Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh ("SM") 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?

SM : My passion for design, particularly jewelry design, was discovered during my second semester studying law. I decided to spend that summer interning at a jewelry workshop, an experience that profoundly shaped my career path. Although I don't have formal academic qualifications in design, I've always made it a priority to stay connected to the academic design community.

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

SM : At 18, I found myself at a crossroads, torn between pursuing art or business, as I was passionate about both. After completing an internship, I realized that design could be the perfect intersection of art and commerce. What I value most about design is its ability to express the emotions I struggle to articulate in words while simultaneously creating value for the community.

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

SM : Design was undoubtedly a choice for me, and it has certainly been the best decision of my life

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

SM : I primarily work in the field of jewelry design, and I strive to create pieces that not only hold value but also convey meaningful expressions and concepts.

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

SM : What is crucial is to study and observe the world around you with care. You need to see this world with precision to be able to change it or add something to it in the pursuit of creating value.

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

SM : What sets a good designer apart from a great one is their perspective on the world around them. In my view, great designers must be ahead of society, envisioning the future, while good designers focus only on the present.

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

SM : A really good design is one that can create value and sustain itself in the market or society for years. Designs that are recognized for a short period and then quickly forgotten cannot be considered really good designs.

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

SM : This is a question I am passionate about. The value of a good design lies in its ability to change the way we live and behave. Good design seeks to solve problems or make life easier. Investing in a good design guides society towards the right future.

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

SM : One of the projects that has been occupying my mind lately is related to the culture of love in Kurdistan. I will likely start it soon.

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

SM : There are so many of them, including ideas that formed in my mind even before I started designing professionally. Most of these works stem from the novels and poems I read during my teenage years, which I now wish to transform into jewelry.

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

SM : In reality, there is no secret element for success in design. It's the effective engagement of the five senses that helps you become a successful designer.

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

SM : Karl Lagerfeld continues to teach me new lessons even after his passing. I believe his designs remain at the forefront of today’s fashion world. His unique personality and innovative creations have always captivated me, and I constantly strive to learn from his life and work in both my personal and professional endeavors.

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

SM : One of the collections that I truly admire is Stephen Webster's "Seven Deadly Sins." The reason I love this collection is that Stephen has managed to imbue the seven deadly sins with beauty and has shattered the preconceived images we had of these sins before seeing his work.

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

SM : I always believe that my greatest design is my next one. As soon as I finish a project, I immediately start brainstorming for my next design.

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

SM : To become a good designer, simply observe the behavior of successful designers carefully and learn from their lives.

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

SM : If I hadn't pursued design, I likely would have delved into songwriting. It's something I've had a deep passion for many years, and it continues to inspire much of my work in the world of jewelry even today.

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

SM : Design, in my perspective, can be succinctly defined as problem-solving and addressing needs to create value or alter the current world. These values encompass not only practical issues but also emotional considerations.

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

SM : My family has always been my main support in life, but what has truly kept me grounded spiritually is undoubtedly my love for Kurdistan. Most of my inspirations stem from the culture and history of this region

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SM : I believe the transition from a novice designer to a recognized one relies solely on effort, with no other factors involved. Strive to learn more at every stage and see the world around you more clearly. A good designer is undoubtedly also a good observer

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

SM : In the beginning, every profession faces numerous obstacles. One significant challenge is determining which area of design to specialize in.You can't excel in every design field, and it's through experience that you discover your true passion

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

SM : One of the challenges designers face in my country, Iran, is how to present their work effectively. Many Iranian designers believe that investors are purely business-minded and can't distinguish between good and bad designs. However, I think the issue isn't solely with the investors. Designers also need to improve how they present their concepts to clients. It's crucial for a good designer to not only have academic knowledge but also to understand the target market thoroughly and design accordingly.

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

SM : My next project revolves around the culture of love in Kurdistan. This design will draw inspiration from the rich Kurdish culture while also considering market trends. Beyond addressing emotional needs, the project aims to solve a specific problem and create value. This approach ensures the design is both culturally resonant and practically beneficial.

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

SM : As a designer, my primary goal is to address and solve the challenges of the modern world. For instance, we must consider what needs more attention in today's society and identify solutions that can transform the modern world into a better place to live. By focusing on these critical issues, we can create designs that not only meet functional needs but also add value and improve quality of life.

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

SM : I don't believe people have specific expectations from designers, and they might not even consider the issues that designers think about. What truly matters to them is solving their everyday problems and challenges. even making them happy for a few moments or evoking their emotions can satisfy them.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SM : A designer can create a better society by guiding it towards a well-conceived future.

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

SM : I am currently designing a course in my hometown, Urmia, aimed at the design community. This course is intended to help designers develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The success of the course can only be judged by the results we achieve at its conclusion. I find the concept of designing to change people's mindsets incredibly fascinating.

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

SM : I remember starting a startup two or three years ago. That period of my life, and the process of designing the startup, was incredibly enjoyable. Working with a professional team where everyone understood their responsibilities and gave their best effort was immensely rewarding. Our collective dedication ensured that our efforts culminated in a successful outcome.

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

SM : In the coming years, I'm eager to witness increased interdisciplinary collaborations in the design industry, focusing on creating products with the ability to generate greater value. The utilization of artificial intelligence in design is another aspect I'm confident will become more prevalent in the future. It's incredibly exciting for me to anticipate these advancements.

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

SM : I believe the field of design is compelled to incorporate artificial intelligence, which makes the story much more intriguing. It's strange to me that some designers fear losing their jobs due to AI because I think AI will merely be an assisting tool alongside others. However, it could be a truly great assisting tool that might even elevate us from being just human to becoming superhuman!

