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Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Nadire Ertugrul (NE) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Nadire Ertugrul by clicking here. |
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Interview with Nadire Ertugrul at Sunday 14th of July 2024 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? NE: I've always aspired to be a designer because I love creating. My main motivation for pursuing product design is my opposition to mass production and ordinariness. I define design with the concept of 'utility.' By producing well-thought-out, simple, functional, durable, aesthetic, and distinctive designs, I aim to create useful designs that become a part of users' memories in the constantly changing conditions of the world. FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio? NE: Opposing mass production and ordinariness, I founded Zade Design, a design studio under TYM Architecture, in Istanbul in 2018. Zade Design offers services in the categories of coffee tables, lamps, and home accessories. Inspired by nature, which exists independently and continuously recreates and changes itself through both living and non-living elements, Zade Design focuses on creating sustainable, timeless designs in close collaboration with artisans. Therefore, its products are always unique and personalized. FS: What is "design" for you? NE: I define design with the concept of 'utility.' By creating well-thought-out, simple, functional, durable, aesthetic, and distinctive designs, I aim to produce useful designs that become a part of users' memories in the constantly changing conditions of the world. FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most? NE: In my designs, nature, craftsmanship, and sustainability are central, which is why I love creating timeless designs. FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it? NE: Nature and craftsmanship are two sources that nourish the soul, ignite creativity, and awaken aesthetic sensibilities. Each of these elements is fascinating in its own right, but when combined, they create true harmony and beauty. These enchanting elements have been my sources of inspiration. Ensuring that each new product is unique, personalized, and features different textures is one of my most important criteria. Every piece, shaped with exceptional craftsmanship and handwork, embodies the creativity of meticulously crafted materials and details, carrying the unique touch of the artisan, aligning perfectly with our design philosophy. The blown glass base merging with metal and the ceramic top surface, inspired by nature, found a new life. By highlighting the inherent beauty of three different materials and showcasing the unique skills of human hands, each product is ensured to be distinct from the others. Craftsmanship not only pleases the eye but also touches our lives through our senses. Therefore, it was essential for our designed products to be crafted by artisans. In conclusion, nature and craftsmanship are two complementary forces. Craftsmanship inspired by nature nourishes human creativity, while craftsmanship takes on the role of preserving and celebrating the beauty of nature. This unity leads to aesthetically harmonious and beautifully crafted works shaped by the feeling of integration with nature. Inspired by this, the furniture elements we spend the most time with—coffee tables, console tables, floor lamps, and table lamps—occupy a special place in our homes, where happiness, sorrow, and laughter meet tears. These seemingly ordinary furniture pieces are actually symbols reflecting all the complexity and diversity of life. As we recall moments filled with laughter or sorrow and engage in deep conversations, coffee tables, console tables, floor lamps, and table lamps bear witness to these experiences, all the emotions, tears, and memories. Therefore, each piece is uniquely designed with artisans to add meaning and beauty to our lives, drawing inspiration from nature. These products are part of what we call the "Teardrop Collection." FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company? NE: Designing an award corner for a private school. FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology? NE: Blown glass and ceramics. FS: When do you feel the most creative? NE: When I'm alone with nature. FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing? NE: To be functional and practical. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design? NE: The emotions I feel while designing are peace and happiness. FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized? NE: Seeing it come to life and being appreciated by users inspires an even greater desire to create. FS: What makes a design successful? NE: The key aspects are functionality, practicality, craftsmanship quality, and uniqueness. FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first? NE: I evaluate whether it is designed according to the needs of the space, and whether it is functional and practical based on that. FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment? NE: Sustainability, accessibility, ethical production, cultural sensitivity, innovation, and quality. FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design? NE: The field of design has undergone significant evolution in recent years. The traditional concept of design is no longer limited to aesthetics or functionality but encompasses a broader spectrum, including sustainability, user experience, technology integration, and societal impact. In the future, we expect design to embrace an even more multidisciplinary approach. