Vanja Vizner

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Vanja Vizner ("VV") 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?

VV : I grew up in a creative environment that profoundly shaped me. My father was a photographer and an early IT enthusiast; my grandfather painted nature, portraits, and church frescoes; and my mother nurtured my sense of creativity and possibility. We were one of the first families in my town to have a computer, which sparked my fascination with blending art and technology.I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but as a child, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be. During elementary school, my art teacher, Alen Miller, played a key role in encouraging me to develop my skills. By the end of elementary school, I had passed the entrance exam for art school. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I wasn’t able to attend, so I had to find my own path. I became involved with Kulturni centar mladih Kutina, where I discovered graffiti and found the confidence to express myself creatively. My friends and I also revived a space called "Baraka," turning it into a hub for music and art. Later, in Rijeka, I began experimenting with Photoshop, creating album covers, T-shirts, logos, and other small design projects. Attending the Lost Theory Festival was a transformative experience—it introduced me to the psychedelic movement and connected me with the visionary art scene. Inspired by Neil Gibson’s work and the community I discovered there, I returned to creating art and began exploring themes of truth, universality, and the deeper aspects of human experience. These principles now form the foundation of my work.

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

VV : What motivates me to design is the love of exploring, experimenting, and self-expression. I became a designer because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do with my life. It’s not just something I truly enjoy, but it also comes effortlessly to me. Designing feels like a natural and integral part of who I am.

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

VV : It’s a bit of both. I always wanted to be a designer, but there were many challenges along the way that required me to push through. Despite those obstacles, my passion for design kept me on track, and I eventually found my path.

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

VV : I started with my first art collection, Black Edition, which completed a significant portion of my body of work. Since then, I’ve developed various 3D techniques and plan to create a batch of album art. Going forward, I want to focus more on clothing designs and, eventually, collaborate on creating art and visuals for stage performances. I’m excited to expand into these areas and continue evolving my creative expression.

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

VV : Stay curious and never let fear hold you back. Embrace mistakes as stepping stones and always trust in your unique perspective. The key to becoming a legend is authenticity and persistence—staying true to your vision while being open to new ideas and learning from the world around you.

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

VV : A good designer can execute the principles of design well, but a great designer goes beyond that. They transcend traditional rules, bringing something innovative and purposeful to the table. They infuse their work with meaning and a deep connection to both their craft and the world.

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

VV : A really good design stands out by its ability to captivate and resonate. When I evaluate design, I first look for originality, whether it presents a new angle or offers a unique interpretation of existing ideas. I also consider its ability to communicate its message clearly and effectively, making sure that its purpose is evident and accessible. A good design also holds emotional power, evoking feelings or thoughts that stick with the viewer, creating an impact beyond its initial appearance. Additionally, I assess its energy—how it feels and how that feeling is conveyed through the design's structure, flow, and details. I believe that true design should go beyond the visual, connecting to something deeper, whether it’s its source, meaning, or message.

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

VV : Good design transforms experiences, solves problems, and fosters connections. It goes beyond aesthetics by enhancing functionality and improving interactions. It adds lasting value, evokes emotions, and brings joy through meaningful details. Investing in good design enhances both the practical and emotional aspects of life, contributing to higher quality experiences. Ultimately, design is one of humanity’s greatest achievements—creation itself.

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

VV : I would like to design for a clothing brand like Neo4ic, not only creating for them but also achieving and maintaining the level of success and influence they have. Their approach resonates with me, and I admire the way they’ve built and sustained their brand.

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

VV : The project I haven't yet had the chance to fully realize is creating VJ animations and designing immersive VJ spectacles. It's something I've been working towards.

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

VV : My secret recipe for success in design includes authenticity, patience, wisdom, resilience, and persistence, and all is driven by action. These are qualities that are common in a winning mentality, no matter how long it takes to achieve my vision.

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

VV : I draw inspiration from designers and artists who push boundaries and innovate fearlessly, such as Neil Gibson, Fabian Jimenez, Hakan Hisim, Nate Khouli, Salvador Dalí, and H.R. Giger.

