Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar ("KKB") 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?

KKB : I am a graphic designer from Goa, India. I have a Bachelors in Visual Arts- Applied Arts from Karanataka Chitrakala Parishath, Banglore, India and MA Communication Design-Graphic Design from Kingston University, UK.

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

KKB : It would be cliche to say that I have a passion for design from my childhood. But yes, I did lean more towards arts, language and history from my school days. My passion and destiny eventually took me toward design school.

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

KKB : I chose to become a designer and my parents have always been supportive.

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

KKB : I have a strong desire to make a difference through designs which reflect on real-world scenarios.

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

KKB : A good designer is someone who can convey what the world is feeling right now in his/her designs and a great designer is someone who can at the same time also change that feeling.

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

KKB : There's always a perspective that a designer tries to bring in to his/her designs. But, if the design is understood by the target group without any questions/confusions is good design.

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

KKB : Until now I haven't had a chance to do minimalistic design which I think is interesting. Also, I want to try doing illustrations.

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

KKB : One of my favourite quotes is 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference' by Robert Frost. My designs reflect this approach.

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

KKB : 'Climate Name Change' is one of the campaigns that I really like. I also admire the works of Jessica Walsh.

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

KKB : We should be open to ideas anywhere and anytime. It can also be while having a shower.

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

KKB : I would be a lawyer or a teacher.

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

KKB : I am still trying to figure it out. But design, I think, is a universal language, very simple and understood by everyone.

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

KKB : My parents, who are my backbone. My husband, who is my mentor and also my biggest supporter.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KKB : It is all about passion.

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

KKB : I have a strong desire to make a difference through designs which reflect on real-world scenarios so I want to work in an ad agency where I can work on projects targeted for social good.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KKB : It's the designer who can convey what the world is feeling right now in his/her designs and at the same time can also change that feeling.

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

KKB : AR/VR is the next big thing. I see that even the posters are being made in AR which is very interesting.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KKB : 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference'- this is all I follow.

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

KKB : It is the design that sets the trend. Any design- fashion, graphics or furniture.

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

KKB : Technology helps the design to elevate in terms of reach and impact.

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

KKB : Co-designing is important to understand different perspectives. My ideal design partner would be someone who elevates my thought process not just on professional but also on a personal level.

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

KKB : I would love to have a chat with Jessica Walsh and understand her creative process.

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

KKB : I have a long way to go. This is just a beginning.

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

KKB : I keep myself updated about what is going around in the world. It does reflect on the designs.

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

KKB : Yes, and I am thankful to my parents for supporting my choice.

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

KKB : It will be a whole new world- a better one, hopefully.