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printers, and other innovative tools are transforming the design process and offering new possibilities. This allows design to become smarter, more personalized, and more interactive. Moreover, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and designers are seeking new methods to make their products and processes more environmentally friendly. Accessibility and inclusivity are also becoming important focal points because design should be accessible and usable for everyone. The future of design seems to offer unprecedented innovation and diversity. With technological advancements and societal changes, it will be exciting to see how design evolves to improve human life even further. FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition? NE: Milano Design Week 2024 16/21 April /İtalian.We are considering our next exhibition for the Dubai Design Week on November 6-9, 2024. FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations? NE: My design inspiration typically stems from nature, cultural heritage, and various elements of daily life. Drawing inspiration from the shapes, colors, and textures of nature is crucial for me. Additionally, activities such as traveling, discovering new cultures, and visiting museums and galleries nurture my creativity. Being inspired by different art disciplines and staying updated on trends also plays a significant role in my design process. Ultimately, collaborating with other designers and learning from their work is also an important source of inspiration for me. 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? NE: I define my design style as a combination of minimalism and modernism. I prioritize clean lines, simple forms, and functionality. My goal is to create designs that are aesthetically simple yet powerful and impactful. My interest in minimalism stems from a desire to escape the complexities of daily life. I believe that simplicity and order provide a sense of clarity and tranquility, both physically and mentally. My fascination with modernism is fueled by a passion for finding creative solutions using new technologies and materials. By combining these two elements in my designs, I aim to create timeless and innovative projects. Simplicity: Clean, clear lines free from clutter. Functionality: User-friendly and practical solutions. Timelessness: Designs that are independent of fashion trends and have lasting appeal. Innovation: Utilization of new materials and technologies. My approach to design is rooted in a user-centric and sustainable perspective. At the start of each project, I thoroughly analyze the needs and expectations of the users. I focus on creating environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions while maintaining a balance between aesthetics and functionality. I continuously follow innovations and strive to integrate them into my projects. Collaboration and feedback are crucial to my design process because I believe that each project is a growing and evolving journey in partnership with the client. 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? NE: I live in Turkey. I believe that the rich cultural heritage of my country significantly influences my designs. This heritage allows me to blend traditional elements with modern approaches in my creations. The cultural aspects of my country, with its rich history, art, and craftsmanship, add depth and meaning to my minimalist and modernist design philosophy. The pros and cons of designing as a result of living in my country: Pros: Rich Cultural Heritage: Traditional arts and crafts offer unique sources of inspiration that can be integrated into modern design language. Diversity: The cultural and historical richness encourages the development of different perspectives and creative solutions. Local Materials and Artisans: There are opportunities to create sustainable designs using local resources. Additionally, collaborating with local artisans allows for the combination of traditional techniques with modern designs. Inspiring Environment: Natural and architectural beauty provides constant inspiration for the creative process. Cons: Market Limitations: A small or saturated market can limit demand for design projects. Resource and Technology Constraints: Limited access to advanced technologies or materials can make it challenging to realize innovative projects. Cultural Constraints: Traditional expectations or conservative viewpoints can make it difficult for some design ideas to gain acceptance. These pros and cons are significant factors I consider when shaping my design process. By leveraging the cultural richness of my country, I strive to create unique and innovative designs that are also appreciated on a global scale. FS: How do you work with companies? NE: My Approach to Working with Companies and Collaboration Process: Needs Analysis: The first step involves conducting a comprehensive analysis to understand the company's needs and goals. At this stage, we define the client's expectations, target audience, and the desired outcomes of the project. Brief and Concept Development: We hold a detailed briefing session with the client. During this session, we establish the project scope, timeline, and budget. Based on the gathered information, I develop several concept proposals and present them to the client. Design Process: Once the concept is approved, I begin the design process. Throughout this phase, I maintain regular communication with the client, sharing progress and design options. I revise the designs based on the client's feedback. Prototyping and Implementation: After the design is approved, we move to the prototyping stage. During this phase, we test the design for realism and functionality. After making necessary adjustments, we create the final product. Delivery and Final Evaluation: Upon project completion and delivery, I gather feedback from the client for the final evaluation. At this stage, we assess whether the project has met the goals and evaluate the client's satisfaction level. FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer? NE: Firms should consider several important points and recommendations to be successful in working with a designer: Recommendations for Working with a Designer: Identifying Needs: Before starting a project, it's crucial for the firm to clearly identify its needs and goals. This will help the designer provide more accurate and effective solutions. Open and Regular Communication: Throughout the design process, it's important to maintain open and