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

VV : Neil Gibson’s Paramatrix stands out to me for its organic, futuristic grid design, full of details that break the grid-like system with organic formations. Nate Khouli’s holographic and futuristic clothing designs, Neo4ic are another favorite. They showcase incredible attention to detail, not just in the design itself but in how the entire process, including branding, product placement, and execution, comes together. Both of these works push boundaries, turning unconventional ideas into something extraordinary, whether it’s through biological-like formations, fluid motions of color, or advanced, futuristic designs. I find them inspiring for how they balance beauty with bold, innovative thinking.

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

VV : My greatest and most ambitious design is Spirit Specter; it took 7 and a half years to finish. It encapsulates the themes of transformation, growth, and balance. The artwork is divided into stages—Nature, Human, Karma, and Union—which symbolically represent the journey from the physical to the spiritual. The design's strength lies in its ability to combine complex spiritual and philosophical concepts into a harmonious visual narrative, inviting self-reflection and personal growth.

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

VV : I believe that growth comes from embracing lifelong learning, experimentation, and authenticity. For me, it was all about pushing boundaries and being open to feedback at all times. I worked hard to reflect on my mistakes and used them as opportunities for growth. A key part of the process is always being curious and staying humble in the face of what you don’t yet know.

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

VV : Photography or filmmaking would have been natural alternatives. I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling, and both fields offer a different way to capture and communicate the essence of human experience, much like design does.

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

VV : At its core, design is an approach to solving a problem. For me, design is like playing with color, form, and motion.

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

VV : There are a variety of people who have helped me along the way; some of them gave me great insights, some tested my knowledge, and some of my biggest supporters are people I have never met.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VV : Patience, persistence, and the willingness to continue to move forward. I’ve always stayed curious and open to new ideas, which has been instrumental in my development. By constantly challenging myself and stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve been able to evolve as a designer.

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

VV : My path was far from a smooth one. Sleeping on rough streets and in temporary houses provided me with plenty of challenges, but it also forced me to become stronger and more gentle at the same time. However, I carried my tablet with me and worked regardless. Along the way, I was able to meet a variety of people and find common ground, which ultimately shaped and broadened my unique approach to design.

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

VV : I believe authenticity is key when presenting your work. It’s not just about showcasing the final product—it’s about sharing the narrative behind it, the journey, and the intention that guided the process.

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

VV : I’m currently finishing my web shop featuring my Black collection. Next, I plan to create a White collection to complete this body of work. Additionally, I aim to design clothing and, since it will all be digital, use these designs as assets for my VJ animations and music album art. Beyond that, I have some ambitious projects in mind that I’ll reveal in time, combining creativity and technology in innovative ways.

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

VV : My ultimate goal is to create work that resonates beyond time and place. I want my designs to inspire people to explore deeper connections with themselves and the world around them, sparking transformation through art.

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

VV : People expect originality, authenticity, and a sense of purpose in everything I create. They want to see something that challenges their perceptions and invites them to think differently.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

VV : Design forces us to think in innovative ways, either by completely reimagining the old or by following tradition with a new approach. it shape our lives, from simplest to most complex parts of society.

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

VV : I’m working on an experimental multimedia project that integrates visuals, sound, and clothing in a way that creates an immersive experience for the audience. It’s a project that blends art with technology to explore new forms of interaction and connection—something I’m really passionate about.

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

VV : Community-based projects have been especially fulfilling. These projects often have a direct and tangible impact, helping to bring people together and promote positive change. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your work serve a purpose that benefits a wider group of people.

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

VV : I’d love to see more accessibility in terms of resources and tools for young, emerging designers. More flexibility and help from governmental bodies regarding their requirements. Along with that, I think there should be a greater emphasis on sustainability in the industry. The future of design should be more mindful of its impact on the planet.

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

VV : The future of design lies in immersive, interactive experiences. I see a merging of technology and traditional design elements, where physical and digital worlds converge in ways that deeply engage our senses. This evolution opens up exciting new possibilities for how we experience and interact with art and design.

