Maciej Kasprzak

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Maciej Kasprzak ("MK") 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?

MK : I'm a student of art and mathematics on the university of Augsburg in Germany.

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

MK : I want to become a designer, because I really like the process of developing a new object from a scratch.

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

MK : I'm not even studying design, but I want to become a good designer.

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

MK : I currently design jewelry, because it is a cheap entry if you want to have final product. I would wish to design more complex objects in the future.

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

MK : Not a legend.

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

MK : A good designer implements what he learned, a great designer forget it and try to find new ways.

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

MK : I would focus not only what you can see, but also on the associations, interpretation possibilities and most important the feeling by seeing/wearing it.

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

MK : I am a huge fan of quality which goes most of the time with good design.

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

MK : I would like to design accessories for fashion and jewelry houses like Bulgari, Zegna, Loro Piana, Damiani,... but also make designs for brans like Pininfarina, Bertone, Ferrari, Pagani or Zaha Hadid architects if I had the opportunity.

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

MK : I am currently working on a trolley which will set new standards.

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

MK : I can't tell it because I am a beginner.

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

MK : Horatio Pagani, Zaha Hadid, Christian Dior, ...

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

MK : I think that the dance bracelet is my greatest design, because it is much more than jewelry. The meaning and the relation to tradition and cultural aspects make the design unique.

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

MK : They can relate to art history and to culture and distance a bit from form follows function.

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

MK : I would become a teacher and if I had enough money I would become a professional racing driver.

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

MK : Design is for me a clear language that most of the people understand. Emotion and feelings can be expressed by the design...

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

MK : The platform YouTube and many tutorials helped me to learn how to use programs and design objects. I do nat have may supporters, because the most people think I aim to high.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MK : discipline, self believe

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

MK : I couldn't work on 3d programs and had very limited time while studying full time and working.

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

MK : They should preset it just like art at museums and in the public space.

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

MK : You can expect from my many different projects in the future. Each of them will break with all the conventions and be a unique piece.

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

MK : I want to work on many exiting projects, have a good life and work part time remotely.

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

MK : They don't expect anything, because I am a starting designer an anyone don't know me.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MK : I work as a teacher and see the lack of interest in art and design. Very few pupils of mine were in a museum in their life time. Through design we can bring art/design in their lives and awake their interest.

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

MK : I am working on a sculpture made out of metal which will be exhibited on the campus of University of Augsburg.

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

MK : The Dance Bracelet gave me the most satisfaction, because I realized that I can achieve a lot in design.

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

MK : I would wish more complicated and more different designs.

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

MK : I think that the virtual world will be a huge field for designers.

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

MK : I takes me about 50 to 100 hours depending on the project. Some of them takes longer.

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

MK : I always start with some sketches.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MK : Design only objects which you will purchase.

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

MK : I think that both is right.

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

MK : The technology helps a lot and speed up the whole process.

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

MK : I do only use the free software Blender and the Adobe Cloud.

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

MK : It is there to underline the greatness of the design.

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

MK : Where can I buy it?

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

MK : Why I haven't got this idea?

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

MK : I do believe in co-design, but I haven't thought about the ideal partner. There are too many I could work with.

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

MK : I am not a master. I developed my skills by watching tutorials and trying to implement the knowledge into my designs.

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

MK : I would like to talk with Horazio Pagani, Flavio Manzoni, Virgil Abloh, Christian Dior,...

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

MK : I don't know - still waiting for the fame ;)

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

MK : blue, Sardinia, can't choose one, summer, watch, Apple

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

MK : The funniest think is that I am not a designer, but a normal student of art and mathematics who has won a design competition.

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

MK : I do want a better life.

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

MK : No. I wanted to become an architect.

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

MK : We will travel between many planets.

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

MK : There are many designs on progress. If you want to know about me or my designs follow me on Instagram: maciekmichalKasprzak