regular communication with the designer. Communication breakdowns or misunderstandings can lead to project delays. Flexibility and Collaboration: Being flexible during the design process and open to the designer's creative suggestions is important. Collaboration can lead to the best results. Feedback: Providing regular and constructive feedback to the designer helps ensure that projects progress in the desired direction. Feedback should be clear and specific. Time and Budget Planning: Clear agreements on the project timeline and budget should be made at the outset. This ensures that both parties' expectations are met and that the project is successfully completed. How to Choose a Good Designer? Portfolio Review: Review the portfolios of potential designers to assess their past projects and styles. This will help you understand their skills and aesthetic preferences. References and Reviews: Obtain references from previous clients of the designer and read customer reviews. This provides information about the designer's professionalism and quality of work. Experience and Expertise: Check whether the designer has experience in your industry or similar projects. Their expertise can be crucial for the success of your project. Communication Skills: Evaluate the designer's communication skills during initial meetings. A good designer should be able to understand your needs and express project ideas clearly. Creativity and Problem-Solving Ability: It's important for the designer to have the ability to offer creative and innovative solutions. Ask about challenges they've faced in previous projects and how they overcame them. Compatibility and Collaboration: Feeling that you can work well with the designer is crucial. Assess the designer's working style and compatibility with your team during initial meetings. Conclusion: Working with a designer can be highly productive and successful with proper planning and collaboration. Clearly defining needs, maintaining regular communication, and selecting the right designer are key factors for achieving desired project outcomes. FS: Can you talk a little about your design process? NE: Of course, my design process typically consists of five main steps: Needs Analysis and Research: The first step is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and research to understand the client's needs and expectations. I organize meetings with the client, identify their requirements, understand their target audience and market. Additionally, I evaluate industry trends and competition. Concept Development: The second step is to develop design concepts based on the gathered information. During this stage, I brainstorm different design approaches, create sketches, and present them to the client. We discuss the concepts, gather feedback, and revise if necessary. Design Development: In the third step, I work on detailed design iterations based on the approved concept. During this process, I focus on elements such as color palette, typography, visual elements, and user experience. I use graphic design software to create digital prototypes. Prototype Creation and Testing: The fourth step involves creating and testing prototypes of the design. The prototype is used to assess the functionality, usability, and visual appeal of the design. I make necessary revisions based on feedback received during the testing phase. Implementation of Final Design and Delivery: In the final step, I create and implement the final version of the design. I prepare graphic files, in suitable formats for printing or digital use, for delivery. I provide full support to the client and make final touches as needed. While this process can be flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each project, these five steps generally outline the main framework of my design process. FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home? NE: Bookcase, lampshade, coffee table, functional storage units and armchair. FS: Can you describe a day in your life? NE: work,work,work FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers? NE: Following innovations, visiting many museums and new places, reading books, examining nature and working hard. FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer? NE: Positive Aspects: Creative Expression: Designers have the opportunity to create unique and innovative solutions by using their imagination. This provides a platform for artistic expression and showcasing personal styles. Impactful Influence: Through their work, designers can make a significant impact on society and culture. Well-designed products or projects can enhance people's daily lives or add beauty to the world. Continuous Learning: Design is a field that constantly evolves, covering areas such as technology, trends, and marketing strategies. Therefore, designers are continuously learning new things and have opportunities for self-improvement. Job Satisfaction: Working on a project from start to finish using one's own creativity can provide designers with great job satisfaction and fulfillment. Diverse Career Opportunities: Designers have various career opportunities in fields such as graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, interior design, and digital design. Negative Aspects: Time Pressure: Design projects often have tight deadlines and may need to be completed within short periods, leading to stress and pressure. Open to Criticism: Designers should expect their work to be open to criticism, which can sometimes lead to personal or emotional challenges. Repeated Revisions: Repeated revisions based on feedback from clients or managers can consume designers' time and energy. Competition: The design industry is highly competitive, and it can be challenging for new ideas to stand out. Constantly proving oneself is often necessary for success. Technological Challenges: The rapid advancement of technology may require designers to learn new tools and software, which can sometimes be daunting. FS: What is your "golden rule" in design? NE: For me, finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial in design. Therefore, when