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

VV : It depends on the complexity of the project. Some designs can take several months, while others evolve over year and the longest it took to develop was 7 and a half years. The timeline is influenced by the depth of the concept and the amount of experimentation needed to bring the vision to life.

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

VV : Most of my works have the same trajectory. I start everything on paper and then take it and further develop it inside Photoshop. My artwork usually takes time, where I develop it section by section, connecting one thing to another, carefully crafting piece by piece. But most of the time, I don’t know the whole meaning until the finish—it unravels to me like a flower blossoms.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

VV : I guess "Do it" is the best motto for me; it's simple, clear and precise.

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

VV : I believe design both sets and responds to trends. Designers are often the ones who push boundaries and introduce new ideas that eventually become trends. However, trends are also shaped by societal shifts and cultural movements, which designers absorb and adapt to.

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

VV : Technology is an essential tool for expanding my creative possibilities. It allows me to experiment with new mediums, reach wider audiences, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

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

VV : I primarily use Photoshop for digital painting and illustrations, relying on my Wacom Cintiq 13HD tablet to bring my ideas to life. It’s a tool that allows me to work fluidly, combining traditional techniques with digital capabilities.

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

VV : Color, materials, and ambiance are all crucial elements that help convey the emotional and psychological essence of a design. They create atmosphere, guide the viewer’s experience, and add layers of meaning. In my work, I pay close attention to these aspects to ensure that everything harmonizes with the intended message.

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

VV : I’d love for people to ask what the story is behind the design, how it reflects both my personal journey and the universal themes I explore. I hope my work encourages deep thought and invites others to engage in a dialogue about the ideas and concepts embedded within.

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

VV : When I see great design, sometimes I react to it, sometimes I'm intrigued by it, and sometimes i try to feel it and by feeling it see where it may comes from. What story is it telling, from which root or mindset it may come from? How does it make me feel? I appreciate designs that not only captivate visually but also provoke thought or stir emotions and my imagination. I often think about the creative process that went into making it and how I could apply something similar to my own work.

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

VV : I believe in collaboration and the power of co-design. My ideal partner would be someone who complements my skills and brings a different perspective to the table someone who’s open to experimenting and pushing boundaries together.

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

VV : I don’t really let people directly influence my designs, though indirectly they can have an impact by offering advice. I prefer to keep the whole process as a self-development project, for better or worse.

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

VV : One book I read a long time ago truly put things into perspective and broadened my views—The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo.

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

VV : I developed my skills through constant learning, practice, and self-reflection. I have work through and use mistakes as a jumping point which sometimes ended up as pivotal points in design changes. I always take on board feedback from others as they give me outsiders view but the end . Also, experimenting with different mediums and styles helped me refine my voice.

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

VV : If I could meet anyone, it would be the great innovators from history—people like Tesla, Lao Tzu, Da Vinci, Dali, or H.R. Giger. I would love to discuss their philosophies on life, creativity, and the nature of reality.

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

VV : The awards and recognition are humbling, I really appreciate receiving the minds within my field, their presence really made my life wealthier. They affirm that my work resonates with others, which I find very fulfilling.

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

VV : My favorite color is royal purple, which symbolizes mystery and transformation. When it comes to places, I’m drawn to natural beauty, especially serene settings like forests or the sea. As for food, I love ramen and sushi, as well as Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine.

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

VV : A great day is one where I feel that I’ve made progress on a project—whether it’s a breakthrough idea or simply refining a detail. I motivate myself by reminding myself of my purpose and the impact I want to have.

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

VV : As a child, I was always drawn to creativity, whether it was drawing or taking pictures. It wasn’t obvious that I’d become a designer, but it’s clear now that my creative instincts were always there, waiting to be nurtured.

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

VV : In a thousand years, I imagine we will have transcended many of the limitations we currently face, both technologically and spiritually. The way we create and experience art will evolve to be more immersive and connected, perhaps blending mind, body, and technology in ways we can’t yet fully comprehend.

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

VV : I want my fans to know that my design is always a reflection of my inner journey and my desire to help others explore their own potential. My work is more than just art; it’s a way of sparking a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. I hope it invites people to challenge themselves and grow, just as I have.