Jonathan Ramirez

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jonathan Ramirez ("JR") 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?

JR : I have a strong background in creative management, leadership, and digital design. I studied Graphic Design at Ingecomputo in Manizales, Colombia, and later earned a degree in Professional Advertising from Universidad Católica. Additionally, I attended the Creative Brother School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to further enhance my skills.

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

JR : I've always been passionate about creativity and visual expression. Becoming a designer allowed me to turn that passion into a career, where I can use my skills to bring ideas to life and create meaningful experiences for others.

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

JR : I chose to become a designer because of my love for creativity and visual expression. It's something that has always been a part of who I am, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

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

JR : I specialize in digital design, particularly in advertising and branding. I enjoy creating visually compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive results. In the future, I would love to work on more projects that allow me to explore new and innovative design concepts.

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

JR : To become a successful designer, it's essential to constantly push yourself to learn and grow. Seek out new experiences, be open to feedback, and never stop honing your craft. Also, don't be afraid to take risks and think outside the box.

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

JR : A good designer creates visually appealing work, while a great designer goes beyond aesthetics to solve problems and create meaningful experiences for users. Great designers are also excellent communicators and collaborators, able to effectively convey their ideas and work well with others.

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

JR : A good design effectively communicates its message, engages the audience, and solves a problem. It's visually appealing, functional, and memorable. I evaluate good design based on its impact, creativity, and how well it achieves its objectives.

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

JR : Good design can make a significant impact on businesses and organizations by helping them stand out, communicate effectively, and connect with their audience. Investing in good design is essential for building brand identity, increasing brand recognition, and driving customer engagement.

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

JR : If I had the time, I would love to work on projects that focus on social and environmental awareness. I believe design has the power to inspire change and make a positive impact on the world, and I would love to use my skills to support causes that are important to me.

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

JR : My dream project would be to work on a campaign that raises awareness about an important social or environmental issue and inspires real change. I would love to collaborate with organizations that are making a difference in the world and use my design skills to help amplify their message.

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

JR : I think the key to success in design is passion, persistence, and a willingness to continually learn and grow. It's essential to stay curious, stay inspired, and never stop pushing yourself to try new things and expand your skills.

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

JR : I'm inspired by many designers and creatives, but some of the legends who have had a significant impact on me include Milton Glaser, Saul Bass, Paul Rand, and Stefan Sagmeister.

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

JR : Some of my favorite designs by other designers include the work of Stefan Sagmeister. I admire his creativity, innovation, and willingness to push the boundaries of design. His work is always bold, unexpected, and thought-provoking, and I find it incredibly inspiring and and Adhemas batista whose digital craft is incomparable.

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

JR : One of my greatest designs is the branding campaign I created for Renault and its Limited Polar Edition. I'm particularly proud of this project because it effectively communicated the client's message, engaged the audience, and achieved outstanding results. Additionally, I think the design itself is visually compelling, memorable, and reflective of the client's brand identity.

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

JR : To improve as a designer, it's essential to continually challenge yourself, seek out new experiences, and stay open to feedback. I've always been proactive about seeking out learning opportunities, whether it's through formal education, online courses, or self-directed study. I also make a point to stay inspired by exploring new trends, attending design events, and surrounding myself with other creative people.

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

JR : If I hadn't become a designer, I think I would have pursued a career in another creative field, such as photography or illustration. I've always been passionate about visual expression, and I can't imagine doing anything that didn't allow me to be creative in some way.

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

JR : Design, for me, is about problem-solving, communication, and creativity. It's about finding innovative solutions to complex problems, effectively conveying ideas and messages, and creating meaningful experiences for users.

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

JR : I've been fortunate to have many mentors and supporters throughout my career who have helped me grow and develop as a designer. My biggest supporter has always been my family,who has encouraged me to pursue my passions and supported me every step of the way.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JR : I think what has helped me become a great designer is a combination of passion, hard work, and a willingness to continually learn and grow. I'm always pushing myself to try new things, expand my skills, and stay inspired by the world around me.

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

JR : One of the biggest obstacles I faced early in my career was self-doubt. It took me a while to develop confidence in my abilities and believe that I had what it takes to succeed as a designer. Overcoming that self-doubt and learning to trust my instincts was a significant challenge, but it ultimately made me a stronger and more resilient designer.

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

JR : I believe designers should present their work in a way that effectively communicates their ideas, showcases their skills, and highlights the value they bring to the project. This could include creating a portfolio website, developing case studies that demonstrate the design process, or presenting work in-person to potential clients or employers.

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

JR : My next design project is about some watercolor paintings. I'm excited about this project because this kind of expressions allow me to roll my sleeves and release some feeling on the paper. In the future, you can expect to see more innovative and creative work from me as I continue to push the boundaries of design and explore new opportunities for growth and development.

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

JR : My ultimate goal as a designer is to make a positive impact on the world through my work. Whether it's through creating memorable brand experiences, raising awareness about important social and environmental issues, or inspiring others to pursue their passions, I want to use my skills to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.

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

JR : ? I think people expect an esteemed designer like myself to consistently deliver high-quality work that exceeds expectations, pushes the boundaries of design, and makes a meaningful impact. They expect creativity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything I do.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JR : Design has the power to shape the way we see the world, communicate ideas, and solve problems. It can help create more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable communities, raise awareness about important social and environmental issues, and inspire positive change. By using design to address the challenges facing society, we can create a better, more equitable world for everyone.

