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Interview with Olga Sedakova Winiger |
Home > Designer Interviews > Olga Sedakova Winiger |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Olga Sedakova Winiger (OSW) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Olga Sedakova Winiger 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?
OSW: For as long as I can remember myself, I've always done some kind of artistic project. This is my natural state: to beautify something, to give free rein to my imagination. As a child, I drew incessantly, and as a teenager I was interested in fashion. I taught myself sewing, knitting and embroidery. In a sport like synchronized swimming, I was able to really develop. From music choice and choreography to the design and execution of swimsuits and headdresses. Later, I painted the walls at home and made landscape design in her garden. I designed everything that was around me.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
OSW: I started my Design brand, in Sommer 2022. The main feature of my work is the creation of artful lights, accessories, planters and furniture for indoor and outdoor areas, from high quality natural products. Sustainable and non-toxic natural materials are the basis of my design objects.
FS: What is "design" for you?
OSW: A good design includes 5 points.1. Appearance: It mustA good design include 5 points.1. Appearance: I have to like it and enjoy it every time I look at it. A good design must correspond to my aesthetic ideas. 2. Innovativeness: Novelty and innovativeness, be it in appearance, material or function - all this makes design particularly valuable. 3. Functionality: The design must be easy to work, convenient and straightforward.4. Sustainability: a good design is always made of non-toxic materials and corresponds to the idea of sustainability.5. Simplicity: the simpler the more ingenious, less is more.- this is a characteristic of good design. I like it and enjoy it every time I look at it. A good design must correspond to my aesthetic ideas. 2. Innovativeness: Novelty and innovativeness, be it in appearance, material or function - all this makes design particularly valuable. 3. Functionality: The design must be easy to work, convenient and straightforward.4. Sustainability: a good design is always made of non-toxic materials and corresponds to the idea of sustainability.5. Simplicity: the simpler the more ingenious, less is more.- this is a characteristic of good design.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
OSW: I prefer to create something completely new. Something I had never done before. The challenge motivates and challenges me. I like the idea of combining art and everyday objects. At the moment I prefer to create garden furniture.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
OSW: The award-winning design lamp Stone Flower is currently my recognized design work. It has a special significance for me. That's why I nominated this art object for the A'Design Award. When your design is recognized by such a prestigious designer award, it is very special and a very great honor. However, I have some new projects going on and one of them is my favorite project right now.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
OSW: My first design is called "Dregon Egg". Like all my works, it has a special name. And like some of my works, it has several functions. It is a lamp, ice bucket, plant pot and vase at the same time. It was very time-consuming to make it, but I'm still very proud of the result.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
OSW: I prefer to work with the natural stone product Skinrock. This innovative material was developed in Switzerland. The ultra-thin stone veneer is light, flexible and even translucent. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the incredible properties of this material.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
OSW: I feel most creative when I don't have to be structured and organized. Free from earthly thoughts. The combination of energy and tranquility has to be right for me. People and nature inspire me. I love meeting new people because through new encounters with talented people, I feel enormously enriched and energetic. Nature is retreat area for me. In addition, I can always learn something from nature. Almost all of my design works are very nature-related.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
OSW: I'm very visually influenced. That's why I give the most importance as a designer to the shape and the look. I appreciate the idea of timelessness and high quality. That's why the choice of material to work with is very important to me. Nevertheless, changeability is also part of my design concept. Some of my designs can be used in different ways and change their appearance depending on the light setting.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
OSW: I go through different stages. Most of the time, I miss an idea without thinking about it. When I realize that it is feasible and that perhaps no one had come up with this idea before me, then I have a kind of euphoria and great anticipation. Then I am full of energy and want to start my new design project as soon as possible. If the execution were to be carried out, I would need a lot of patience and calm. I'm like in a trance. Time doesn't matter. I feel like a land-time runner who stubbornly runs to her goal.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
OSW: I feel great satisfaction. The production of my works takes a lot of time, so I'm glad that I can finally break away from it. I am satisfied when I see my work integrated into the interior and proud of my patience and perseverance. Due to specificity in production, I work on several projects in parallel. So I can immediately switch to another work.