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

SM : I believe the completion time of a design project entirely depends on the designer. Allocating more time to a project also demands more time from us. Recently, we decided to complete a project similar to one that previously took months in just one week, and I found it really effective.

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

SM : When initiating a design project, I employ two distinct approaches depending on whether I have a clear idea or not. If I have a defined concept, I quickly develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using the Lean Startup method and evaluate market feedback. Conversely, if I lack an idea, I utilize Design Thinking to analyze user behaviors, identify problems, and empathize with users to discover potential solutions.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SM : Resistance Is Life

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

SM : I believe both perspectives can be valid. As I've mentioned, design is fundamentally about identifying and solving problems. Taking it a step further, the manner in which we solve a problem can be even more crucial than the solution itself. Sometimes, a design already exists globally, but we reframe or redesign it, giving it a new context or application. Other times, we create entirely new processes.

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

SM : Undoubtedly, the role of technology in design cannot be overlooked, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. Currently, technology serves as an invaluable tool aiding the design process.

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

SM : As a jewelry designer, I utilize various software and plugins to enhance my work. One of my favorite tools is Rhino, known for its precision and versatility in jewelry design. Additionally, I find the Matrix plugin incredibly delightful and useful. With the advent of artificial intelligence, these technologies have become even more supportive and transformative in the design process.

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

SM : Undoubtedly, materials and color are two of the most crucial elements in jewelry design, serving both aesthetic and conceptual purposes. The context in which jewelry is presented also plays a significant role. For instance, what may be considered beautiful and widely accepted in one region of Iran, the country where I reside, might not hold the same appeal in another part of the country.

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

SM : As a designer, I genuinely appreciate when design can speak for itself without needing further explanation. However, if questions are to be asked, I would prefer people to inquire about the origins of the ideas. Understanding the source of inspiration and the thought process behind a design can provide a deeper appreciation of the work and its context.

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

SM : First and foremost, I mentally commend the designer for their creation. Then, I contemplate the origins of the design and consider how the designer could have presented it even more effectively.

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

SM : Absolutely, design is undoubtedly an interdisciplinary field. My partner, Parisa Najafi, and I started our jewelry design journey together. She excels in certain skills that I don't, and I have strengths in other areas where she may not. This complementary skill set allows us to work together more effectively and efficiently.

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

SM : One of the individuals who taught me how to become more professional in design was Dr. Daiechian. With a Master's in Industrial Design and a , Ph.D's in Entrepreneurship. she helped me approach design with a more business-oriented perspective, enabling me to create more functional and efficient products.

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

SM : "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman was one of those remarkable books that had a profound impact on my design work. Through Norman's insights, I gained a deeper understanding of how to create products that are intuitive, user-friendly, and well-designed, ultimately enhancing my approach to design.

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

SM : I have learned design entirely through practical experience and apprenticeships, without any formal academic background. To bridge this gap, I have sought to connect with academic professionals to learn more from them. This effort has helped me become a more professional designer who understands the market well and is familiar with the academic environment. However, I still aspire to study jewelry design academically in Italy at one of its renowned universities.

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

SM : One of the regrets in my life is not having met Karl Lagerfeld during his lifetime. Another individual I greatly admire and would love to meet is Don Norman. His books have had a profound impact on my approach to design.

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

SM : I feel incredibly positive about awards. I believe every individual needs to be recognized for their hard work and efforts from time to time to know they are on the right path. When this recognition comes from professionals within your field, it is undoubtedly even more gratifying. Most people in today's modern world have a strong desire for fame. However, it is certainly not an easy task, especially if you strive to maintain ethical standards along the way.

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

SM : I truly have a cyclical love for different colors, and in each phase of my life, I've had a favorite. Currently, I am very fond of black. My favorite food is kebab koobideh, and I believe that even if it's made by the worst chef you know, it can still be delicious. One thing I deeply love is Kurdistan, the place where I was born and where my personality was shaped. My favorite brand is anything that Karl Lagerfeld is behind.

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

SM : Unfortunately, I am a smoker, and I know it's harmful to my health. Once, during a job interview, an employer asked me if I smoke. I was torn between lying to get the job or telling the truth. I decided to be honest, and to my surprise, the employer said it was a good thing because he doesn't work with non-smoking designers. Curious, I asked why. He explained that smoking jewelry designers tend to relax in their chairs after finishing their work, light a cigarette, and carefully review their designs before exporting them. In contrast, non-smoking designers tend to export their files immediately, often with mistakes. This story intrigued me, and I later learned that this mindset exists in various fields in Iran, from construction workers to designers. Interesting, isn't it?

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

SM : When I follow my plans and manage to complete all my tasks in an organized manner throughout the day, it holds great value for me. By the end of the day, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and admiration for myself.

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

SM : Honestly, as a child, I never considered becoming a designer; my aspirations leaned more towards becoming a president :) During my teenage years, I aspired to be a writer or a lyricist rather than a designer. However, looking back, I recall moments when my family struggled to design my grandmother's house, and I stepped in with my design, earning their admiration. Or the times I would get lost in the beauty of rings and bracelets while window jewelry shopping with my mother. It’s clear now that there was always something within me, a passion for design, that I was unaware of until I turned 18.

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

SM : Thinking about a thousand years into the future is truly a dreamlike endeavor. I imagine that Earth might be uninhabitable by then, but don't worry! By that time, humanity will likely have conquered several other planets, thanks to the efforts of Elon Musk today.

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

SM : What I want to say in conclusion is directed to the community of designers. Whether you are just starting your journey in design or you are a seasoned expert with years of experience, I urge you to take your work very seriously. The future is shaped by your hands, and if it does not turn out well, without a doubt, you will be among the main culprits for this outcome.