Interview with Alan Saga

Alan Saga ("AS") interviewed on Tuesday, 10 July.

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

AS : Bachelor Degree in Industrial Design and Product Development at Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey (Mexico). Experience in areas such as product design and contemporary art, participation with national and international companies such as Cervecería Cuauhtemoc and Dalmia Cements.

How did you become a designer?

AS : Design has been part of my life since I was a kid, I showed particular interest in utilitary gadgets and drawing. After graduating, I published the first design of my personal collection "Only Right Here", which was very well accepted nationally and internationally and I had the opportunity to receive a Platinum A Design Award and the title of the best industrial design of 2013 by Architectural Digest Magazine, this expanded my vision to continue exploring my greatest passion, design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AS : My priority is to have a well-founded and original concept before starting to design, the idea should sound very interesting with just describing it with words. Depending on the nature of the project, the research is a main part of the process, to know the real needs of the users and validate proposals. The 3D modeling is my strongest tool to develop a product, 3D analysis and create high precision models and prototypes.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AS : The designing is a carousel of emotions, can be presented positively or negatively, however, there are no words to describe happiness to see a finished project.

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

AS : Work several projects at the same time, constant self-motivation and the ability to manage the time to complete the most strict deadlines.

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

AS : I'd like to create a responsible design product whose function is to save human lives or contribute to the care of the planet.

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

AS : To make projects as complex as possible to increase the learning curve, explore the different areas of the design to identify which fits better to your skills and interests.

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

AS : Be constantly updated with new technologies/softwares and avoid the comfort zones, the new and different challenges expand our vision and skills.

What is your day to day look like?

AS : My daily routine is simple, always try to use as much time as possible to the design. I like to listen to music and Comedy Central stand up while I'm designing. I take every opportunity I have to visit design stores or anywhere.

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

AS : I like to design series of products that reflect their own style. If the project has an artistic nature, I often look for inspiration in international culture, icons, sociocultural aspects or social critiques.

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

AS : A well rounded original concept or creatively solve a real need. To evaluate, I like to imagine or see the product in their environment to verify if it truly fits into it.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AS : A design can always be improved but I usually stop when my mind making relevant improvements in the basis of the design and I've already compared their different versions, together with a well-explored aesthetic and perfected manufacturing details.

What is your biggest design work?

AS : "Only Right Here" is the piece that most makes me feel proud because I'm satisfied with the result and for the acceptance by the public. The inspiration lies in the bullfights, these activities I represented in a concept as a symbol of transition and the awakening of conscience of controversial issues not only in Mexico, but worldwide.

Who is your favourite designer?

AS : Gaston Bonaudi is a friend and a very cool designer as individual, very humble person who has extremely speed to design and projects with first level technology companies. The team of designers and engineers that I admire most are Bang & Olufsen and Braun.

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

AS : I think any city can be inspiring because of it is cultural content and history. Part of my projects are inspired by the cultural heritage of different countries and I express this through a product.

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

AS : I'm particularly interested in collaborating with people with a real passion for their work, can be from the same or different area.

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

AS : I haven't had the opportunity to do a social project, it's one of my main goals. I really admire the people who make humanitarian projects, I can imagine the sensation of generating a positive impact through design, for me that is the industrial design in its purest expression.

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

AS : It was a very motivating experience to have been part of the competition, I received a lot of support from the design publications and I had the opportunity to exhibit my work with many of the best designers, architects and artists in the world. I feel very fortunate to be selected as Designer of the Day and that my work continues to be recognized by A Design Award.

Alan Saga Profile