FS: What makes a design successful?
OSW: It depends on what you mean by successful. In order to successfully bring design to market, you need marketing and advertising, inexpensive production, good logistics and reliable sales infrastructure. In order to win a design competition, the nomination must convince the jury members who have already seen many good designs. It has to stand out from the rest of the design applications, it has to be unusual and innovative. The way it is presented and described also plays an important role.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
OSW: The five factors I mentioned earlier must match. Visual -attractive, innovative and original, functional in use, simple and uncomplicated, sustainable and non-toxic. And it just has to please.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
OSW: My designer slogan is "Beauty will save the world". The phrase belongs to the Russian classic Dostoyevsky. I think that a designer improves and beautifies the world. He creates and creates something new, something beautiful. Bringing people closer to beauty is the job of a designer.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
OSW: I'm seeing more and more reuse in design. Recycled elements are becoming more and more integrated into different designs. I also often use the discarded objects and old pieces of furniture as basic framework or elements for my designs.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
OSW: In a year that I've been working as a designer, I've had two exhibitions. The last one was in Como, at the A'Design Award and the other was in winter at the Hotel Laudiella in Sankt Moritz. Several of my works were exhibited there. In the future, I would like to organize a kind of exhibition vernissage together with another designer or artist. Participation in an artisan fair in Milan is also a theme for me.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
OSW: I get my inspiration spontaneously from the joys I experience. That's why I always try to get as many positive impressions as possible. I try to experience as much as possible, travel and see a lot. I am most inspired by people and nature.
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?
OSW: I make artistic living design objects from natural materials. Nevertheless, a technical aspect characterizes my works. My designs are often equipped with the light. That's what makes them so special. Solid and filigree, natural and recyclable, high-quality and sustainable - these are the contradictory characteristics of my designs.
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?
OSW: I have lived in Switzerland for over thirty years, I was born and raised in Russia. I have absorbed both cultures. In my award-winning work «Stone Flower», I combine the Swiss real stone product with a memory from my childhood of the legend of the Stone Flower.
FS: How do you work with companies?
OSW: My creative partner is Skinrock Swiss. They support me with the material and with the advice regarding the processing of the skin skirt. For my part, I also try to be an ambassador for Skinrock. I convey this material to interior designers, craftsmen, companies and private individuals. In the future, I would like to have much more contacts and cooperation with the companies.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
OSW: A good designer is the one who has turned his passion into a profession. A designer is a source of many ideas. Cooperation in a company involves give and take, mutual interest, respect and appreciation. A designer must perceive the needs of a company, but also ensure the new trends and ideas of the company.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
OSW: My design is born in the first row in my sense. It's just there all of a sudden. The reasons and suggestions for this are always different. I've been studying for a while what the implementation process should look like and how big the costs and effort would be. If I don't have a clear picture of it, I leave it on my waiting list. Then comes the day when everything becomes clear to me and I start. Sometimes I make drafts on paper. I would like to work more with 3D program in the future. In this way, customers could also better visualize my ideas for the future.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
OSW: I'm a big fan of gardening. I made some of my designs for my garden. Exclusive and illuminated plants, pots, lamps and garden furniture that I have made myself are in my garden and on my terrace.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
OSW: I have a family with three children. Two of them do top-class sports, artistic gymnastics, which is very time-consuming. Normally, I get up at 6:30 a.m. and get my youngest daughter ready for school. I always do housekeeping first and then I use the time I have left for my designer work. At lunch, my daughter comes back from school and I drive her to training. After that, I also have time to work on my design. I also do sports and my choral work regularly. Once a week and sometimes over weekends I work as a synchronized swimming coach. Late in the evening, when everyone is in bed, I do what needs rest and concentration.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
OSW: Although I am already 51 years old, I count myself among the young designers. I haven't had much experience as a designer yet. All I know is that you should trust your intuition and be very persistent in your dream. That's what I learned as a competitive athlete and I have to tell myself again and again. Dealing with cancellations and setbacks is crucial for any success. It is important to have parallel projects. So you don't miss out in a hole if something doesn't work or a big project comes to an end.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
