Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jon Santacoloma ("JS") 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.
JS : After getting my degree in Economics and Business Studies I started working freelance making cartoons, and got a grant to study furniture and product design in the UK.
JS : After getting my degree in Economics and Business Studies I started working freelance making cartoons, and got a grant to study furniture and product design in the UK.
JS : After getting my degree in Economics and Business Studies I started working freelance making cartoons, and got a grant to study furniture and product design in the UK.
JS : I design products and services for others, myself, manufacturers as well as institutions. So undertaking projects becomes basic and essential, in that you have to make and deliver what you’ve designed.
JS : Work hard, be steadfast, have or find people who believe and support you, allow you to make mistakes in order to learn. I’ve been lucky.
JS : I believe there are fashion professionals and those who solve problems. Taking the economic model we live in, you see the former more than the latter, although they’re the ones who stay. It’s a more long-term vision.
JS : Simplicity and timelessness. Nothing which can’t be explained by itself.
JS : A good design would be a good investment, useful while you have it and may well increase in value over time.
JS : I feel that more than designing for someone what’s really interesting, or rather would be, is to teach them to design so you can design together.
JS : A flagship project for my city, which already has shape, function and location; however, I need support. A unique sustainable design centre.
JS : Work hard and never give up.
JS : Maybe the group of design pioneers who started out on the adventure of this profession without realising it. Even though design has existed since the beginning of mankind, since the first problem arose and he/she stopped to think how it could be solved.
JS : There are countless products and services worldwide which I think are admirable.
JS : I can’t be objective so I couldn’t give an answer. I like and dislike them all. I’ve thought of them, mind you, I’ve also seen the changes, concessions and shortages during the process; and that being the case I’d improve them all. Design is like life, constantly changing and evolving.
JS : Being alert and open to the environment. NOT overlooking inputs (positive or negative). Learning and undertaking projects.
JS : I only know what I am and what I have yet to learn (which is a lot), so the other scenario wouldn’t be valid.
JS : For me design is thinking/reflecting and giving valid answers at a specific time to a specific problem with specific determined means.
JS : Everyone who’s supported me, given me opportunities and above all those who’ve let me make mistakes to learn and even then have continued supporting me.
JS : Study, constancy and upholding a series of values at work, in proposals and designs.
JS : I think I’ve still got a way to go to reach that status. And in design, I’m not sure whether that level is ever achieved.
JS : With great passion, confidence and being aware it’s impossible to know everything about everything, and so with a little uncertainty.
JS : I’m hoping for new projects, products and services which help make this world a little better for everyone.
JS : To continue working as a designer.
JS : They can expect an ordinary person with an ordinary person’s worries.
JS : I suppose helping everyone to have the same opportunities.
JS : I’m interested in the part of Design As A Service. In this field I believe the company which started from one product and is now 100% digital www.triporg.org can have a lot to say in this globalised world which delves deeper into differences.
JS : Maybe those whose starting point was total ignorance of the area we were stepping into, transport, automotive, energy, lighting, Smart cities, and so on.
JS : I think ideally the creation in the end of a sector as such which placed value on design work.
JS : Well, if a sector isn’t created then I think we’re headed for a loss of value, where young professionals work for a pittance, and who after seeing there’s no future abandon the activity without leaving anything behind.
JS : It depends on the project. Throughout almost two decades of work and over 300 different projects, we have all sorts: hours, days, weeks, months; and even years.
JS : At the beginning, to understand what exactly is being asked, who it’s for, and what’s expected to be obtained.
JS : Since living kills us little by little, the best thing is to enjoy what you do and do things with enjoyment.
JS : I think consumer society is rather perverse with a great tendency to rehearse and not go outside the growth model via consumption.
JS : It helps reduce times and go faster. But it’s just that a tool to help (very important); however, you must reflect first and know how to use it.
JS : Different ones according to the design phase. Corel Painter, Autocardsolid Works, Rhino, Office, Corel Draw, Photoshop, etc., etc.
JS : They help make a product more appropriate or attractive at a given time. They might be based on trends, whereas a good design goes beyond that.
JS : The stories behind them, why they were made and how they were solved; and what do they offer as whole.
JS : That the solution was standing in front of me and obvious although nobody had yet made it.
JS : I think it’s very definitely complex; mind you my team is excellent.
JS : Above all those familiar with the design process, who had experienced it and therefore were good interlocutors.
JS : Everything, science, novels, technology, comics, and so on. I think everything affects you from the viewpoint we’re not isolated beings, but rather social ones. Although with technology I’m not sure the process won’t be inverted.
JS : Working on many different projects.
JS : Well, I’d love to be able to talk and find out where I’m going. Who our ancestors were, our parents’ parents and grandparents, and so on, to find out why I am the way I am and maybe try to find out where I’ll be in the future and apply it to work.
JS : Despite having other recognitions, all prophets are without honour in their own land, so it has little influence on the day to day. Except for fashion, design is the great unknown.
JS : I love blue, the sea, that feeling of freedom and calm you experience next to it, albeit winter, summer, and autumn or spring.
JS : When I was young and with much less experience it was overwhelming to come across companies who saw the designer as their saviour; and yet later he/she was to blame if things didn’t turn out as expected. The shadows and lights of this profession, which even now continues to surprise me.
JS : Having to face challenges every day, which you have to overcome and provide answers for countless problems. Every day is a challenge.
JS : I don’t think so. The only thing I can tell you is that I spent hours and hours imagining and building: cars, industrial buildings, cities, cable cars, etc. Lego played in my favour.
JS : I’m confident that we as a society will do better, that we’ll go a little slower while reflecting on each movement and change more carefully.
JS : Design is not an occupation apt for the general public, which is something anybody aiming to shackle themselves to this tough yet fantastic profession must have perfectly clear in their minds.
© 2020 Design Legends - All Rights Reserved | Impressum
Design Legends platform highlights valuable insights from the best designers from across the globe; a great resource for all designers to learn, reflect and think about good design and how good design helps create value for the society.
Design Legends website was created by DesignPRWire and A' Design Award to promote truly great designers, outstanding architects and inspirational artists that contribute to the development and advancement of society with their outstanding works.