Interview with Agne Balke

Agne Balke ("AB") interviewed on Monday, 16 May.

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

AB : I graduated interior design. And now I'm working as a furniture designer.

How did you become a designer?

AB : When I was at 10th class at school, we had to choose profile and to think a little bit, who we are going to be. I turned over the book about specialties, which I found in library and I saw designer specialty. I thought, that it would be nice, but not real, because I do not go to art school. And I just forgot it. After some months my friend invited to enter an art school. I was so successful, that the school accepted me already to second class. And after one year, when I was graduating my school, I decided to choose design studies. Everything became reality very fast, I could not expect that before.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AB : My priority is pleasure for eyes, body, functionality, details, problem solution. I design using a lot of tools and techniques which helps me to achieve the best result. It doesn't matter it is render or sometimes physical models. Depends on situation.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AB : First everything is abstract, so the sense also abstract. Later it becomes more clear in sketches and mind. Then starts the process making it to become a reality. Tests, details, thinking about, also sketches, models and so on. The process everytime is different, which is very interesting. For me the finished project felling is as a gift :)

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

AB : Love for arts, perseverance, thoroughness. All life was as a preparation, all kind of arts as music, painting , hand made things was as an exercise. And perseverance always helps to believe in projects and make it happen.

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

AB : My path was unexpected. When I was a child i was playing piano, guitar and singing in choir. But I wanted to try something more. So i decided to access art school, but i was already a teenager, so it was quite late time. But I was lucky and my path turned from music to painting and drawing. After one year i accessed to interior design College.

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

AB : They have their own path and should follow it.

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

AB : During the process don't forget to listen yourself.

What is your day to day look like?

AB : Every day could be quite different. It depends how you look at your day and your projects. Do you see them all the same of different? If different, so the day will be different. New tasks, new ideas, new people, new problems. Also it depends on which stage your are during your project process.

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

AB : Designers are people who create trend :)

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

AB : I think it is subjective. I like minimalist forms, sometimes ornaments, but very important thing is quality and aesthetic.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AB : It is a feeling when it is finished. Then there is no need to improve it, because I always try to achieve balance in every design.

What is your biggest design work?

AB : For me every design is special, because at that time I dedicate special time for it, special thoughts and so on.

Who is your favourite designer?

AB : It is a secret :)

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

AB : Actually lifestyle is always changing process i think. Sometimes changes places, food, music which you listen, new dreams, new ideas. Everything always changing. We live in a process, so life is also like a sheet of paper where you can draw your lifestyle as you want.

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

AB : It depends on stage you are. Some stages are, when I think alone about my idea, I sketch. Some stages are when I communicate with producers. I think both stages are important. It is good to have skills working alone and together depending on situation.

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

AB : I think design helps create life more comfortable, aesthetic, colorful, cozy. For example - furniture and interior designers help people create their home better place to rest, recower your power and to feel great.

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

AB : I'm very happy that it is possible to show my design all over the world, happy for articles and exhibitions. I think design competitions are important to make more popular and recognizable your design.

Agne Balke Profile