Interview with Annamaria Mikulik

Annamaria Mikulik ("AM") interviewed on Thursday, 16 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

AM : I went through the study of toy design, product/conceptual design and interior design. I worked as an interior designer and participated in some very interesting projects starting with interiors for individuals to hotels. By designing aesthetics into objects of everyday use, the designer's work often involves a lot of different design industries. I started working on design jewelry because I consider it to be miniature objects. Small-scale design.

How did you become a designer?

AM : I come from an artistic family. I was lucky that my parents supported my talent and helped me develop it. During my studies at an art school, I started to profile as a designer. My technical skills helped me to apply principles to objects of everyday use. Since my childhood I wanted to be a jeweler like my mom. These diverse studies have enriched my abilities, and yet my desire eventually brought me back to designing jewelry.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AM : My favorite technical tool is my imagination. Knowing the objects to imagine in my mind can save me a lot of time. The longest is the technical phase of the project, when the production options and technical parameters need to be adapted to the object that is designed by me. The cherry on the cake is then photography, writing the concept and presenting the work with the feeling of fulfillment.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AM : Sometimes the beginning is very painful. I try to let the thoughts run during normal day activities. Sometimes it may look like I'm not working, but on the contrary. I'm recording my thoughts and suddenly it clicks. And I know it's it. With the eyes closed and the imagination, I design the details and recording technical parameters is a breeze. The feeling of satisfaction when I hold the product in my hands is priceless.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

AM : I've always liked to be different. Most people try to fit into the crowd. Being the designer, it's the other way around. Being different and not being afraid to stand out is our profession.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

AM : I want to continue doing jewelry. Create specific designs and the beauty that shines customers' eyes.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

AM : The easiest way is to create your own designs. Not burdened by client requests. But many times it is not possible. The hardest work of a designer is to adapt to clients who have specific requirements. Don't be distracted from the path of good design. Look for common solutions, but always so that you are not ashamed to sign your project.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

AM : Believe in your abilities. There is a very true saying. "Fake it until you make it." Until you believe yourself, others can't believe you.

What is your day to day look like?

AM : I get up early in the morning. I enjoy the silence and plan daily activities. I excercise, drink coffee and eat a small breakfast. I learn a foreign language at least for ten minutes. During the day I try to keep my goals and dreams in mind and to work purposefully and efectively. Everything starts with a dream. I work many times in the evenings when the silence comes back and I can concentrate fully again.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

AM : I stick with my own personal design style. I like to create timeless pieces that does not subject to trends. I get my inspiration form history. Principles that are time-tested.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

AM : A good design is a shape or principle stylized to the max.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AM : When Im satisfied with the design. When I finish it into details and further improvements would no longer benefit it.

What is your biggest design work?

AM : The design I am most proud of is my winning project Nature - Fake Illusions. It helped me get technical, presentation, professional experiences and A design awards. I am pleased to be able to reproduce this environmental concept to the wider public.

Who is your favourite designer?

AM : The best designers are our ancestors, whose technical inventions have affected our lives. I admire humanity's ability to come up with new, innovative ideas.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

AM : It is our designers' duty to embellish and improve the lives of others. We all belong to a community where everyone has a role. We create a unique mechanism, and we are able to influence social phenomena in good. Therefore, we must not forget the responsible role of our work.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

AM : I design myself and work with colleagues from other specific design industries. I prefer to work alone. So I can work undisturbed on creative projects and not be influenced by the easthetics and opinions of someone else. My philosophy is to create products that bring beauty and aesthetics to peoples lives. Of course, it is important to respect ethical and environmental principles.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

AM : It is always a very good idea to help each other. Many knowledgeable designers can effectively help the younger ones. Sometimes I engage myself in projects to help people and try to make my design beneficial to those who would not normally be able to afford it.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

AM : Its a feeling of fulfillment and appreciation, joy. Getting a lot of valuable experience, presenting work to the wider public. Gaining such awards is a hallmark of quality for every designer, and I think customers see it as positive and appreciate it. It is the foundation on which to build. Design competitions can inspire, move and show new horizons. Being a designer of the day is a very gratifying feeling.

Annamaria Mikulik Profile