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Interview with Elena Prokhorova |
Home > Designer Interviews > Elena Prokhorova |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Elena Prokhorova (EP) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Elena Prokhorova 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?
EP: As a child, I dreamed of being an artist, always fascinated by creating and expressing myself through various art forms. This passion eventually transitioned into designing objects. My path into the design field truly began after graduation when I entered my first design contest. That experience sparked my enthusiasm for furniture design and confirmed my commitment to crafting pieces that blend functionality with aesthetics. Since then, I've been focused on creating furniture and interior items that improve how people experience their spaces.
FS: What is "design" for you?
EP: For me, design is an artistic science. It’s about merging function and rationality with attractive visuals and the emotions evoked from interacting with an object. I strive to create pieces that are not only practical but also visually engaging and emotionally resonant.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
EP: I enjoy tackling unusual tasks that solve real problems for customers. These projects make me feel like I'm doing something important by making parts of people's lives easier or more pleasant. Designing solutions that genuinely improve the user experience is what I find most rewarding.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
EP: The first thing I designed was a door for a design contest. It was my initial entry into the professional design world, and winning that contest was a pivotal moment. The prize included the opportunity to produce my door design, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. This achievement gave me a significant confidence boost and inspired me to set new, ambitious design goals.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
EP: When judging a design, I first consider its functionality. It’s crucial that the design effectively meets the user’s needs and solves the intended problem. Next, I evaluate the aesthetics—whether the design is visually appealing and harmonizes with its intended environment. Finally, I look at the emotional impact. A good design should evoke positive emotions and enhance the user’s experience. Balancing these aspects is key to determining whether a design is good or bad.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
EP: As a designer, I think we need to create products that improve people's lives and solve real problems. It's important to make designs that are inclusive and accessible. For the environment, we should focus on sustainability—using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and thinking about a product's whole lifecycle. Balancing innovation with responsibility helps us make a positive impact on both society and the planet.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
EP: The design field is evolving with new technologies like 3D printing, virtual reality, and AI, alongside a strong focus on sustainability. In the future, we'll see more smart, adaptable designs and a greater emphasis on eco-friendly, circular design practices. The design will be key in tackling global challenges and enhancing everyday life.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
EP: I feed my creativity by staying curious and observant, exploring new places, and keeping up with design trends. Sometimes I can see a new shape in some objects that are not connected, for example, I can look at a chair detail and see the shape of a door handle. I also find inspiration in solving real-world problems and listening to user feedback. Combining these elements helps me create innovative and meaningful designs.
FS: How do you work with companies?
EP: The most common example of my collaboration with companies is producing a piece of furniture or a series of objects for a specific manufacturer. I must say, this scenario is my favorite. Sometimes these manufacturers come to me with a clear technical specification, knowing exactly what they want. Other times, I take the initiative to present my concepts to them, or they express interest in putting my pre-existing designs into production. I find great satisfaction in both approaches, as they allow me to bring my creative vision to life in partnership with these manufacturers.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
EP: Creativity and technical skills are undeniably crucial for a designer. However, excellent communication skills and a knack for problem-solving are equally important. Yet, I believe attentiveness is a standout quality. The ability to observe how we interact with objects, to see potential for unconventional uses or reuse, is invaluable. I also deeply admire designers who solve problems in the simplest, most efficient ways; to me, they are the true geniuses of our field.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
EP: I love that moment when I have caught the right direction and the concept has already been thought up in my head and all I have to do is present it and show it in a high-quality manner. But of course, this is just the beginning, a kind of origin of design and a new product.
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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