Maheen Sana

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Maheen Sana ("MS") 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?

MS : I'm self-taught.

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

MS : I enjoy the process.

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

MS : It was my personal choice.

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

MS : I make digital art. I wish to make more sketches.

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

MS : I am not a design legend, but I would suggest young digital artists not delay learning perspective, colour theory, composition, and so on.

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

MS : I don't know.

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

MS : It should look good.

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

MS : The value you give it, I guess.

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

MS : I would create more art based on my experiences with people.

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

MS : My comic.

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

MS : The secret ingredient is to stop listening to the people around you.

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

MS : Alexandre Diboine, Jessica Taylor, Darya Kozhemyakina, and many more people.

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

MS : Way too many. One of my favourite paintings is New Order by Mosh Art.

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

MS : My greatest drawings are my sketches.

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

MS : I didn't do anything which is why I'm nowhere near where I want to be. If you want to keep getting better, keep drawing.

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

MS : Probably a comedian or a writer of some sort.

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

MS : I haven't reached any heights. I don't think of my life in terms of my supporters. I don't know who my supporters are?

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

MS : I didn't face any obstacles in my art career.

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

MS : That's up to them.

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

MS : Expect a lot of rat jazz.

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

MS : To not be called a designer.

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

MS : I honestly have no idea.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MS : It doesn't. Art is beautiful to look at though.

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

MS : Getting back into drawing. Yes, I stopped for a long while.

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

MS : My sketches.

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

MS : I don't care much about that.

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

MS : It's irrelevant to me as a visual artist.

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

MS : 3-5 years.

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

MS : I start by writing about it.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MS : Wing it? No one knows what they're doing.

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

MS : Quite a big one since I am primarily a digital artist.

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

MS : I am using Affinity Photo these days.

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

MS : Quite a big one, I guess.

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

MS : I do not wish people to ask me about my drawings.

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

MS : That I should draw something.

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

MS : Probably my crushes.

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

MS : More recently, Kafka's books.

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

MS : By winging it.

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

MS : The guy on the bus that I like.

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

MS : I have only won 1 award. I feel okay about it.

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

MS : I like all colours, I suppose. My favourite place would be somewhere near the Mediterranean. Favourite season depends on the country. My favourite thing right now is reading about esoteric health advice. I don't have a favourite brand.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

MS : The funniest thing is when your inexperienced clients become your art director.

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

MS : I don't.

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

MS : It was obvious that I would draw for a living as an adult.

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

MS : Rat jazz.

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

MS : Someone please teach me how to not be afraid of a blank canvas. Thank you.