Interview with Vasil Velchev

Vasil Velchev ("VV") interviewed on Friday, 25 December.

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

VV : After 12 years of experience as a Graphic designer now i am leading the team. 8 years ago i published my first product design.

How did you become a designer?

VV : Learning how to work with 3D CAD software was the real start of my design career because without this i had only ideas in my head.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

VV : First of all its the shape, the look. I don't want to have the technology constraints at the beginning. There is always a way even the most difficult item to be produced. For my product design i use bright and vivid colors. This is one of my ways to focus attention to the product. Also something very common in my designs is that logo and name is strongly connected with the product shape.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

VV : There are 2 exciting stages in the design process. First is developing an idea for something new and innovative and second - playing with the shape.

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

VV : For me the most important thing is not the background, the education, the software skills. You just need creative mind and imagination. I am an Electrical engineer but i cannot say that this background helped me become product designer.

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

VV : Started as a graphic designer now i am leading the team which becomes bigger every year. My dream is to have the muse to create something unique and recognizable. And to be produced as well. Like a car, piece of furniture or even a building.

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

VV : Never give up, follow your imagination and use the negative comments to improve yourself.

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

VV : When you have an idea always try to present it to the world in the best possible way.

What is your day to day look like?

VV : First of all i am very happy to have these wonderful colleagues of mine. Every day starts with allocating tasks and after that comes the funny part because design is the most interesting job in the world :)

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

VV : I am member of a lot of design groups. Daily newsletters inform me about the design trends. I cannot say that i am always following the trend though.

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

VV : The good design should be useful. Otherwise it is just art.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

VV : I can say that my product is ready when i reach the point when i start to make it worse instead of improving it.

What is your biggest design work?

VV : The most difficult products of mine were 2 ceramic products which are not 'just design' but have a lot of functionality.

Who is your favourite designer?

VV : Antoni Gaudi, Zaha Hadid, Le Corbusier, Philippe Starck, Marc Newson, Karim Rashid...

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

VV : I like to travel a lot. Every location gives me something unique. Music is always with me of course. It helps you free your and focus your imagination on your idea.

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

VV : During the designing process i always work alone. On different stages i am showing the progress to different people but their opinions don't affect my original course. For the process of creating the physical product i am looking for responsible and passionate people like me.

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

VV : I think that the good design makes the life better. I have several environmental projects for my town that i would be happy to realize.

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

VV : A’ Design Competition is the biggest in the world so this is the best way to see where you are. If you are lucky to win an award you have the opportunity to become really famous. I made a lot of friends and connections arond this competition.

Vasil Velchev Profile