Camilla Marcondes

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Camilla Marcondes ("CM") 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?

CM : I spent my life surrounded by pencils, markers, watercolor pencils. Both my parents are architects so I couldn't help following their footsteps. At first I thought about studying Architecture, then I fell in love with the industrial design. I became a product designer, then I studied goldsmithing.

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

CM : Creation motivates me. I love to work creating products, their shapes, function, materials.

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

CM : I definitely did!!! My parents loved it, but it was my decision.

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

CM : I design jewelry, but I have a small company so I also have to design the packages, the graphic arts, the advertising layout, etc. I would love to design a home collection.

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

CM : They just should design as many projects as possible. They have to breathe design, to have a critical look to the objects and think how you could turn them better.

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

CM : Strong-willed, obstinacy, determination and a lot of work.

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

CM : For me there are two main aspects to consider in a really good design, the function and the shape.

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

CM : Design is so much valuable. It's so much more than how a product looks. Design can change the perception of the product, providing the customer the best experience with it. Design can increase the value of a brand, engaging customers, making them the ambassadors of a brand. And finally, increase sales. Design makes a product sell more.

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

CM : I would design packages for the beauty industry (cosmetic industry).

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

CM : A social project that teaches jewelery techniques to poor young people. The goal is they can make money with a new profession, getting a job or even starting their own business.

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

CM : Do what you love, create opportunities for you to design (even if you don't have a client, design for yourself), learn how to price. Be always updated about materials, technology, etc.

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

CM : I love modern designers like Bertoia, Mies Van der Rohe, Breuer, Jacobsen.

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

CM : For sure I had become architect.

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

CM : Design is a better way to present a product and provide people to have a great experience with it.

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

CM : Definitely my family. My parents, my brother and sister and also my husband.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

CM : I had a good education, I studied in a great university, I made a good choices about where and how to show my work, I have enrolled in design associations to support me. But I think that even though I have followed these steps, if I didn't have a great curiosity and a desire to be better, I wouldn't have been able to get where I am now.

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

CM : Designers should prepare a good portfolio and a good website. It's indicated to invest in good photos of your work. If you are going to present some printed material, it is also good to invest in a high quality print, on a paper that highlights your work.

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

CM : I'm launching my new jewelry brand in the second semester of 2018. So a whole new collection is expected.

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

CM : A Jewelry Design School is a huge goal. Now it's more like a dream, but step by step I'm working for this dream come true.

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

CM : I'm working on my brand new collection and I'm really excited about it.

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

CM : My awarded design, Thonet Tribute, gave me double satisfaction. First because this bracelet was a huge challenge design. I had to transform a multi layer braided fiber into a flat single metal sheet. The other challenge was how to fix the top metal sheet on the base one, since all the metal were plated and welding wasn't an option. And the second satisfaction was the award itself, It's nice to know my design had a good recognition in jewelry design field.

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

CM : It depends... Sometimes it comes easy and fast, and others it can be a pain. In average I give myself a month, or a little more, to design a collection with 30-50 pieces.

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

CM : First step is research the concept, know the function, target the goals, research the similar existing designs, assess its pros and cons. After all that I have a solid material to start a new design.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CM : My motto is the creation itself, a curious look, an open mind and a creative thought.

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

CM : I believe in both, sure it's not at the same time, but sometimes design sets the trend and other times the trends set the designs.

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

CM : A big role. On my work I use graphic computer softwares to vectorize my projects. In manufacturing field, the technology is also highly used because my designs are built in CNC machines.

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

CM : Rhinoceros and Adobe Illustrator. Sometimes I use Photoshop to modify colors, to edit photos, etc.

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

CM : I always think: I wish I had designed this!

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

CM : I do believe in co-design. The best design partner would be someone who has a feature that I lack, someone who has something to complete my ideas.

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

CM : Just working. Always observing, creating, designing...

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

CM : No, it's not hard to be famous. The feeling is wonderful, I hope it is the first of many that are yet to come.

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

CM : Color: Yellow Food: Japanese and Italian, I can't decide just one Season: Spring Thing: Pens and pencils Brand: Caran d'Ache

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

CM : I guess so, I grew up surrounded by pencils, markers, papers. My parents were very supportive. They always encouraged me to be creative, to express my artistic gift.

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

CM : I would like to thank everyone for all the cheering and support