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Interview with Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh |
Home > Designer Interviews > Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh (SM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Sina Moloudnezhadnaghadeh 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?
SM: My artistic journey traces back to my teenage years. At that time, I was passionate about music and literature. However, at the age of 18, I decided to pursue design alongside university studies, envisioning design as the intersection of art and commerce. My love for culture and art, especially Kurdish art, guided me to where I am today: creating designs inspired by the rich culture of Kurdistan.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SM: This small company operates as a freelance entity, aiming to propose plans inspired by culture and art, covering human rights issues, based on market conditions and analyzed data.
FS: What is "design" for you?
SM: Design, to me, has no elaborate definition and is nothing but creating or altering entities.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SM: My expertise lies in jewelry design, and I believe that jewelry has the power to weave stories and poetry, something I was deeply passionate about in my youth
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SM: This question is quite broad, but perhaps one of the most beautiful designs I've seen are the patterns on Kurdish fabrics. My particular interest stems from memories of seeing my mother wearing these clothes in my childhood. This nostalgic connection may be the reason for my fascination with such designs.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SM: My initial experience was with a company aiming to produce large jewelry pieces with minimal weight. I embarked on a project inspired by the fusion style and the beauty of flowers in nature.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SM: My favorite material is gold. I think it's flexible enough and easily takes shape.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
SM: Whenever I encounter a new culture or travel to a new place, my mind is flooded with ideas.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SM: I constantly engage in a debate between market analysis and aesthetics, yet ultimately, aesthetics triumph in this game. Nevertheless, I strive to consider both aspects.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SM: The best feeling I have when designing is a sense of being outside of time. It doesn't matter what time it is or where I am. As long as an idea comes to my mind, the time and place become irrelevant to me, and I can start designing for hours. This feeling is akin to being intoxicated
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SM: When I finish a design, I'm only happy for a few minutes. The design process is much more enjoyable for me than the end result. What I contemplate at the end is the next design.
FS: What makes a design successful?
SM: A successful design encompasses specific elements and is quite extensive. In my view, addressing customer needs and resolving their problems while paying attention to their emotions and feelings can create a successful design. By integrating empathy and understanding into the design process, we ensure that the end product not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with the users on a deeper, emotional level.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SM: The impact of a design on the world can be measured in terms of both its aesthetic contribution and its practical utility. A good design not only enhances visual appeal but also adds functional value, addressing user needs effectively.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SM: I believe that a designer is obligated to thoroughly understand their target audience and strive to create a better world.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SM: Design is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, cultural integration, and sustainability. Advanced tools enhance innovation, diverse cultural elements increase relevance, and eco-friendly practices are prioritized. Education and social impact are also key focuses in modern design.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SM: My most recent participation was at the International Gold and Jewelry Exhibition in Tabriz in 2023. I aimed to introduce the jewelry of Kurdistan to other cultures. Perhaps my next exhibition will be outside of Iran, in Turkey. My goal in attending various exhibitions is networking and getting acquainted with different cultures.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SM: In my design work, what matters most to me is creating value in the modern world. Whether this design carries a message for my audience or serves a practical purpose, I always strive to imbue it with meaning. I often draw inspiration from human rights issues, nature, and culture, using these elements to inform and guide my creative process.
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?
SM: I prefer to embrace a minimalist approach, removing any superfluous elements from my designs. However, beyond the aesthetics, my focus is on conveying messages and creating value through my work. Therefore, I strive not to be overly constrained by stylistic limitations and instead pursue what I believe to be the best direction for each project.
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?
SM: Perhaps you have not heard of Kurdistan, a geographical area divided among four countries: Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Most of my design inspirations come from the rich cultures of this region. Living here as a designer can be quite challenging because design is not yet fully recognized. However, the rich culture and history of this area have always been a source of new ideas for me.
FS: How do you work with companies?
SM: I always prefer to take on the role of leading a design team if I am to work for a company.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SM: Conducting interviews with designers can be crucial for selecting a good designer. In my experience, the best designers I have seen are those who have strong teamwork skills. Although this may not be true 100% of the time, I believe it is very significant. Demonstrating the ability to work effectively within a team is as important as showcasing individual design skills during an interview. Effective collaboration with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders is essential for successful design projects .
