Sophia Georgopoulou

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sophia Georgopoulou ("SG") 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?

SG : I grew up in Athens in a total artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my parents are both architects, so I knew since I was a child that I wanted to do something that would involve art and colors in any way! I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Information Design in the University of Westminster (London, UK) and when I came back to Greece I was very fortunate to start my working experience and my career in a worldwide known and awarded branding and design agency in Athens. This was my first job. While I was working there, I realized that I wanted to specialize in branding, logo design, corporate identity and packaging.

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

SG : To me design is a means of expression. So I guess the motivation is to express myself through my work BUT always respecting the needs and the brief of my Client.

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

SG : My childhood dream was to play with colors and brushes…Forever! Becoming a graphic designer was my goal since high school.

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

SG : I am specialized in a series of design fields that include: corporate identity development, logo design, branding, visual communication, illustration & package design while my clients are both of Greek and international origin.

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

SG : Believe in themselves and their talent. Work from their heart! Find their strong points and use them. Get inspired! Work hard and read books.

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

SG : I think that a great designer is the one who is a good designer in terms of skills, that always tries to improve himself and evolve, that trusts his journey and respects the needs of the client.

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

SG : I believe it is a combination of talent, innovation, skills and production

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

SG : good design improves quality of life in every aspect.

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

SG : I think with my heart and focus on what truly matters to be communicated.

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

SG : In generally I admire the good result and what a project makes me feel. I admire the designers who make an impact, embrace the message in a unique way and create emotions. I admire many designers and their work. But one example of a GREAT logo and graphic designer is Alan Fletcher. I love his work! He has been a great inspiration. Recently I admire the work of many greek designers and especially the work of Dimitris Papazoglou, a great graphic designer from Thessaloniki.

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

SG : I don't like talking about my work. I cannot choose one design since most of my projects I created from scratch, all have a story to tell and I believe I did my best.

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

SG : work work work, study hard, focus, read books, visit museums and exhibitions and try to be my self through what I do.

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

SG : i have no idea. Maybe I would be involved in something to do with fashion

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

SG : quality of life

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

SG : my will and my mum.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SG : a very good work experience and the fact that I had a clear goal in my head.

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

SG : the obstacles were many, but I tried to focus on my goal.

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

SG : they should explain their projects with good text, they should invest in good photography of their work and use the internet and social media to promote it.

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

SG : my next projects are mostly packaging and visual identities and logo designs.

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

SG : I want to continue to work on interesting projects and meet unique people, embrace their messages, make an impact and create emotions. My ultimate desire and goal is to continue inspire people through my work, make them smile and try to make them see things in a different perspective.

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

SG : to embrace and communicate their message through my work and my style.

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

SG : I am currently working on designing a are brand of greek food products.

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

SG : usually, I am happy when my clients are happy and they start to have the result they want in their works, no matter of the project.

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

SG : it depends on the project and the clients needs and deadlines.

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

SG : I start a broad research first of similar projects and study the brief and the competition. :-)

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SG : Think with your heart!

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

SG : I think both.

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

SG : Very important.

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

SG : my iMac and Adobe Suitcase

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

SG : color and material define the project.

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

SG : the creative process and thinking behind the end result.

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

SG : I believe 2 minds are bette than one :-) Sharing ideas and knowledge is very important.

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

SG : In general a great book is BEWARE WET PAINT by Alan Fletcher and also design books about Miro, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse and Hundertwasser that Ireally admire their work.

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

SG : I don't believe that I am a master designer. This feels very "heavy". I just try to improve my skills, get inspired and stay focused.

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

SG : Alan Fletcher

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

SG : I feel happy because all of my hard work is recognised from people that I have a great respect. It is an honour and it keeps me motivated in being better and better at what I do.