GUILLERMO FOK DE JESUS
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Guillermo Fok De Jesus ("GFDJ") 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?
GFDJ : I have a B.S. in industrial Engineering and an MFA in Industrial Design from Rochester Institute of Technology.
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
GFDJ : I was constantly going back and forth between my creative and technical curiosity. Industrial Design allowed me to explore both and use both skills to create new products and experiences
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
GFDJ : I chose to become one
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
GFDJ : I am lucky enough to be able to develop products and live experiences, which was my goal when i graduated
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
GFDJ : Figure out what design path makes you happy and work hard for it. If you really set your mind to it, the opportunities will come
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
GFDJ : understanding that the user and the designer are two different people. As designers it is our job to create solutions for a user
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
GFDJ : it should be a marriage between functionality , feasibility and aesthetics. A great design should never lack any f those three aspects.
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
GFDJ : Good design should be self explanatory and self promoting. Good design should be able to sell itself without persuading being needed.
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
GFDJ : I would love to continue designing travel accessories. I am interested in developing more products for the senior demographic .
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
GFDJ : developing and selling my travel line
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
GFDJ : get involved in the process, enjoy every moment of it
DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
GFDJ : I love designers with a unique an eclectic mind, I would say currently the legend designers I look up to are Marcel Wanders and Ross Lovegrove but I have a unique admiration for Norman Bel Geddes, his vision and his over the top creativity.
DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
GFDJ : I love the Futurama exhibition by Norman Bel Geddes for the 1939 World's Fair. It was a full display of creativity with no boundaries and an exceptional level of showmanship that came from his theatrical background.
DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
GFDJ : I am very proud of the series of products created under errant and cheval. I have used this as an outlet of my love and passion for travel, art deco and the history of transportation.
DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
GFDJ : Keep learning about new materials and processes. Always see what other designers are doing and what the trends are so you understand where design in general is going and how much you want or not want to be a part of it.
DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?
GFDJ : Probably another outlet for my creative side, maybe a chef.
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
GFDJ : design is solving a problem in an efficient , cost effective and elegant way
DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
GFDJ : The faculty at RIT were always very supportive and a huge influence in my development as a designer
DL: What helped you to become a great designer?
GFDJ : I don't consider myself one. I think designers are always looking for the next challenge and I enjoy that
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
GFDJ : Just believing that I had the skills to become one, overcoming self doubt
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
GFDJ : I think we all have different styles. I like to show some amount of my process so people understand my inspiration and influences, but ultimately a good design should be self explanatory
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
GFDJ : I continue to develop travel accessories constantly, I love sharing my latest projects on Instagram at @guillermofok
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
GFDJ : being able to share more of my accessories on a larger scale
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
GFDJ : I can offer honest and constructive advice as a fellow designer
DL: How does design help create a better society?
GFDJ : Design should solve problems and bridge gaps. Goo design should be universal and that unites us.
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
GFDJ : Working on a series of weekender bags that I would love to share soon
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
GFDJ : Every project is a new challenge and comes with a reward. There's alway a new level of fulfillment whenever I finish a project personal or professional
DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
GFDJ : I am interested to see how virtual and physical world will meet to create new products and solutions
DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
GFDJ : like i mentioned before, I think the development of holistic solutions that transcend a physical object
DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
GFDJ : depends on the nature of the project, for travel goods I would say somewhenre between 3 to 8 months
DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
GFDJ : Research. I love diving into what has been done, what has worked and not worked
DL: What is your life motto as a designer?
GFDJ : Design for the user
DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
GFDJ : design should set the trends
DL: What is the role of technology when you design?
GFDJ : it varies on the project. For errant and cheval I wanted to keep things as analog as possible. On a regular basis, I do use technology quite a bit, so it is a good balance to have.
DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
GFDJ : AutoCAD, 3D studio Max
DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
GFDJ : It is a key component in industrial design, it should complement but not sacrifice functionality
DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?
GFDJ : I love talking about the background and research behind it !
DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
GFDJ : I love finding out more about the process and what led the designer to offer that particular solution
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
GFDJ : I believe in it 100%. I think it's always good to have a different perspective , whether it is co-designing or just asking peers for advice
DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
GFDJ : My mentors / professors at school had a big influence
DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
GFDJ : 'Horizons' by Bel Geddes
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
GFDJ : Time, patience and lots or trial and error. Being a hands on designer is pivotal to becoming a successful professional
DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
GFDJ : I would love to talk to Raymond Loewy, Frank Lloyd Right and Norman Bel Geddes
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
GFDJ : It's always a great to receive recognition and know you're making a difference !
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
GFDJ : Midnight blue, Rome, Lobster, Summer, vintage art deco tie ca. 1935, Alessi
DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
GFDJ : I remember thinking I had the perfect direction for my first luggage item and bumping into the exact solution created in the late 1800s. It was funny and it encouraged me to keep researching and not settling for the first idea that came to mind !
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
GFDJ : Watching good design and finding inspiration in nature, architecture and every day products
DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
GFDJ : I always loved to build and deconstruct things!
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
GFDJ : Hopefully a holistic and sustainable approach to life and design
DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
GFDJ : I'd love to hear your input, thoughts and suggestions on my current designs and what you'd love to see next !
