Zeinab Iranzadeh Ichme

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Zeinab Iranzadeh Ichme ("ZII") 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?

ZII : In my childhood, my paintings and drawing comparing to other kids weren't good at all, and I remember that my mom was very worried about it! But I always enjoyed doing them and as my cultural background, I was surrounded by colorful surface patterns and motifs. Also, my father's job was not related to art, but he has a passion for art, and as I remember he always has done many craft and creative kinds of stuff and installation for my birthday or for decorating my childhood room. Finally, the serious part took place with my enrolment into the Art school. I have an Associated degree in Graphic design and a BA in Fashion Design. After graduating from Graphic design, I immediately started working for some companies and I started working as a Freelance designer since 2011.

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

ZII : I enjoy expressing my emotions over designing, then always there is a motivation. As I enjoy the process of creating and expressing myself through the design process, that’s the main reason for choosing to be a designer.

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

ZII : I chose it completely by myself.

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

ZII : It varies, it could be a design for a mural painting, a single motif, or even a fashion collection.

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

ZII : I really don’t care about the age range, I think each designer is a unique one and each one has its own ability to create own desired world, considering to who wants to be and what wants to express.

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

ZII : First of all, I think every good designer could be a great designer, it's the same road and the difference it could be the path that each one chooses to continue. As a result, a good designer at some point may be distracted trough some conditions while a great designer is someone who tries to be focused and it's open-minded in terms of growth and expansion in his/her art career.

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

ZII : It's not about simplicity or being complicated. I think a good design it’s made by the harmony between the designing process part which starts from an idea and it ends with the final result.

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

ZII : There are no rules, each design that corresponds to its functionality, fulfills its purpose, respects the client's need, could be a good one.

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

ZII : Starting a new Illustration project.

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

ZII : Regarding that, each one can his/hers, but for me, it's about paying attention to my feelings even I’m going to decide to start a new project.

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

ZII : william morris, Yayoi kusama, henri Gillet

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

ZII : In terms of Fabric design as well as fashion, I can mention the ETRO brand, because they mix different cultures and make their own unique pieces, I enjoy the harmony and the relation between their creations.

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

ZII : There are many of them published in my own books. I like the most of my floral patterns as well as animals that I created them inspired by my cultural heritage motifs. They are pieces that every time I take a look at them, I can get a good vibe from them.

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

ZII : I think each one needs to go on his/her path and experience a lot of things to find their own way, cause I believe each one could be a unique one.

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

ZII : Impossible to think about! Cause this is what makes me feel satisfied and happy.

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

ZII : It's an absolute Freedom and joy.

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

ZII : Obviously I always had my family support but also a great and unforgettable person, who has a significant role in where I'm standing nowadays “Rudy Gabriel”.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ZII : If you can enjoy what you do, lose yourself in the process, feel free, then you’ll be able to reach whatever you want.

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

ZII : There's no such thing called “obstacle”. For me, it's about a road that you always will keep going forward and enjoying your own unique trip, no matter what.

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

ZII : It depends and varies base on different design categories, but in general, definitely, the presentation part also has an important role. It's about doing the adequate way possible, cause if you are satisfied with your creation, then the presenting part would be about adding extra value to that.

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

ZII : There's no such an ultimate goal for me, cause I think when you achieve something then next step you want something more, by the moment it would be about an expansion of my designs based on new fascinating ideas and having my own shop to sell surface pattern designs for the home sector as well as fashion.

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

ZII : Innovation and quality.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ZII : In terms of Surface pattern design and regarding today's society, paying attention to the final result and ambient would be important. Also adding a design that could offer a refreshing look, help you to relax and gives you a good mood, it could be a helpful point to consider.

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

ZII : Actually I'm collaborating on designing a women’s collection, that's very exciting for me because after graduating, I can consider it as my first experience in the fashion industry.

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

ZII : I'm quite satisfied with all of them, each one took me one step forward, so they all are like puzzles that complete me as a designer.

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

ZII : I hope we can see more designs which could help to make a world a better place to live for all and I believe every design regarding its aspect could be a part of that.

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

ZII : It depends on the project, sometimes I need more time to make changes or even modifications the whole idea, it could vary between 2-3 days till a week. Cause each piece has to come out with my complete satisfaction.

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

ZII : I start it with an idea that comes to my mind and the rest it takes place. It's almost like an exciting journey.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ZII : Free your mind and everything will take place at the right time and moment.

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

ZII : I think it goes hand in hand, sometimes it depends on society and the aspects that it needs, sometimes not.

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

ZII : With the new technology, you can bring your idea easier, even it helps you to connect to people and express the idea even more, as a consequence the design could be something more vivid in life.

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

ZII : Sketchbook, different types of pencils including color pencils, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, markers, Adobe programs, Graphic tablet.

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

ZII : The good balance between them considering the design type could lead you to achieve a successful design project.

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

ZII : They are free to ask everything.

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

ZII : It gives me pleasure, pure joy, and appreciation.

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

ZII : I never had done any project under someone's influence. I learned from many people, but in terms of influence, I can tell that I'm unaffected.

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

ZII : Biography books, even not related to any artist or designer, made me think more and review my life focal points, cause I believe they helped me a lot even in terms of my personality changes and updates, which could have a direct effect on my way and design concepts.

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

ZII : Through the process of experimentation without hesitation.

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

ZII : Alexander McQueen

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

ZII : It's really exciting and also hard to explain my true feelings about it.

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

ZII : I don’t have any favorite color and all depends on my mood, I love all colors, I love nature. Also about food and season, I don’t have any favorites. About the brand, There are many of them, but I like the creative designs of Viktor and Rolf a lot.

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

ZII : I get up early and I meditate every morning or even during the day. I go to the gym to exercise, cause it also helps me a lot to can free my mind and being more concentrate on my ideas and new projects, besides I'm training myself to enjoy little things in my daily life because the good feeling is something essential for my day. As a consequence, all those things guide me to stay motivated.

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

ZII : I just live in the present.

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

ZII : Believe in yourself and you will find the best way that works for you.