Interview with Daniel da Hora

Daniel da Hora ("DDH") interviewed on Sunday, 5 May.

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

DDH : I have more than 25 years of experience in the industry. I was a founder and an active creative (Design and Art Director) for two companies - one from 1997 to 2005 and other from 2010 to 2021. Nowadays I’m an independent designer, working on projects that I can carefully select and that make sense for me, as a creative and if they have something new and good to deliver, and also a Professor / Resaercher at the Visual Arts and creativity fields for a federal. university in Brazil.

How did you become a designer?

DDH : I’ve came from an artists’ family, so the visual background was always part of my experiences. Finding the Graphic Design university was quite a natural move for me.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

DDH : I love printing and posters, but also brand identities as well as editorial design. In the odder hand, I’ve always been really close to digital technologies, and that made me feel really comfortable to play with digital and mobile design projects.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

DDH : I fell free and relaxed. Designing is a process where you feel like having the opportunity to engane with an audience that is, most of time, seeking for a creative approach on something, and you have the knowledge, the technique and the tools to make it happen.

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

DDH : Because I was very close to my grandparent - one of the most important Brazilian artists ever, seeking for anew, creative and innovative solution, where the visual was the king, shaped my vision about working with design.

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

DDH : The very possibility of being the solution for a problem, specially if it considers both company / brand and users. Also, we have to think about the market and all the possibilities the brand or the product has to deal with. Considering all of those aspects can make a design successful.

What is your biggest design work?

DDH : During my career I’ve honored with som many prizes, but the most joyful works come from those which can have a real impact on sensitive themes. A very new and awarded project was for a Brazilian NGO for cats / kittens adoption. During pandemic and right after that, the number of abandoned animals on streets in Brazil increased dramatically. But, specially cats, that suffered with fake news about transmitting covid-19 to humans. Because Adote Um Gatinho is an ngo that works with abandoned cats and their way to a new home, we saw an opportunity to increase awareness and also address an important message.

Who is your favourite designer?

DDH : Dieter Rams for. Sure. His contribution to contemporary design and his influence in pop culture are beyond expectations for a designer career.

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

DDH : I love traveling and knowing new places / cultures. When I’m outdoors and traveling i feel so free and fulfilled of possibilities. In fact, traveling, for me, is a moment of pure and deep inspiration. I’m a passionate for technology and all pop / digital culture, but nowadays I’m experimenting old fashioned printing / engraving with wood, linocut, etc and its’ possibilities.

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

DDH : I was have a commitment on contributing with my expertise with NGOs and their design and communication necessities.

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

DDH : I’ve been attending A’ Design Awards for a long time. I have the honor of. Being both multi awarded and jury of this prestigious event. For me, the celebration of. design this event provides. Is unique, deep and gives the very best results or all our creative community.

Daniel da Hora Profile