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Interview with Carlos Cabrera |
Home > Designer Interviews > Carlos Cabrera |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Carlos Cabrera (CC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Carlos Cabrera 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?
CC: From a very young age, I was involved in graffiti, painting. I was also fortunate to quickly connect with design tools such as Photoshop when I was just 11 years old. I studied several years of industrial design engineering, but then decided to focus my studies on a diploma at the European Institute of Design. This diploma was centered on art direction and new technologies. I was always interested in design as a form of expression and a way to leave my mark on each project.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CC: My studio is a space where creativity and innovation are at the core of every project. Our main goal is to create design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and memorable in the minds of the audience over time. We work with a variety of clients, from emerging companies to world-renowned brands. We are a multidisciplinary team of 15 people based in Madrid, but we work for brands all over the world.
FS: What is "design" for you?
CC: For me, design is a form of expression. It is a way to leave my mark on each project and to communicate ideas through visual forms.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CC: The works I enjoy the most are those that have a great conceptual and creative depth. I love the complexity and challenge of finding design solutions that are both beautiful and functional.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CC: I couldn't say I have a favorite design, but I'm fascinated by architecture and sculpture. Both are great sources of inspiration that I can apply in my world of 3D and art direction.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CC: The first thing I designed was explanatory videos. Although they weren't particularly artistic, they gave me the opportunity to understand what direction I wanted to focus my career on.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CC: I am a big fan of technology as a tool for expression. It allows me to tell stories and create designs that would not otherwise exist.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
CC: I feel most creative when I can fully focus on a task. Currently, I have to balance the direction of the studio with my creative work, which can be a challenge, but it also pushes me to keep growing and learning.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CC: During the design process, I mainly focus on narrative and conceptualization. I want my designs to not only be aesthetically attractive but also tell a story and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CC: When I design, I feel completely absorbed in the project. I love getting lost in the creative process and enjoy the feeling of polishing an idea until it becomes something beautiful and unique.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CC: I feel a deep sense of fulfillment when something that was once in my mind becomes real and is reflected in an audiovisual project. There's a certain thrill that comes with seeing a concept come to life and be transformed into a tangible, visual experience. It's a unique kind of satisfaction that never ceases to inspire and motivate me.
FS: What makes a design successful?
CC: I believe a design is successful when it achieves its goal. Whether that goal is to communicate an idea, solve a problem, or simply delight the audience with something aesthetically pleasing.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CC: When I judge a design, the first thing I consider is its purpose. Does it achieve its objective? Does it effectively communicate its message? If the answer is yes, then I consider it a good design. Perhaps the purpose can be merely artistic, but if it manages to convey or reveal the hidden emotion or the functionality it seeks, then I consider it a good design.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CC: As designers, we have the responsibility to create solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Each design must not only meet a need, but do so in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment and generates a positive impact on society.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CC: I believe that the field of design is evolving towards a greater integration with technology. New technologies provide us with more tools and opportunities to express ourselves and create unique designs. As for the future, I think we will see an increase in the use of technologies such as virtual and augmented reality in design, which will allow us to create more immersive experiences.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CC: As for exhibitions, given the type of work we do, we don't really hold them. Social networks are our showcase, and you can enjoy all of our work there or on our website. Sometimes we have an open house at the studio, where we give visibility to the work that the team does there.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CC: The inspiration for my designs comes from many sources, ranging from architecture and sculpture to popular culture and technology. I feed my creativity by remaining open to new ideas and always being willing to learn and explore. I like to take ideas from various sources and combine them in new and innovative ways.
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?
CC: I would describe my style as very versatile, always seeking balance between functionality, what my clients need to communicate, and aesthetics. I create designs that are not only visually appealing but also effectively fulfill their purpose. My designs tend to have a strong conceptual and narrative focus, and I like to play with a wide variety in terms of art direction.
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?
CC: I live in Madrid, Spain. I believe that my country's cultural heritage has some influence on my designs, in terms of the colors, shapes, and themes I choose. However, I try not to limit myself to my own cultural context and am always open to influences and styles from around the world.
FS: How do you work with companies?
