Patrycja Krawczyk

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Patrycja Krawczyk ("PK") 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?

PK : The "Red Line" series is unique for me, I approached it ambitiously giving it a mataphysical expression. My other works differ in style. I graduated from the National Art High School and the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. I am very happy with the illustration classes with Iwona Chmielewska, valued Polish illustrator and multimedia drawing with Elżbieta Jabłońska, famous Polish artist. They also had a big impact on me Marian Stępak and Wiesław Smużny my major advisor.

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

PK : I love to create. My brain just feels better in an active than passive mode. Sometimes it is bothersome ... I can say that I never get bored and never rest and some way I can change the word.

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

PK : It all began with drawing at a very young age on everything that I had at hand ... on the walls, floors. I even cut with scissors photos of images that I liked from my older sister's school textbooks and I made them my catalogs. For this I drew with my left hand, at that time it was something untidy. Today I still draw, still with my left hand and sometimes also on the walls. The horror of the family turned into a pride, and my ability to write, draw and paint with my left hand was really appreciated in Conservation of Monuments. Sometimes I do renovations of old polychromes in places inaccessible to most right-handed restorers.

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

PK : Most often I deal with graphics for the needs of companies. I would like more creative projects, such as illustration or installation in the Site-specific sphere.

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

PK : Do not be afraid of your own ideas.

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

PK : A really good design in my opinion it has a fresh aspect of wisdom and surprise. The standard design is "safe" or correct, the impression is that it is only a follower of proven schemes.

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

PK : The value of a good project is in fact invaluable. He is the "face and soul" of what or whom it represents. Good design it means change for the better.

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

PK : Something very interesting with my friends.

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

PK : These are installations based on the "Red Line" assumptions. Design studio for tattoo and illustrations along with a small art gallery. Album of synthesizer music and dedicated video.

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

PK : Be yourself. Each of us is unique like his fingerprint. Take advantage of this.

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

PK : They are Iwona Chmielewska, Elżbieta Jabłońska, Adrian Frutiger, Maurizio Cattelan, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Olafur Eliasson, Jacek Malczewski, Hieronim Bosch, Harmony Korine

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

PK : For e.g.: this is illustration and graphic designs by Lili des Bellons, collage and illustration by Lola Dupre. I like their work because despite commercial orders they kept their soul. What they do is art. And the other thing is Korg Electribe MX on which I play. I have a whole orchestra under "one finger". I love his sound and design.

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

PK : A pot for cooking many dishes at once. It is practical and eco, you eat healthy and saves your time. Adobe computer software.

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

PK : Listen to constructive criticism from everyone even if it comes from a layman. After that you can decide what you will do with this. You can be surprised by what you heard.

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

PK : I would make music.

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

PK : Design is not creation of nature, it is born of a compact human mind as a complete model of our practical and aesthetic needs.

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

PK : Some of my professors, my friends and me

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

PK : Practise and contamplation of the work done.

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

PK : The opposition of time and money.

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

PK : Depending on the work itself. So that they could sell the design.

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

PK : I have a few unrealized ideas. From comics, illustrations, animations to sculptures and art installations.

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

PK : Become an artist.

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

PK : Good project.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

PK : Responding to the needs of society. A good design makes people feel good in contact with it. It makes them feel naturally.

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

PK : Continuation of the Red Line project.

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

PK : Design of the facade of the MAKE UP STORY beauty salon.

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

PK : I would like to see better communication.

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

PK : Everywhere but at a higher level.

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

PK : In my case, as an illustrator and graphic designer, it depends on the design. This can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 months.

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

PK : From a cup of coffee, paper and pencil.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

PK : Even you will never try, you can failed.

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

PK : I think that these two things are intermingled and affect each other constantly transforming.

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

PK : Selection of tools and materials to finish the project.

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

PK : I use Adobe software, tablet and of course sketchbook.

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

PK : It has a fundamental role. Design is connecting them each other by making a loud or silent dialogue.

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

PK : I would like to be surprised...

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

PK : I'm proud of these people who made it. Sometimes I feel a surge of creative energy that awakens my potential.

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

PK : It would have to be a person with passion and sense of humor. Yes, I believe in co-design, sometimes I working like that.