Elena Zaznobina

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Elena Zaznobina ("EZ") 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?

EZ : My first education was a construction university, but in economic specialization. Education in the school of design DETALI was a turning point. Prior to that, for many years I worked with interiors of other architects and designers as a furniture consultant. This is an invaluable experience for me, which, of course, influenced my vision of objects.

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

EZ : We change the interior, the interior changes us. By changing the conditions of life, including its aesthetic side, it is possible to change the mood of a person and his attitude to the world. Beauty on the outside makes us better on the inside..

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

EZ : Already during my studies at the construction university I already worked with furniture .. And I like it)). The most difficult was to believe in yourself.

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

EZ : Of course, I am interested in the integrated design of the interior and exterior of a private house. But a special passion - small soft objects. Armchairs, pouffes. These small accents allow you to give character to even the most neutral interior.

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

EZ : Try, try and try again! Draw sketches, think over the details, try to make prototypes! Even the smallest movement is a step towards making your dream come true!

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

EZ : A good designer has everything thought out, calculated to the smallest detail, and the amount of work done is immediately visible. The ingenious design seems so simple and easy - you wonder how I didn't think of it before!

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

EZ : Good design is what makes you stop and makes you want to consider what makes you sincere emotions.

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

EZ : In a world of globalization, a mass product is inevitable. But let it be quality, in terms of design, items. After all, design affects the mood and condition of each of us, even if we do not notice it.

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

EZ : I think the coolest thing would be to create the interior of the first living module on the Moon or Mars.

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

EZ : Winter garden in the house .. But I hope to work on it!

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

EZ : Fresh, bright emotions.. Usually from travel. It is an irreplaceable source of inspiration. And a lot of free time, which happens not often))) The opportunity to think alone is one of the most valuable moments for a designer.

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

EZ : Gio Ponti, Edward Wormley, Karl Springer.

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

EZ : Irakli Zaria projects dawn fascinate me with aesthetics and fine presentation of style.

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

EZ : Возможно, это мой стол Фиорд. Мне нравится его простота формы и функциональности.

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

EZ : Education is essential, and I don't just mean college or design school, a course at a university. Any information from completely different areas can play a decisive role in the development of the model. It can be a new material, or a technology, or an amazing finishing material, or an old technology that gave you an idea.. Learn everywhere, not only within the walls of educational institutions. Learn from the best in their field, from passionate professionals.

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

EZ : I do not see myself in another area ... Perhaps it would be work with a fabrics ..

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

EZ : Something that can resonate, evoke emotion, change behavior ... Perhaps so

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

EZ : Victoria Markina, my support, my fellow student, my colleague and also, like me, mother of three children)))

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

EZ : For me, the impetus was, of course, training in Design School DETAILS. If you feel a craving for design - give yourself a chance to try, and understand, is this really what you want to do? If yes - you will succeed!

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

EZ : You may not be able to draw well, you may not be able to draw well, but if you feel you can carry beauty .. The main thing is to believe in yourself, in your ideas and inspiration!

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

EZ : The work should speak for itself, evoke emotions and not require decoding. But it is important not to be shy to show your ideas and their implementation.

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

EZ : At the moment I am creating a line of upholstered furniture that I plan to launch under my own brand.

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

EZ : Make this world even more interesting and beautiful.

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

EZ : New projects?) I think that any designer is expected to have new, fresh ideas and a small miracle. Opportunities to be surprised, smile ..

DL: How does design help create a better society?

EZ : The designer creates objects and interiors not only for the customer now, but also the prerequisites for its development in the future. It is no secret that the environment greatly affects our emotional state. It is in the power of designers to make it emotionally comfortable not only for the elite.

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

EZ : At the moment I am developing my own collection of upholstered furniture. I would like to achieve originality and convenience of models at their affordable cost. And it is not easy if you use only high-quality materials.

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

EZ : Some models are born in one breath. And it's wonderful. One of my favorites is the Simple Mouse table lamp, which won silver at the IDA 2020 competition.

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

EZ : I would like to get away from faceless streaming things. The results of the competition show that they have something to replace).

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

EZ : Certainly in the direction of new materials and new technical capabilities in this regard.

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

EZ : Depends on the object .. Object design from two to four months.

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

EZ : Certainly with communication with the customer. You make this object for him. First of all, you must understand his lifestyle, his daily habits, inclinations, desires and dreams .. And then just embody them)

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

EZ : Try it!This is the best thing you can do in your life. Try everything that interests you!

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

EZ : When the designer comes up with the idea of ​​a new item, the last thing he thinks about is trends. The trend is only picked up by others a good design move or decision, no matter in form, material or style ...

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

EZ : The role of technology is very high in our time, it allows you to implement more ambitious projects

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

EZ : At first there is always a pencil and paper ..

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

EZ : These are its integral parts.

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

EZ : I want people not to ask about my design, but to live with it))

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

EZ : How did it come to their mind ???

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

EZ : Yes, it is a reality, there is a wonderful symbiosis, we all see it. In a pair of important successful addition to each other.

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

EZ : Juan Pablo Molino, Irakli Zaria

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

EZ : It would be interesting to talk to Gio Ponti.

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

EZ : Recognition and evaluation is very important for creative professions, it allows you to believe in yourself and unfold your wings.

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

EZ : Blu, seaside of Italy, fish, summer, pencil, Cassina.

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

EZ : It can be any time - a good movie, a bird, a blooming apple tree, a retro car .. All that gives emotions

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

EZ : I liked to rearrange the furniture in my room often, maybe it was a sign?

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

EZ : Everything will be even more interesting.