Interview with Andrea Sosinski

Andrea Sosinski ("AS") interviewed on Friday, 27 April.

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

AS : I founded my company NIMTSCHKE DESIGN in 2006 after finishing my studies at the renowned university of art and design "Burg Giebichenstein" in Halle (Saale) in Germany. Since that time I worked for several companies like Mahlwerck Porcelain, WMF, Mitkanal, Chemiepokal (Chemistry Cup), Uno Pizza, Dr.Schnell Chemie, Arzberg Porcelain...

How did you become a designer?

AS : When I was a child I loved to paint and draw. I did it every day and always wanted to get better. Especially with drawing people and nature. I always did creative stuff. So it was quite obvious to study design and to go on with it.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AS : First I design everything in my head. I need to have an idea of what to create before I do it. Than I usually use pencil and paper to draw the first ideas before I use digital versions. Before I send my designs to companies I want to be sure of sizes. That's why I do a prototype first out of plaster, paper, dough or something different.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AS : The most exciting moment is getting an idea in my mind. Than I can't wait to bring it alive. It feels like surfing on a big wave with a lot of energy and happiness. And when I am back on the beach (means when I finished my design) I am proud of what I've done.

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

AS : Perfectionism, patience and a strong will and believe took me where I am today.

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

AS : At the beginning it is very hard to survive in design business. I can advice to first use what you already have, probably made during your studies. Try to sell it to companies, produce it by your own, get promotion by applying to awards. Just throw as many stones in a sea and you can be sure that some waves are reaching you...

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

AS : I don't go with trends. Trends are like a snowflake. It vanish one day. I believe in my own design language and my own style. Only this way I can be trustable and can't dissapoint the ones who love what I do.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AS : It is just a feeling. There is a point where I know that every step I do further wont make it better.

What is your biggest design work?

AS : My biggest design work is the oven for cooking in open fire called FIRO. I developed it during my studies for my diploma. I never had that time to do something big like that again. It took me over one year.