designing, I pay attention to the following principles: User-Centricity: It is a priority for me that the products or projects I design meet the needs of users and add value to them. Simple and Functional Design: I strive for designs that are free from unnecessary complexity, simple, and functional. Clean lines and simple forms not only enhance aesthetics but also facilitate usability. Timelessness: I aim to create designs that are independent of fashion trends and remain timeless. My goal is for my designs to have a long-lasting value that does not diminish over time. Balance and Proportion: Balance and proportion are important in design. Utilizing colors, shapes, and negative space in a balanced manner creates visual harmony and enhances the impact of the design. Continuous Improvement: Throughout the design process, I constantly evaluate feedback and seek innovative solutions to improve the design. Continuous learning and development contribute to enhancing the quality of my designs. FS: What skills are most important for a designer? NE: Some of the essential skills for a designer include: Creativity: The ability to generate new and original ideas is crucial for designers. They need to think creatively to come up with innovative solutions and aesthetically appealing designs. Visual Skills: Having a good visual understanding allows designers to effectively use elements such as color, composition, typography, and other visual elements in their designs. Strong visual skills enhance the aesthetic quality and impact of the design. Technical Skills: Designers should be proficient in using various software and tools commonly used in the design process. Strong technical knowledge and skills enable designers to successfully implement their designs in digital or physical environments. Problem-Solving Ability: Designers need to have strong problem-solving skills to tackle challenges and come up with solutions that meet user needs. The ability to identify and address problems effectively is essential for creating successful designs. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for designers to interact with clients, team members, and other stakeholders. Designers should be able to express their ideas clearly, receive feedback effectively, and collaborate with stakeholders. Marketing and Brand Knowledge: Designers should create designs that align with a specific target audience and brand identity. Therefore, having knowledge of marketing principles and brand identity is crucial for designers. Research Skills: Designers need to continuously research industry trends, customer needs, and competition to stay informed and strategically guide their projects. Strong research skills enable designers to base their projects on information and make informed decisions. FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.? NE: The tools I typically use in the design process include: Graphic Design Software: Software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign are fundamental tools for digital graphic design. These are used to create designs such as logos, posters, brochures, websites, and other visual media elements. 3D Modeling Software: For projects that require 3D design, I use software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or Cinema 4D for 3D modeling and animation. These are utilized in areas such as product design, character design, and architectural visualization. Prototyping Tools: Prototyping tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or InVision are used for interactive user interface design and creating prototypes. These tools are applicable for websites, mobile applications, and other digital products. Color and Typography Resources: Tools such as color wheels, color palette generators, and typography resources are used to determine color palettes and compatible font combinations. These contribute to enhancing the aesthetic quality of designs. Tablets and Digital Pens: Graphic tablets and digital pens are used for natural and precise inputs, particularly useful for illustration or digital painting projects. Reference Books and Inspirational Sources: Reference books on design principles, color theory, typography, and art history serve as valuable resources for gaining inspiration and deeper understanding during the design process. Computer Hardware: High-performance computers, wide screens or dual monitor setups, graphic tablets, and other necessary hardware are essential tools used in the design process. These tools collectively cater to a wide range of design needs across different projects. Each project is unique, and the choice of tools may vary according to specific requirements. The tools I typically use in the design process include: Graphic Design Software: Software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign are fundamental tools for digital graphic design. These are used to create designs such as logos, posters, brochures, websites, and other visual media elements. 3D Modeling Software: For projects that require 3D design, I use software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or Cinema 4D for 3D modeling and animation. These are utilized in areas such as product design, character design, and architectural visualization. Prototyping Tools: Prototyping tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or InVision are used for interactive user interface design and creating prototypes. These tools are applicable for websites, mobile applications, and other digital products. Color and Typography Resources: Tools such as color wheels, color palette generators, and typography resources are used to determine color palettes and compatible font combinations. These contribute to enhancing the aesthetic quality of designs. Tablets and Digital Pens: Graphic tablets and digital pens are used for natural and precise inputs, particularly useful for illustration or digital painting projects. Reference Books and Inspirational Sources: Reference books on design principles, color theory, typography, and art history serve as valuable resources for gaining inspiration and deeper