Karolis Bakunas

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Karolis Bakunas ("KB") 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?

KB : I graduated Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2013 and got product design bachelor degree and in 2015 I finished product design master studies in same university

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

KB : The main motive is that I fell like I can make a good design, I can do better than others and I can give something to society and people.

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

KB : I chose to became a designer many years ago. At the age 17 I started to attend Vilnius Academy of Arts design courses, I knew that it was right decision.

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

KB : Most of design I make are electronic devices and industrial equipment, but I would love to design more audio devices like speakers, turntables and etc.

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

KB : They have to practice a lot with sketching and modelling. Of course its very important to have a good background, education, they must have “sense of shape” and critical thinking.

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

KB : Good design is honest and pure till the last detail. Good design is aesthetic, without anything that could complicate it. Good design is iconic, and it is not always good to create trendy design, because trends are changing fast, if you wish to design be timeless you must be careful with trends.

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

KB : Good design is very important to all products. Design can make product very successful, otherwise bad design can completely destroy it. Design can make particular products iconic, very popular that everyone would love to have.

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

KB : I would design high-end audio equipment. I would love to create turntable or speakers.

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

KB : Turntable is my dream object, I have started but not finished yet.

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

KB : Simplicity in shape, rich in function.

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

KB : David Lewis from Bang&Olufsen, Dieter Rams with Braun, Jonathan Ive from Apple.

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

KB : My greatest design is “Reed precision” turntable. It is simple in shape, but rich in innovative solutions. It's minimalistic design combines with luxury style and materials used.

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

KB : Design is a combination that consists of of creative attitude, critical thinking and sense aesthetics and shape.

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

KB : My family, professors from Academy of Arts, and colleagues from company Entech Goup are my best supporters.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KB : Good design skills, education and a lot of work helped me to achieve good results.

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

KB : Create more serial products and win more design awards, to be popular among top designers.

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

KB : They expect quality, innovative design solutions, clear and aesthetic shape of any projects I do.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KB : Design can solve particular problem, or change our daily life. Improving home appliances, electronics or transport and etc. can make our life better.

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

KB : I'm currently working on optical laser housing design.

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

KB : Audio equipment design is the best for me. I'm audio enthusiast and I feel like I can improve or make new good design audio devices. Also industrial equipment and other electronic devices are welcomed.

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

KB : Usually it takes months after creating design, because further finalization is needed, prototyping and testing, package design.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KB : If you do it right, it will last forever.

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

KB : I Usually use 3d Max and Corel draw for my designs, but sometimes Adobe programs are needed.

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

KB : The role of material is very important. Material is like a cloth for your shape, it must be good quality and very often several materials needs combination together. Bad material selection can ruin design. Color is also important, right color selection cam make object look great.

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

KB : Seeing a good design product it gives me inspiration to create even better.

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

KB : I usually attend courses, seminars, workshops and exhibitions. I'm reading design books and magazines, I always seek what is new in design world.

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

KB : I think it is nice to be famous, all the awards I won are like evaluation of my hard work.

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

KB : When I was a little child I used to draw cars and houses, interior and exterior. I created new ones, unseen before. I think it was the roots of my designer career.