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SM: I actually use two processes for design. The first process involves daily observations of my surroundings, which inspire my works. I strive to combine these inspirations with the existing needs of the community, ensuring that my designs address a societal need . The second process involves a thorough study of the people and their problems within a community. Initially, I engage in empathy and problem identification. This approach helps me design solutions that are both meaningful and effective.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SM: I love things in my home that are simple yet make life easier. For example, a chopping board that prevents chopped items from spilling when transferring them to another dish, or a pillow with an opening for legs, which I can comfortably hug while sleeping. Some items, like paintings, are also appealing to me as they reflect our family's personality. Additionally, remote-controlled lights that don't require me to get out of bed to turn them off, electric blankets that generate warmth, and plants that symbolize the vitality of our family life are among my favorites
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
SM: Every morning, I wake up to my phone's alarm and start by checking my emails. After that, I have breakfast with my family and review my checklist. In the morning, when I have more energy, I usually spend two hours studying, ranging from design to learning a new language. Then, I begin working on my projects and try to check and provide feedback on the assignments sent by my students. After that, I have lunch and take a short nap. I return to my work and finish everything by the afternoon. I love walking and socializing with others, so in the evening, I go to a café with friends, and we talk about everything from business to our crushes :D. At night, I try to create content about my work on social media. Sometimes, I watch a movie or fall asleep to music.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SM: I believe that a designer should carefully observe and evaluate the world around them. As a designer, you need to be a good psychologist and sociologist to understand the behavior of the people you are designing for. The next important step for a designer is to be able to think from others' perspectives and understand their pains and problems.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SM: From my perspective, a good designer is someone who understands the world around them well and strives to create value. When I talk about creating value, I don't just mean producing functional products. Even entertainment products create value for human emotions and feelings. A bad designer is one who insists on their failed ideas. This is a trap that many designers fall into.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SM: Creating value
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
SM: I believe that what is very important and vital for a designer is to observe the world around them with attention to detail. You can only create something good in this world if you have carefully observed it before.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SM: I employ various design methods, from design thinking to lean startups and kansei design. Each product undergoes different methodologies. Design thinking is particularly intriguing to me. I utilize Rhino software for creating 3D models. Before producing a complete product, I develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and refine it gradually based on market feedback.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SM: Employing diverse time management strategies, I've refined a personalized approach that optimally suits my workflow. I prioritize tasks meticulously: three crucial tasks annually, three per season, three bi-weekly, three weekly, and only three daily. This tailored method ensures focused progression of my endeavors, enabling me to effectively advance through my workload.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SM: I've come to a realization that allocating more time to a task will only demand more time from me. In my latest project, I decided to compress a task previously taking a month into a week. This experiment proved that it's indeed possible to conclude design projects in shorter time frames.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SM: This is the most common question I encounter as a designer: how do I draw inspiration from something and turn it into a product?
FS: What was your most important job experience?
SM: My most significant professional experience was when I decided to volunteer at a jewelry-making and design workshop alongside my academic studies. The workshop was small and unfamiliar, offering nothing for my resume. However, it provided me with the opportunity to discover my interests and talents, which I believe are far more important than a strong resume
FS: Who are some of your clients?
SM: My clients typically fall into two categories: those individuals seeking to learn the craft of jewelry design, engaging with artisans, and jewelry designers who aspire to create new products
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SM: Designing jewelry is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my work as a designer because I believe that jewelry always narrates captivating stories.Designing jewelry is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my work as a designer because I believe that jewelry always narrates captivating stories.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SM: As I've mentioned, I have a passion for diverse cultures. Living in Italy, as a country rich in culture and art, is one of my goals. I aspire to academically learn jewelry design in Italy. My next product will be a piece of jewelry inspired by Kurdish love stories. Perhaps you'll see it featured in A' Design Award next year, and I believe this piece will surely earn recognition.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SM: Leading and working with a team brings me genuine joy, and I consistently strive harder in teamwork than in individual tasks, resulting in better outcomes I find great satisfaction in guiding teams, where collaborative efforts often yield superior results compared to solo endeavors While I excel in team environments, I also undertake solo projects, where my autonomy allows me to navigate projects independently.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SM: Yes, as I mentioned in previous questions, I'm currently working on a jewelry piece inspired by Kurdish love stories. This piece signifies the unforgettable experience of one's first love.
FS: How can people contact you?
SM: I'll list my communication channels below in the order of quickest access for you to reach me: Phone: 00989397166026 Whats app: 00989397166026 E-mail: Sinamoloudnejad9@gmail.com Instagram: @sinenezhad_ Linkdin: www.linkedin.com/in/sinamoloudnejad-designer
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
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