Interview with Pavel Kozlov

Pavel Kozlov ("PK") interviewed on Wednesday, 2 November.

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

PK : My experience starts from 2002 when I goes to University to graphic designer. That years I learned how to create good design (visual and right for users). In 2006 when I finish the University I started the Peopleofdesign project which writes about design and in 2007 me and my classmate launched the Radugadesign company. In Radugadesign I was a designer in the projects for Nike and BMW. I quit from Radugadesign in 2012 and in 2015 I goes to full free-lance. From 2015 I worked with Uber, S7 Airlines, Linguatrip, Panasonic and other great clients.

How did you become a designer?

PK : In 1999 I opened the source of some website page and look at html and css. And I trying to edit few options in css and tags in html :) and it was a start of my interest to design, to create comething great... I have read few books about web-design, about css and html, learning basics of php. I was searching where to go to study - and goes to University to learn graphic design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

PK : First of all I looking for references. I want to know who and how did something like this before. I trying to catch the vibe, mood and right style. If this project is for client - I asking client about what he want, how is he seeing the product/design/site.. After that I thinking about the project, I sketching, creating some concepts and showing it to client. After that the real work starting. For presentation in portfolio I'm using the mockups or if it real product - I making a photo.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

PK : I love design, I love to create something interesting and beauty.

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

PK : I have non-design skill - developing. I have epxerience in Adobe Flash developing. I have created few interactive web-sites. That skill helps me to join to the Radugadesign team and make with them really interesting projects incl. for Nike and BMW

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

PK : In the future I want to start the my own brand which will customizing sneakers and manufacturing home (and hotel) textile. I don't have a plan to be a graphic designer, or web designer only. I want to realize some of my ideas in different spheres.

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

PK : Don't be afraid to do what you love. ... Only what you love can make you happy and really productive. For non-english designers -> learn English language. For fashion designers -> learn french. Don't stop to do design but keep the balance. Balance is very important - it protect you from burn, professionaly burn.

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

PK : Watch every day something new in design, new portfolios, new trends. Keep your eyes open. It will help you to be in a trend and vibe.

What is your day to day look like?

PK : As usual. ... Sleep 7-8 hours (not more), breakfast - tea or coffee with some cookies. When breakfast - check some news, mail, telegram. Some metrics of my projects. ... After that working or going to shops. ... My every day is different after 1 PM... Going to sleep in 2-3 AM.

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

PK : Inpiring in the Pinterest, LinkedIn... I'm subscribed to some sites about design. But first of all -> Pinterest

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

PK : I have 2 types of projects. 1 - for money. It's simple. Doing what client want. Try to create good, correct design. 2 - interesting project. And I can say what the project is done when I see the result and I don't want to change something. I have few projects which I proud and love it.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

PK : Every design we can do better and better it's a fact. BUT best the enemy of the good.

What is your biggest design work?

PK : My biggest project (not work, not commercial) is Peopleofdesign. This is a magazine/project about design. I started it in 2006 and I working on to present days. From my work I have few big and interesting projects but I can't select one of them and .. I love it all.

Who is your favourite designer?

PK : Best designers in fashion - Karl Lagerfeld and Maison Margiela. Best graphic designer - Paula Sher and Stefan Sagmeister. I know much very interesting designers and I can't write them all... Also web designers too...

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

PK : I can't answer this question. It'll be very very long answer :) I'm Russian but not living in my country. My father was aircraft pilot. My hobby is tennis and it inspiring me, it changing me and my design. Everything what surround me - changing my live and design.

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

PK : I was participating in pro bono project for social event on Baikal lake. I created the logo and style.

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

PK : Every award make a designer - better designer. Every award is very big motivation for do something best and bigger. Growing up. If you get award - you growing as designer. Peoples will know you...

Pavel Kozlov Profile