CC: We work closely with companies to understand their needs and goals. We start by conducting a thorough analysis of their project requirements and then develop a design strategy that aligns with their objectives. We ensure to keep them involved throughout the design process, maintaining clear communication and providing regular updates.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CC: I would recommend companies to clearly communicate their expectations and needs to the designer. A detailed brief is an essential starting point. When selecting a designer, I would advise them to look at their portfolio to understand their design style and capabilities. It's also important to consider the designer's communication skills and their ability to understand and incorporate feedback.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CC: My design process starts with understanding the project requirements. I then move on to research and ideation, where I gather inspiration and brainstorm concepts. Once I have a clear idea, I create initial drafts and prototypes, refining and improving them based on feedback and testing. The final step is the execution and delivery of the design. It's an iterative process that requires constant evaluation and refinement.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CC: As a designer, I have a deep appreciation for well-designed items. Some of my favorites at home include my minimalist coffee table, my ergonomic office chair, my Scandinavian design lamp, my modern wall clock, and a couple of abstract sculptures that I'm quite fond of.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
CC: A typical day for me starts with a cup of coffee and reviewing my schedule for the day. Then, I usually have a few meetings with my team or clients to discuss ongoing projects. The rest of the day I spend designing, whether it's sketching ideas, working in 3D, or overseeing production. I try to get in some exercise at the end of the day and always leave some time for inspiration and relaxation, whether it's reading a book, watching a movie, or just enjoying my city, Madrid.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CC: My main suggestion for young designers is to always be curious and willing to learn. The design industry is constantly evolving, and it's important to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Also, I would recommend working on a variety of projects to gain experience and find your own voice as a designer. Never be afraid to make mistakes, as sometimes mistakes can lead to the most innovative ideas. And lastly, be passionate about what you do, design is a field that requires dedication and a genuine love for creativity.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CC: Some of the positives of being a designer include the ability to express oneself creatively and the satisfaction of seeing an idea become reality. It's also rewarding to solve problems and create solutions that can have a real impact on people's lives. On the other hand, some of the negatives might include the pressure to meet tight deadlines and the need to always stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Sometimes, it can also be challenging to communicate the value of design to clients.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CC: My golden rule in design is to always keep the end user in mind. Every design decision should be made considering how it will affect the user. After all, successful design is one that solves a problem or fulfills a need for the user.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
CC: The most important skills for a designer include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The ability to work as a team and collaborate with others is also crucial. Moreover, in today's design world, technical skills, such as knowledge of design software and understanding of emerging technologies, are increasingly important.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CC: I use a variety of tools during the design process, depending on the project. Some of the software tools I use most include Cinema4d, AfterEffects, Premier, Houdini. For inspiration, I draw from a variety of sources, from design books and magazines to design websites and social media.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CC: To manage my time efficiently, I carefully plan each project and set realistic deadlines. I also try to delegate tasks when possible and make sure to take regular breaks to maintain my creativity.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CC: The time it takes to design an object from start to finish can vary greatly depending on the project. A simple project may take a few weeks, while a more complex project can take 4-6 months.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CC: The question I am most often asked is "How did you come up with that idea?" People are always interested in the creative process behind the designs.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
CC: My most important work experience has been the creation and management of my own design studio. It has been a great challenge, but also extremely rewarding.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
CC: I have been fortunate to work with a variety of clients, from startups to global brands. Some of our most notable clients include large companies in the technology, fashion, and automotive sectors. Mercedes, Hamilton, Teka, Repsol, Redbull, Real Madrid among others.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CC: I enjoy all types of design, but I particularly love working on projects that have great conceptual depth and allow me to experiment with new techniques and technologies.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CC: My future plans include continuing to grow and expand my design studio, as well as exploring new technologies and forms of expression in design.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CC: In my studio, we work as a team. Each project is the result of collaboration and contribution from all team members.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CC: We are currently working on several interesting projects, one of them is based on new motion capture technologies supported with artificial intelligence techniques. It's a challenging but exciting project, and we're eager to share it when it's finished
FS: How can people contact you?
CC: People can contact me through my studio's website, email, or social media. I'm always open to new collaborations and projects. The studio's website is www.kutuko.es and the contact email is hello@kutuko.es.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CC: I think we've covered most of the important aspects of my work as a designer. However, I would like to emphasize the importance of passion and dedication in design. For me, design is more than a profession, it's a way of life.
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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