OSW: Being a designer is a dream job. A designer beautifies and makes the world a better place. Apart from the fact that a designer has a creative and varied job, he still has to bring new ideas. If it becomes a big pressure, the joy and thus the inspiration could pass. Recognition is also an important aspect for a designer. In order to get the recognition and thus the orders, a designer has to invest a lot of time in office work. A designer often has to respond to the wishes of clients or employers, be able to deal with criticism and stick to budget.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
OSW: Basically, I don't set any rules myself if I want to be creative. That's how I feel free. A golden rule for me would be: "A design is created by a designer for other people". It doesn't just have to be a beautiful exhibition object, it has to appeal to people. It must be safe and comfortable.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
OSW: Courage, imagination, ability to learn and tenacity are the most important skills for a designer. In addition, a designer must be communicative in order to be able to make a living from his profession.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
OSW: I haven't used any computer tools for my designs yet. I drew my designs on paper. That will change as soon as I learn to work with it. As a designer, I will continue to educate myself and always try something new. I edit my promotional videos on the InShot program.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
OSW: If someone wants something very much, you can always find time for it. Sometimes it gets chaotic, but I find the way for me to take the time to create my designs. I am in a more comfortable position. I don't necessarily have to sell all my works right away. This gives me the necessary flexibility and serenity. .
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
OSW: Very different. The longest project lasted half a year. But I wasn't there all the time. On average, it is three to four weeks.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
OSW: How did you come up with the idea? What is this material? And how much does it cost? - These are the three most common questions I get.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
OSW: My greatest experience was participating in the A'Design Award as a designer. The registration and nomination was a big challenge for me. I spent many hours in front of the computer trying to get the A'Design Award registration process right. I learned a lot about what I do. The encounters and exchanges with other award winners at the Gala Night in Como were also a very important experience for me as a designer.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
OSW: My customers are different. It can be private individuals as well as hotels, restaurants, SPA, My customers are different. It can be private individuals as well as hotels, restaurants, SPAs, nurseries or companies. Furniture Heuser or boutiques with living décor could also become my customers. Wherever there is an interior or terrace with a garden, my exclusive works could be placed or integrated. I have the greatest expectations of working with architects and interior agencies. or companies. Furniture Heuser or boutiques with living décor could also become my customers. Wherever there is an interior or terrace with a garden, my exclusive works could be placed or integrated. I have the greatest expectations of working with architects and interior agencies.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
OSW: There are two design types that I do and both inspire me. There are works that are so elaborate to produce that they are an art object that is unique. The other types of my design is a sample, it can be reordered and in case of high demand it is possible to organize a production. The idea of becoming an entrepreneur also excites me very much.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
OSW: By winning a pinch of such a prestigious design award, I get the chance to make myself better known. For now, I want to get as much publicity as possible through publications in the media. I hope to get more recognition and credibility as a designer. Then I will follow up on my new contacts and inquiries as quickly as possible. It would be great if I could do a joint project with the newly acquired designer colleagues. I would also like to sell some of my properties and for that I would have to write to and inquire about some shops. There is also a completely new project, which must also be implemented.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
OSW: So far, I've been working alone. But my family or friends help me. Everyone has helped me free of charge so far. Whenever I have a question or request, I look for a specialist in my environment for my problem. As a result, I learn to solve a lot of things myself. In the future, I would like to work in a team.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
OSW: I am currently working on a new type of garden furniture. I have already made a sample prototype myself. Mass production under one's own power is too costly and does not make sense. I have to clarify a lot of deiles and maybe pursue a financial risk in order to have it produced.
FS: How can people contact you?
OSW: It would be best to send a short SMS or a message on WhatsApp to arrange a personal phone call afterwards. My mobile phone number is +41(076)3940111 A meeting is always the best. Please correspond with me by e-mail olga@wini.ch
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
OSW: I was a top athlete in synchronized swimming. Due to my achievements in this sport, I was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida in 2019. I am a three-time world champion and nine-time European champion. I swam for Russia and worked as a trainer by profession. I studied sports in Moscow Sport Academy and worked on this profession in Switzerland with the club Limmat Nixon Zurich, Swiss national team and Olympic duet.
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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