Antonio Tepic

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Antonio Tepic ("AT") 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?

AT : Studied at the Faculty of Graphic Arts at the University of Zagreb, in the direction of design of graphic products, then I was interested in design and prepress more than for printing.

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

AT : "Endless" possibilities of creating, solving problems.

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

AT : Have chosen.

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

AT : Branding & Identity.

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

AT : Never stop learning and tried to improve your skills.

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

AT : Great designer work what you need, not what you want.

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

AT : Selection of colors, typography, photography, composition, clarity of expression.

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

AT : Because of the benefits and experience of their users, investing in design shows that your product / service is essential and necessary in everyday life.

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

AT : Probably some catchy advertisement for a global business.

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

AT : Try to find enough time for things that interest me.

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

AT : Passion for designing.

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

AT : Design works inspire me more than designers.

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

AT : An endless calendar, a simple and practical solution, very pragmatic.

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

AT : Ada-pack business card, creativity.

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

AT : Let them be open to new experiences, knowledge, try to look at the problem from another point of view.

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

AT : Probably a production manager in printing.

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

AT : Solving problems in creative ways.

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

AT : Books about design, works of others designer.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AT : The thinking process, keen eye, sense for a detail, critical thinking.

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

AT : Some of my earlier works were visually really interesting, but did not refer to the client's needs. I needed the time to understand that my job is using creativity to solve client needs. Yes, design it should be nice, but most of all, should have a sense and be appropriate to product/services.

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

AT : I think it's best to let the design speak for itself.

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

AT : Hope to continue with the good work and effort in meeting your high expectations.

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

AT : Continue to prove that it is worth investing in good design

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

AT : That I will surprise pleasantly them with my suggestions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AT : Encouraging communication, people like to share positive experiences, likes to exchange opinions, just as they like beautiful things. Learning each other, together we easier progressing and building.

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

AT : On my new website, yes I'm, because learning a new skills.

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

AT : Each one in which I have free hands into creativity and creation.

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

AT : More courage and creativity in creating memorable works.

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

AT : Into interaction.

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

AT : Depends on the scope of work, mostly I like to have more time available. But if the project needs to end in a short time then I adjust, if it possible.

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

AT : From researching.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AT : Keep it simple, make it beautiful.

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

AT : Design sets the trends.

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

AT : Main, because, helping me in most working process, from researching till create.

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

AT : I currently work on Apple iMac with Adobe programs (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).

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

AT : A large, because color, ambiance and the material can significantly affect on the mood. It is well known that we are more productive in a pleasant environment.

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

AT : What they are interested in.

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

AT : Great job, I want to do the same.

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

AT : An experienced person who knows the principles of design. During my career, worked with other designers, it is ideal when we are complementing with ideas

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

AT : Graphic design, a concise history - Richard Hollis Encyclopedia of graphic design and designers - Alan and Isabella Livingston

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

AT : Constantly working on different suggestions and developing new ideas, thinking about good and bad sides.

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

AT : Johannes Gutenberg - inventor who originated a method of printing from movable type.

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

AT : I am always glad to receive an award and be recognized by the profession. That is always a good motivation for future works. When you do what you like, nothing is not difficult.

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

AT : Orange, lounge bar near beach, spring, domestic cuisine, computer, Apple.

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

AT : While I was working in a printing press, my colleague is accidentaly mixed the developer and fixer (which were used in the process of making graphic films). The smell of ammonia has expanded with the larger part of the company, we've been ventilate rooms all day.

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

AT : With long walk on sunny day.

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

AT : I have always liked to draw and have had a lush imagination, I suppose it has contributed to it.

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

AT : Society will become more advanced and more aware, hope so.

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

AT : Thank you, for loving my works.