Interview with Anna Kholomkina

Anna Kholomkina ("AK") interviewed on Sunday, 18 March.

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

AK : I`ve entered Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry at 2012 and graduated withhonors at 2016 as a Bachelor of Industrial Design. Now I continue to study to obtain the Master's Degree. From 2012 to 2016 I did several design projects for Sheremetyevo-Cargo, Russian Railways, RTEC-Software Systems.

How did you become a designer?

AK : As a child I have always been interested in everything and in school was good both in exact sciences and liberal arts. I wanted to do something to combine these two directions and design become a perfect choice for me.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AK : When designing the main base thing is scenario planning; it`s very important to imagine and analyze product life cycle, how it`s being produced, used, utilized,... Other keystones are analogue observation and good technical drawing.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AK : Depends on the project itself. At the process I am usually concerned and try not to be led by emotions and use brains and logic. But when the project is finished and I am really pleased with the result I feel like the happiest one in the world!

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

AK : The most important one is drawing. I`ve been studying it more than 5 years and continue now. It allows me to draw understandable sketches of good quality so that customer can get the point of my idea with ease.

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

AK : Now my main goal is to graduate from the Academy and the dream is to found my own design studio.

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

AK : It is extremely important to understand whether you really want to dedicate your life to design or not. Does it bring you joy or you feel uncomfortable?

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

AK : Two principles are to work hard and go outside the framework, to thinking outside the box.

What is your day to day look like?

AK : Now every day of me life doesn`t truly differ from another; I have to study every day, in the evenings and on holidays I do homework and small-scale projects.

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

AK : I follow different accounts connected with design trends via Pinterest, Instagram and so on, but always try to keep my own style when designing.

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

AK : Good design always takes into account ergonomic aspects. Well-made product is comfortable to use and pleasant to look at.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AK : It is very hard question; sometimes it`s better not to overthink. When I see I`ve made everything I could and the design seems to be logically relevant, it may be called finished. But I think it`s always something you can add and it always will be so, no matter how good your design is.

What is your biggest design work?

AK : It is my Bachelor diploma work - Brake Valve Checking Workstation, A' Design Award Winner for Engineering and Technical Design Category in 2016.

Who is your favourite designer?

AK : I can`t call just one; I admire so many different designers working in various styles - from every one you can learn something useful.

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

AK : In common I try to not depend on my culture and design cross functional, universal products. But if I do project not for international usage, but from a perception that that certain product is meant to be used only in Russia I should obviously consider cultural assumption and mentality.

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

AK : I prefer to do the biggest part of the work alone, because there are some work stages when the only person I can truly rely on is myself, though then of course we discuss results with colleagues. Nevertheless there are some people I can trust, those ones who do another parts of the project so that I am nothing to worry about.

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

AK : All the philanthropy I can do at the moment is helping my groupmates and younger students at the Academy, giving advises and sharing useful information.

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

AK : Attending the A’ Design Award in 2016-2017 caused winning one of the most valuable prizes, that allowed me to show myself a good designer and undertake a Master’s Degree. I regard becoming the Designer of the Day as one of the most milestone in my current career.

Anna Kholomkina Profile