Teodora Todorova

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Teodora Todorova ("TT") 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?

TT : I have wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. Later when I started studying at National High School of Plastic arts and Design I made it clear to myself that there is nothing else I want to do than design in its whole essence. I have bachelor's in Industrial design and Master's in Automotive and Machine engineering design.

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

TT : I become a designer because I was motivated from my father who is also designer.

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

TT : Like I said I knew it since I was a child, it was my dream and I guess i made it come true

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

TT : Product design.

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

TT : To read, to have clear vision of what they want to do and to improve themselves everyday.

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

TT : Motivation and skills.

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

TT : The clear/simple idea, good presentation and functionality and aesthetics.

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

TT : Good design enhances functionality, improves user experience, and communicates trust and professionalism. It drives better engagement, efficiency, and long-term success, making it a worthwhile investment for everyone.

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

TT : Probably a concept car for HONDA

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

TT : Build a cozy little house.

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

TT : The secret recipe for success in design is a deep understanding of the user’s needs, combined with empathy, simplicity, and attention to detail. The secret ingredient? A relentless commitment to iteration and feedback.

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

TT : One is Jony Ive famed for revolutionizing product design with minimalism at Apple, other is Daniel Arsham and last but not least my father.

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

TT : Tesla Model S because of its combination of sleek, futuristic design with sustainability, making electric cars desirable and aspirational and also LEGO bricks for its variety of modular combinations, Burj Khalifa for its breathtaking architecture.

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

TT : ADA Autonomous Vehicle is currently my close to the heart design. I put a lot of effort into it. ADA prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can use it effortlessly. Its design considers diverse user needs, from intuitive interfaces to spacious interiors.

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

TT : Study the world around them, pay attention to good and bad designs, and ask, “Why does this work?” or “How could it be better. I constantly refined outputs based on feedback, making every iteration more user-focused and effective.

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

TT : A doctor.

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

TT : Design is a superpower.

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

TT : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TT : I do not think that I am a great designer, everyone who understands the main point of design and put an effort into creating meaningful products and improve its skills every day is a professional.

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

TT : A lot of tasks, new softwares, tendencies and deadlines.

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

TT : Everyone has their own point of view, the important thing is that it is aesthetically and functionally durable.

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

TT : A new concept car design.

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

TT : To present something that satisfies me and evokes emotion in the audiencе.

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

TT : Always provide new solutions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TT : Design is all around us, it is the measure of the aesthetics and culture of a given society. Good design is cohesive for its own sake.

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

TT : I have started a Phd for tendencies in design of cars.

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

TT : My NYMERIA project about autonomous removal of separated waste, because this topic is very relevant these days

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

TT : To produce more eco-friendly products.

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

TT : 1-3 Months

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

TT : Deeply researching the field and the trends.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TT : I haven't thought about that, probably everything is already produced, try to find something that noone thought about.

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

TT : I think the trends set the designs.

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

TT : Technology is one of the main things that designer should think about during the process.

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

TT : Mainly Autodesk 3Ds Max, Keyshot, Rhinoceros, Lumion, Photoshop and Premiere Pro. About the equipment - a built PC and a tablet

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

TT : Color, materials, and ambient elements play crucial roles in design, shaping the functionality, perception, and emotional connection of a product or space.

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

TT : To be interested in its functionality.

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

TT : I am pleased and glad that I have the opportunity to understand it in a way that not everyone could.

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

TT : Yes I believe in co-design, but now I am mostly a freelancer and I rely on myself

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

TT : My colleagues and my family

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

TT : Many hours working and learning new softwares.

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

TT : Ilon Musk.

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

TT : It’s humbling to receive awards and recognition, but the true reward is seeing designs positively impact people’s lives. “Fame” can feel overwhelming at times, as the pressure to meet expectations grows, but I try to focus on the joy of creating rather than the spotlight.

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

TT : My favourite color is yellowish green

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

TT : Funny and sadly is to have a knocking deadlines and a 3D printer that decides to stop working.

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

TT : Mostly with what surrounds me.

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

TT : I have a tons of paintings. I have painted all the time.

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

TT : Only time will tell. Maybe the world from fantasy movies will be ours.

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

TT : I am not much about words, I let my work speak for me. Thank you for this interview.