understanding during the design process. Computer Hardware: High-performance computers, wide screens or dual monitor setups, graphic tablets, and other necessary hardware are essential tools used in the design process. These tools collectively cater to a wide range of design needs across different projects. Each project is unique, and the choice of tools may vary according to specific requirements. FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time? NE: Time management is crucial in the design process, and I employ the following strategies to effectively manage my time: Setting Priorities: I prioritize my tasks based on their urgency and importance. By determining when each project needs to be delivered and which tasks are most critical, I optimize my time efficiently. Creating Time Schedules: I organize my work by creating daily, weekly, or project-based schedules. These schedules help me plan tasks and keep track of their progress. Time Blocking: I allocate specific time blocks for each task to ensure that I dedicate enough time to complete them. This allows me to allocate sufficient time to each task and be more successful in completing them on time. Avoiding Distractions: During the design process, I make a conscious effort to avoid distractions. I silence my phone and refrain from checking unnecessary emails or social media content to maintain focus. Taking Breaks: I take short breaks at regular intervals to enhance productivity. These break periods provide mental refreshment and enable me to work with better focus. Utilizing Workflow Tools: I use workflow management tools to organize my tasks and projects more efficiently. These tools help in task assignment, progress tracking, and collaboration, enhancing overall productivity. Flexibility: I keep my plans flexible as unexpected issues or changes may arise during the design process. Flexibility allows me to adapt to such situations and manage my time more effectively. By implementing these strategies, I strive to complete my design projects in a timely and effective manner. FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end? NE: The time it takes to design an object varies greatly depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity, size, materials to be used, level of detail in the design process, and clarity of requirements. While designing a small object can be completed within a few hours or days, larger or more complex projects can take weeks or even months. Additionally, different stages of the design process may be completed in different time frames. For example, idea generation and concept development stages can be completed in a short period, whereas prototyping and testing stages may take longer. As a result, the design time for an object varies greatly from project to project, and it is difficult to provide a specific timeline. FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer? NE: What is your source of inspiration? FS: What was your most important job experience? NE: Every new job I do is a new experience for me. FS: Who are some of your clients? NE: Individuals, small businesses and corporate firms FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why? NE: For me, I particularly enjoy working in physical areas such as interior design and industrial design. Here are the reasons: Balance of Creativity and Functionality: Interior design and industrial design offer the opportunity to blend creativity and functionality. It's essential for me that an object or space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. Creating Sensory Experiences: Interior spaces and products can influence people's emotional and physical experiences. Therefore, these design projects have the potential to shape the environments that people feel and experience. Personalization and Human Interaction: Interior spaces and products are areas where people directly interact in their daily lives. Understanding how design interacts with personal preferences, user needs, and lifestyles is crucial and integrating these factors into the design process. Tangibility of Physical Products: Industrial design focuses on how physical objects are felt, used, and experienced. In such projects, considerations such as material selection, ergonomics, and manufacturing processes are essential alongside aesthetics and functionality. Applied Creativity: Interior design and industrial design require translating creative ideas into real-world applications. This involves exploring the artistic aspects of design while also producing tangible and usable outcomes. For all these reasons, working in physical areas like interior design and industrial design provides the opportunity for both creative expression and the potential to enhance people's quality of life. FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you? NE: For me, it's important to continuously develop and acquire new skills. Among my future plans are gaining proficiency in a broader range of topics, delving deeper into learning to solve more complex problems, and gaining more experience by interacting with people. Additionally, I'm interested in specializing in areas such as user experience design, artificial intelligence, and digital media. By staying open to innovations and changes, I aim to follow a path where I can better meet the needs of users and provide more effective support. FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself? NE: I always develop my designs myself. FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about? NE: Teardrop Collection FS: How can people contact you? NE: People can contact me through www.zadedesign.com. FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions? NE: Since everything is consumed very quickly, sustainable designs should be taken into consideration and sustainable designs should be increased by more designers.
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. Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Nadire Ertugrul. |
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Good design deserves great recognition. |
A' Design Award & Competition. |