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

JR : ? I'm currently working on NEW YORK ITINERARY and I'm especially excited about it because I have tried a new technic like mixed media, like watercolor, acrylics, marker colors among others. I think it's a project that has the potential to make a real impact and create meaningful change, and I can't wait to see the final results.

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

JR : Some of the design projects that have given me the most satisfaction are A Letter From the World for International Amnesty and Million Toys for PlayDoh!. I'm particularly proud of these projects because they have given many good friend and new explorations during their creation process. They were challenging, rewarding, and allowed me to push myself creatively in new and exciting ways.

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

JR : In the coming years, I would like to see the design industry become more inclusive, diverse, and accessible. I think there's still a lot of work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed in the field of design, and I'm committed to doing my part to make that happen.

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

JR : I think the design field is headed towards greater integration of technology, more emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, and a continued focus on creating meaningful, user-centered experiences. I'm excited to see how the field evolves in the coming years and to be a part of that evolution.

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

JR : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. On average, I would say it takes me about 4 weeks among brainstorming, planning, researching and designing to complete a design project from start to finish.

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

JR : When I have a new design project, I typically start by gathering as much information as possible about the client, their objectives, and their target audience. From there, I like to brainstorm ideas, sketch out rough concepts, and then refine those concepts into a final design.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JR : My life motto as a designer is "creativity takes courage." I believe that creativity requires us to take risks, step outside of our comfort zones, and challenge the status quo. It's about being willing to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them in order to grow and evolve as a designer.

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

JR : I think it's a bit of both. Designers have the power to shape trends and influence the way we see the world, but they're also influenced by the cultural, social, and technological trends happening around them. It's a symbiotic relationship where design both reflects and shapes the world we live in.

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

JR : Technology plays a crucial role in my design process. I use a variety of design software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, to bring my ideas to life and create visually compelling designs. Technology allows me to experiment, iterate, and refine my designs more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

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

JR : I primarily use Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Animate, and After Effects, for my design work. I also use presentation software such as Keynote and PowerPoint to create presentations for clients and stakeholders.

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

JR : Color, materials, and ambient play a crucial role in design, helping to create mood, evoke emotion, and communicate meaning. They can be used to reinforce brand identity, guide the user experience, and create a cohesive visual language across different touchpoints.

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

JR : I wish people would ask more about the story behind the design – what inspired it, how it came to be, and what impact it has had. I think understanding the thought process and intent behind a design can help people appreciate it more and see it in a new light.

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

JR : When I see a new great design or product, I'm always impressed by the creativity, innovation, and attention to detail that went into creating it. I admire the designer's ability to solve problems, push the boundaries of design, and create something truly memorable and impactful.

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

JR : My wife Juliana Betancur has been my ideal design partner throughout this journey. She has been actively involved in the conceptualization, brainstorming, and research processes, bringing her expertise as a copywriter to the table. Her insights and creativity have been invaluable, and together, we have been able to create designs that exceed our clients' expectations.

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

JR : I've been fortunate to work with many talented and inspiring people throughout my career who have had a significant influence on my design work. My mentors, colleagues, and clients have all played a role in shaping my design process, pushing me to think differently, and helping me grow as a designer.

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

JR : Some of the books that have had the most effect on my design include behind the scenes of movies like Spiderman across the verse and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These books have provided me with valuable insights, inspiration, and practical advice that have helped me become a better designer and thinker.

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

JR : I've developed my skills as a master designer through a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I'm always seeking out new opportunities to grow and improve as a designer, whether it's through taking classes, attending workshops, or studying the work of other designers.

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

JR : Irrelative of time and space, I would love to meet and talk with some of the design masters and legends who have inspired me throughout my career, such as Ademas Batista, and Stefan Sagmeister. I would love to hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and soak up as much wisdom and insight as possible.

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

JR : I'm incredibly grateful for the awards and recognition I've received throughout my career, but I don't think of myself as "famous." For me, it's always been about doing work that I'm proud of, making a positive impact, and pushing the boundaries of design. The awards and recognition are just a bonus – they're a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that I bring to my craft.

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

JR : My favorite color is olive green my favorite place is parent’s home, my favorite food is steak, my favorite season is fall, my favorite thing is soccer ball, and my favorite brand is Winsor and Newton.

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

JR : One funny experience I had as a designer was my very first day at my first job, I used to work on Windows laptops, in that work they gave me a Mac, So I was so shy because I did not know how to start it. It was a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect them, and that it's important to keep a sense of humor in this industry.

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

JR : What makes my day great as a designer is knowing that I'm making a positive impact through my work, whether it's by solving a problem, inspiring someone, or creating something beautiful. I motivate myself by setting goals, staying organized, and surrounding myself with people who inspire and support me.

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

JR : When I was a child, it wasn't obvious that I would become a designer, but looking back, there were definitely signs. I was always drawing, creating, and exploring new ways to express myself visually. Design was a natural extension of that passion, and I'm grateful that I've been able to turn it into a career.

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

JR : In a thousand years from now, I think the world will be a very different place, but I hope that design will continue to play a crucial role in shaping it. I think we'll see even more integration of technology, more emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, and a continued focus on creating meaningful, user-centered experiences.

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

JR : I just want to say thank you to all of my fans for their support and encouragement. It means the world to me, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share my work with you. I hope that my designs inspire you, challenge you, and bring a little bit of beauty and joy into your lives. Thank you for being a part of my journey!