Delphine Goyon

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Delphine Goyon ("DG") 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?

DG : I completed my professional studies in France. First in Lyon, with a MANAA (Upgrade in Applied Arts) at the Bellecour School of Applied Arts, followed by a BTS in Graphic Design. I then completed a year specializing in web design at the CTI (Technological Center for Computer Graphics). I then entered the professional world and later decided to complete a VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) at ENSAAMA (National School of Applied Arts and Crafts) in Paris. I thus obtained a DSAA, design specialty, graphic design mention (Higher Diploma in Applied Arts).

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

DG : To create is to escape, to feel free, alive. I have always loved creating, drawing...

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

DG : Becoming a designer is a choice I made at the age of 17 and one I don't regret.

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

DG : Today, I mainly design posters for cultural events such as Vaison Danses. Previously, I worked a lot on packaging.

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

DG : I simply recommend that they be themselves, know how to listen to themselves and trust themselves, believe in themselves

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

DG : Opportunities come when you least expect them. And that's when projects can transform your life and make you a great designer.

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

DG : Good design is, first and foremost, a design that pleases the client. And then, it appeals to the clientele, who will ultimately gain notoriety simply through its brand image.

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

DG : Good design transforms a product, a brand, into something legendary. It leaves a lasting impression.

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

DG : If I had more time, I would devote more of my time to creating for humanitarian and feminist causes... on a voluntary basis, of course.

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

DG : A useful project that would make an impression, such as a visual of a political demonstration for example.

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

DG : I think you have to know how to create with your heart, with your soul. Make something ordinary incredible.

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

DG : I have always loved the conceptual work of Etienne Mineur and, in a completely different vein, the work of Etienne Robillard with his graphic creations that have marked the history of design. I also really like the calligraphic work of prima ballerina Carolyn Carlson.

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

DG : Milton Glaser's work has always fascinated me. I find his "I Love New York" logo impressive and unparalleled. It's both simple and incredibly effective. Malika Favre also fascinates me with her work with light and shadow, so beautiful, so artistic, so feminine. I love it!

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

DG : I really enjoy the work I did for the French winery Gabriel Meffre. Their trust allowed me to create a graphic design tailored to their needs, both minimalist and impactful. But I think what struck me most was the design of the entire BCBG potato chip family. The client trusted us, and it was such a pleasure to work with him that we really pushed ourselves during the creative phase.

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

DG : Just look around you, inspiration is everywhere around us: in the street, in people's eyes, in museums, on the internet... Always stay open to every opportunity, open your eyes wide so as not to miss anything and take the time. It is urgent to take your time. Let's love ourselves while we are alive. Let's not wait for death to find us talented.

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

DG : If I hadn't been a designer, I would have liked to take care of animals, treat them or take care of the elderly or disabled.

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

DG : Design is a means of expression, a form of freedom in which we can combine beauty with utility.

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

DG : I was able to achieve my goal thanks to my parents, but also thanks to my husband, who has been my unwavering supporter for 19 years. But also thanks to various mentors I've met in school and at work: Alexandra, Delphine, François, Stéphane... and many others I can't name. They'll recognize themselves. I thank them infinitely for believing in me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

DG : My school of applied arts was the foundation of all my graphic design. The teachers supported me and helped me find my graphic style, my personality.

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

DG : Always believe in yourself, preserve, never give up, don't let yourself be destabilized...

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

DG : Today, there are many ways for a designer to present their work: the old-fashioned way with a textured, personal, and authentic paper portfolio, or the digital age via a website or social media. This presentation can also be multifaceted.

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

DG : My future project will be the design of the 30th anniversary poster for the Vaison Danses festival in 2026.

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

DG : Satisfy my customer

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

DG : People expect real support from me, strategic advice on their overall communication.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

DG : Design helps to better structure your ideas to disseminate them, while making them clear and understandable.

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

DG : I'm currently working on historical books. This project is enriching me intellectually, because the content is very interesting. Socially, I'm also enriched because my clients are wonderful. And finally, graphically, designing graphic books with perfect binding packaged in a beautiful box that I also have to design is extremely stimulating and exciting.

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

DG : The design projects that have given me the most satisfaction are those in which the client trusted us and gave us carte blanche to create. I let my imagination run wild, and this feeling of freedom allows me to create beautiful things.

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

DG : I don't really know what I would like to see change in the design industry, but I know what I wouldn't like to change: human design. Artificial intelligence is taking an increasingly important role in creation, and I can't see the limits of such use; it's a bit scary. And data protection is completely flouted in this system.

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

DG : I believe that designers will have to move forward with technology, artificial intelligence... it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to do without it.

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

DG : I work on a project for a few weeks. It can take up to 5 or 6 months at most, but ideas often germinate quite quickly.

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

DG : I always start by benchmarking current trends. I analyze the brand's history, the competition, and the world it exists in.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

DG : Try to enjoy every achievement.

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

DG : I think trends define design.

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

DG : Technology accompanies me in each of my projects thanks to Adobe design software. It's a true pillar in my creative projects that I can't do without.

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

DG : I mainly use Adobe software: Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign. I also use photo and video editing software.

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

DG : Their role is preponderant in graphic design. The choice of colors, materials and atmosphere is decisive during a graphic design.

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

DG : I want people to come to me and find a creation that matches both my style and their world. A connection between the client and me is necessary and essential for the successful creation process.

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

DG : I am always impressed and admiring of other people's work, their ideas, their way of seeing things.

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

DG : Obviously, I believe in creating something together, but I find that balance is difficult to find. Often, one person takes the lead over the other. You have to know how to assert yourself and combine your ideas; it's not always easy.

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

DG : The teachers at my art school influenced me a lot. Then, the team I worked with taught me a lot, especially François, who was a great teacher and made me the graphic designer I am today.

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

DG : I really liked the book "Show Your Work." This book is very interesting and shows how to present yourself. It helps graphic designers a lot. I also really liked the magazine Etapes, which was a real source of inspiration.

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

DG : I'm always on the lookout for new trends and sources of inspiration that can be found everywhere. I also regularly visit museums and pay close attention to what's happening on social media in France and internationally. A Design Award is one of my go-to sources.

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

DG : I would very much like to meet Charles Baudelaire to be able to discuss his work with him.

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

DG : I am very proud and grateful for all these awards received, and I hope this is just the beginning.

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

DG : Blue, at home, pancakes, summer, telephone, Zara.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

DG : I sent the printer a 1/10 scale vehicle print. The printer didn't enlarge it and instead placed it on the vehicle as is. When the client sent me the photo, he was shocked, and I had to hang up because I was laughing so hard.

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

DG : I brighten up my day by chatting with my clients, and with a little chocolate or a pastry.

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

DG : I have always loved creating and drawing, but as a child I didn't yet know what it was like to be a designer and I was turning towards something more artistic, like painting, illustration or sculpture.

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

DG : The future is scary, I try not to think about it too much. I dream of a world where animals are equal to humans, and where nature is respected before money.

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

DG : I am hypersensitive, kind, and generous. I give everything I can, sometimes even too much.