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Interview with Eric Lalande |
Home > Designer Interviews > Eric Lalande |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Eric Lalande (EL) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Eric Lalande by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
EL: As a kid I would always try to figure out how objects and products were made. Eventually, it was just a natural progression.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
EL: I mostly work alone.
FS: What is "design" for you?
EL: Functionality
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
EL: I like designing useful products with an inclusive element in them.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
EL: The paperclip. It is a useful, simple, cost-effective, and recognizable design. It may not be very fashionable but it represents what design is to me.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
EL: Aircraft cabin interiors.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
EL: Metal
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
EL: It's not something I fully control (yet). It just happens. I rely on instinct.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
EL: The end user's experience. I am interested in creating products that won't end up being dust collectors on a shelf ;).
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
EL: Excited. It's the same feeling I had as a kid when unwrapping Christmas presents.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
EL: Very excited. Thrilled.
FS: What makes a design successful?
EL: A successful design is something that is actually used. Its purpose is to improve the experience of the end-user.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
EL: A bad design generally has over-styling with little or no significant usefulness.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
EL: Bridge the gap between various technologies and the end-users.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
EL: That's a good question... Eventually, everyone will be able to design their own products with the help or rapid prototyping at home.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
EL: I am planning to exhibit in the 2021 A' Design competition.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
EL: Inspiration comes from anywhere. It can be from music, arts, muscle cars, and manufacturing processes.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
EL: My style is "no-nonsense". I am not sure if that qualifies as a style (lol).
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
EL: We have the opportunity to experience four distinct seasons in Canada. That might have some sort of influence. The constant transformation of our environment throughout the year could be an influence on my design.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
EL: It's all about "fit". There has to be some sort of connection between a company and a designer.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
EL: I usually start with a rough 3D model and then rework it until I feel it's ready. For the Albatross project, I made fifty-two designs before being satisfied.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
EL: I have an original Luxo drafting lamp. After fifty years, it's still working like a new one.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
EL: Don't take shortcuts.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
EL: Useful useful useful
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
EL: Curiosity
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
EL: I don't have a specific list of tools. I use the best tool for each job. The bigger your toolbox is, the more options you have.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
EL: It varies depending on the job.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
EL: It varies depending on the project.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
EL: "How much will this cost?" Lol.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
EL: Working for a pipe organ manufacturer in my twenties. I had the privilege to work in a traditional shop.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
EL: New twists on "classic" products.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
EL: I mostly work by myself
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
EL: My next project is for the Aerospace Industry.
FS: How can people contact you?
EL: via email
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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