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?

MF : I started my career as a professional graphic designer in 2010 and finished my B.A in graphic designs in 2013. I've participated in many poster workshops with great designers such as Studio Faldin from Russia, Ali Can Metin and Cem Cara from Turkey, Piotr Kunce from Poland, Fin Nygaard from Denmark, Stephan Bundi from Switzerland, Studio Noviki from Poland and etc. .

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

MF : I like designing cause it is like language for connecting people around the world. The language that everybody knows. I like to creat something new, something that everybody could connect with.

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

MF : It was not pre-planned, But when I started Graphic Design I liked it and enjoyed designing gradually till I found myself as a professional graphic designer.

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

MF : Most of my designs are posters. but love to design everything.

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

MF : Of course, I am not a legend. but what should a designer do for becoming a legend is watching and working. Watching to learn, watching new works, projects, designs from talented designers and work hard.

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

MF : A great designer always does unusual and creative designs.

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

MF : First of all the idea. A good idea is a key to a good design. second of all how you make it come true. Generally, Design is a language for connecting. It must have a message to transfer to the audience. If it could not connect, it is not even a design.

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

MF : The design is an international language that everybody around the world can understand what it is about. also, it is the easiest connection. so with a good design, you can transfer your message to more people than any other connection tools.

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

MF : Maybe a signature for myself. Cause I have never satisfied with my signature

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

MF : I always wanted to do some performance art. cause I really like to transfer my concerns about people, about my country, about global issues in an effective way directly with people and see their respond. I am sure one day I will do that.

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

MF : If I tell you my secrets, it is not secrets anymore. But I think if my designs are good designs, it is because I am working on my visual knowledge by watching good designs every day. of course, anything could inspire me if I watching it carefully. another point is, first the designer must understand and connect with the subject, then he could try to find a solution to connect the subject with the audience through design language.

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

MF : Improving their visual knowledge and working every day.

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

MF : Maybe a filmmaker or musician. maybe one day I gave up graphic design and became a filmmaker. who knows?...

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

MF : The design is an international language that everybody knows.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MF : If I am a designer (great designer not yet!) that is because of My effort, My friends, and my family.

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

MF : Because I am a freelance graphic designer, I participate in different projects like motion graphics, Brand design and etc. I don not know which one I will present in A Design Award or my social networks. But as always I will present my bests.

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

MF : Become an international designer and participate in GOOD projects as a designer or whatever I am good for.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MF : Designing have various branches. for example, Culture is the most valuable wealth that people could have. Design could teach people the culture. Design could make do things easier, Design could make a beautiful view in your life. and etc.

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

MF : Now I am working on a Food industry brand. What makes me excited is that I convinced them to have a minimal logo for their Industry and I have done a good minimal brand for their industry. In Iran. Most of the companies have a messy and nongraphical logo and convince them to have a minimal one is a hard job.

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

MF : I will be satisfied when I and the client and the audience are pleased with the final project.

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

MF : Asking a brief what they want. then writing my brief about the project and thinking about the idea and start sketching till I find the solution.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MF : Be yourself and depend on yourself

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

MF : It is so important. cause it helps to create the exact thing that exists in your mind. It helps to improve your creativity. All you need is to know how you can work with the technology.

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

MF : I must do better.

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

MF : I will always see new designs and save good designs to remember, Interact with designers, and never be satisfied.

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

MF : I will be happy at first, but it causes responsibility to be more and more better than before. It is not hard to be famous. Popularity is not important. I would like to be remembered as a good human being, than a great designer.

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

MF : Designing a good design will make my day. Design something that client and audiences would like, it accomplishes my mission as a designer.