BenjiLock Llc

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer BenjiLock Llc ("BL") 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?

BL : I had the pleasure to pursue my Bachelors in Advertising, Graphic Design and Marketing at UNAPEC, which is based in the Dominican Republic. Personally, for me, music was the main form of expression to let my inner creative out. While studying and improving my designing skills, I was also a musician, so I always tended to be inspired to create some form of art.

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

BL : My creativity is fueled by what life gives me. You just never know what life hits you with and that's how I have always created. However, I'm always inspired and motivated by other designers, makers, entrepreneurs, the ocean, nature and music.

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

BL : My family was always very supportive of my creativity and artistic background during my high school days and towards college, so it was very natural and never ever forced.

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

BL : From an invention, just like I did with BenjiLock to a beautiful and clean website, while using my marketing and advertising expertise in the creation of a packaging, exhibition, event, communication and much more. I truly enjoy the whole process of designing. However, I'm always open to work on ideas that are sustainable for the future of our generation.

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

BL : Be extremely open minded to learn from others. I don't consider myself a legend at all. I learned to seek guidance and mentorship. You will learn so much by just being in a positive mindset and able to work as a team. If you give back, it will come back.

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

BL : The drive and passion to get things done. It doesn't matter if you went to the most expensive school, if you don't have the passion, it won't do you a thing.

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

BL : From my personal perspective, I evaluate a good design on functionality, environment and what impact is going to generate for the future of our generation.

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

BL : The value of a good design is that it could create an economic, social and environmental impact to our current and future generations.

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

BL : I would design and make a unique innovation for comic-book writer Stan Lee. He's such a legend and myself being a pop culture fanatic, it would be an honor to create something for the future of his franchise.

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

BL : I currently don't have a dream project. My creativity is fueled by what life gives me every day. You just never know what life hits you with and that's how I have always created.

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

BL : My secret ingredient is being myself and always open minded to learn every day.

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

BL : I tend to get inspired by the real everyday people, regardless of what industry or heritage you're coming from, whether you're just trying to provide for your family or working hard towards a goal. That's my real inspiration.

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

BL : I like designs that are simple and easy to digest with a first look. That are innovative, but with an ease in functionality.

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

BL : My purpose is to redefine the personal security experience using hybrid technology with the consumer in mind. BenjiLock is my creation and is the world's first traditional rechargeable padlock with fingerprint technology, which means that you can not only open it with the ease of your fingertips, but also with a set of traditional keys. In less words, a hybrid, so if the technology fails, you're still able to use your lock. The simplistic and functionality of the design and the overall use of the product, it's what made it not only for myself a success, but to this date, to hear and read the overwhelming amount of positive reaction, it's a humbling experience that I will never ever forget.

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

BL : There's plenty of good people that are extremely open to help you in your exciting journey to become better. I learned to be open minded, to listen and to always seek guidance.

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

BL : I would have become a professional musician.

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

BL : From a simple lyric of a song or a poem to a beautiful landscape in photography or the making of an invention, all of this for me, constitutes design and art. I'm extremely open minded when it comes to the word design.

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

BL : My family and my circle of friends.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BL : Listening, reading, setting goals and the ability to network are extremely important skills to my success. I'm a believer of surrounding yourself with a group of people that are in a positive mindset. This will always lead to become a better "YOU".

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

BL : Life hits you in many different ways. A major obstacle I personally faced was being laid off in the month of December by an employer. This hit real hard, but it led me to also be more creative.

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

BL : I'm a believer of networking. If a designer, maker or entrepreneur is able to meet with its clients or current prospects, show their work and aptitude towards life, you get a better feeling of what's to come. That personal touch is irreplaceable.

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

BL : My goal for the rest of the year is to keep innovating in our field, polish our current product and design portfolio and bring BenjiLock to market.

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

BL : To always keep learning, be innovative and live life to its fullest potential.

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

BL : A person that works hard, it's passionate but it's also extremely humble.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BL : I have kids, so it's a must for me to see them grow in the best impact whether is economic, social or environmental. Design is everywhere these days and with technology, I'm sure the future is bright.

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

BL : It's a secret! :)

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

BL : The most satisfaction I've had in my life was creating BenjiLock. From being able to sketch an idea in a piece of paper to work towards a goal and actually see it happen, it's a process of grind, tears of joy and beauty that I will never forget.

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

BL : I would like the design industry to fight and create more opportunities in the job market. Don't get me wrong, freelancing is great, but I've seen how a lot of current and upcoming designers tend to quit due to the unemployment rate or the pay rate is extremely low. Those factors tend to lower a lot the creativity and passion in the industry.

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

BL : The design field is always changing, especially with the advances in technology, so regardless of what industry you're working with, I see a lot of higher and creative efforts towards the environment, making it better, more sustainable and able to regenerate for the health and the well-being of humanity.

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

BL : It depends on the project and type of design. It could be hours, days, weeks, months or years.

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

BL : I start with a cup of coffee.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BL : I have plenty, but one that really sticks with me is "Do it with passion, or don't do it at all".

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

BL : Absolutely. I think design sets the trends that we see everyday whether is from clothing, furniture, architecture, websites etc.

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

BL : I'm very traditional and an old soul when it comes to designing. I'm very pen and paper to start, regardless of the project. However, it does have a major role from working remotely with my team and advancing work in real time.

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

BL : The Adobe catalog is a must, SolidWorks and so far, our Apple and Lenovo computers have done wonders!

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

BL : First of all, it depends on what is the design about and based on that, then the rest can be determined, but I'm a believer that color has a tremendous role in everything we do. They can trigger certain emotions, memories and can make a big impact on our lives.

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

BL : I've already had the question ask, but it's always exciting to explain how it all started. The journey of creating something out of nothing, it's an experience that my team and I will never forget.

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

BL : What's the story behind it.

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

BL : My ideal design partner is my current team. Teamwork is key in everything I do, so I definitely believe in co-design.

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

BL : The people around my life which includes friends and family.

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

BL : I have to probably say Michael Machalko's Thinkertoys and Cracking Creativity.

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

BL : The awards and nominations are a great honor. To see your hard work recognized by different industries it's very exciting, but the journey and experience that took me there, that's what is most gratifying.

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

BL : Technology is evolving so fast that It's extremely hard to wrap my mind around at this moment on how far we'll be by then! The future is looking very exciting for sure, but also a bit scary!