Annamaria Mikulik

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Annamaria Mikulik ("AM") 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?

AM : I come from an artistic family, which has helped me develop my craftsmanship and ambition to make my own designs come to life. I was greatly influenced by my parents‘ work, their sculptures and the enamel jewelry they were creating.

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

AM : Its very uplifting to see the eyes of customers „bling“.

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

AM : I wanted to become a jeweller - enameler like my mother what led me through artistic studies. Having a great design teachers has helped me develop design skills and encouragd me to continue to be a designer. She have joined my dreams together to become a jewelery designer.

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

AM : I created few minimalist jewelry collections and jewels combining enamel and precious metals.

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

AM : Set higher goals and try to reach them.

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

AM : The ability of simplifying things to the maximum.

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

AM : It should have a great concept that goes hand in hand with sophisticated shapes.

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

AM : Good design enhances human aesthetic perception and makes life easier.

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

AM : I don't know if we shouldnt go back to the more ancient principles in some things. Many modern mechanisms deprive us of the time and substance of problems. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.

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

AM : Designing more toys.

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

AM : Try to be different, innovative and try to stand out from the crowd.

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

AM : Art nouveau jewellers. Simplicity in lines and shape innovation in these times is amazing. Also enamel was used as one of the main materials in this period.

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

AM : I like that each of my colleagues is different and therefore his approach to design is original and unique.

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

AM : I am proud of my unique packaging that won first place in the international packaging design competition. I like how I managed to create something sophisticated from a simple principle.

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

AM : Its about practice and imagination the ability to look around.

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

AM : Archaeologist or geologist.

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

AM : Its an ability to bring aesthetics and utility to everyday objects.

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

AM : My design teachers and parents (artists).

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AM : Practice and knowledge.

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

AM : One can have a lot of ideas, it's about practice to know which one is worth developing.

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

AM : An important task of designers is to cultivate others to surround themselves with objects of high aesthetic value.

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

AM : Creating more minimalist jewellery collections.

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

AM : I would like to create more objects that would help people, beautify their lives and bring them a deep aesthetic fulfillment.

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

AM : Great presentation, quality work and professionalism.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AM : I think that designers should not forget the ecology and its principles. I am pleased that we do not forget the important issues that are also in our competence to influence them in some way.

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

AM : I am pleased to develop and find new connections of ancient enamel technology and modern shapes.

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

AM : The ones I've been thinking about for a long time, and I've had to make a lot of effort to finish them.

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

AM : I would like many things to simplify and return to traditional principles and solutions. Sometimes the simplest principles are the most effective.

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

AM : Going back to traditional and revalueing them.

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

AM : It depends on material and purpose, production options, production times, cooperation and presentation purpose.

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

AM : Keeping the mind playful and open is crucial. Hiding into the inner world and diving into imagination is the most important part of designing.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AM : Keeping things stupid-simple.

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

AM : In my opinion, design sets the trends.

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

AM : I try to use traditional techniques .. for example enameling... eternal and precious material.

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

AM : My imagination.

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

AM : It all influence the feeling of the object.

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

AM : About the concept.

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

AM : I admire all inovative coleagues.

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

AM : It depends on design partner. Sometimes he helps to consult with colleagues.

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

AM : Close family.

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

AM : Art nouveau

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

AM : Its a long process. Practice, errors and trials. Most important is the ability to separate usefulness from uselessness. Creating things with a picture of eternal beauty in mind. Keeping things as simple as possible. Sometimes the easiest solutions are the best.

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

AM : I would like to meet some encestors inovators.

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

AM : Its more important to keep doing great work. Its nice feeling to be honored for your work but its not the target.

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

AM : Powder pink, my mind, creme brule, spring,

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

AM : Knowledge that there are so many people on the planet. Sometimes it happens that few different people have similar ideas at the same time.

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

AM : Its important to keep dreams in mind. Everything starts with a dream.

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

AM : Sure and being encouraged by parents to strenghten the artistic skills was the base to the profession.

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

AM : People will always have a need to be surrounded by beauty. The forms or technologies may change but there will always be a need.

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

AM : I create designer jewelry for people to enjoy beauty. I wish my designs to brighten their days and fulfill the purpose of creation.