Interview with Manuel Ruiz

Manuel Ruiz ("MR") interviewed on Saturday, 13 May.

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

MR : I have over 24 years of experience as a graphic designer, working with clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and non-profit organizations. During this time, I have honed my skills in creating visual solutions that communicate a brand's message effectively. I am passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies and am always looking for ways to improve my skills and expand my knowledge. Overall, my experience as a graphic designer has taught me the importance of effective communication, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.

How did you become a designer?

MR : I have always been interested in the arts and visual communication. In high school, I took courses in art and design and enjoyed using my creativity to solve visual problems. I decided to join Monsenor de Talavera University, where I learned the fundamentals of design principles, typography, color theory, and software tools.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MR : I work on this order: research, sketch and digital layout. I try to be very minimalist in my designs since I start from the principle that less is more in design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MR : I like to create an environment conducive to ideas, that's why I use the night hours to capture the ideas that are generated during the day. The tranquility of a night with good music puts me in the best state of inspiration.

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

MR : Mezclarse con gente talentosa me ha llevado a completar hermosos proyectos. The social side of interrelationships is a great driver of good ideas.

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

MR : I visualize my future by creating new design techniques adapted to new technologies. I also want to continue writing books oriented to creative processes.

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

MR : Continuously learn and expand your knowledge: The design field is constantly evolving, and there are always new techniques, tools, and technologies to learn. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field, and take courses, attend workshops, or read books to expand your knowledge. Embrace sustainability: Designers, artists, and architects have a responsibility to create sustainable solutions that minimize the impact on the environment. Consider the materials, processes, and systems you use in your work, and look for ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create designs that are environmentally friendly.

What is your day to day look like?

MR : I like the silence when I get up in the morning and a good cup of coffee. My day in my studio begins with a meeting to see the progress of the projects and then everything flows freely until the night. Sundays are my favorite day to ride my motorcycle.

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

MR : I usually find inspiration in the natural world. The colors, textures, and patterns found in nature can be a great source of inspiration for creating organic, fluid designs. I like trends, Movies, TV shows, music, and other forms of popular culture can be a great source of inspiration for me. Traveling to different parts of the world to know new cultures, art, and architecture, which can inspire new design ideas.

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

MR : A design that fulfills its function is a good design, an exceptional design is one that fulfills its function and also makes you fall in love.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MR : I like to set myself a time limit, although this limit is usually fluctuating. It is good not to fall into overthinking. When is done is done.

What is your biggest design work?

MR : I have a lot of branding work that I'm very proud of, but my first book "Building Creativity as an Artist" documents my best insights into my life as an art director.

Who is your favourite designer?

MR : I find Massimo Vignelli very inspiring, His motto was, "If you can design one thing, you can design everything," and i think it's brilliant.

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

MR : I am the product of a mixture of places and cultures, I was born and raised in South America (Venezuela) in a loving and respectful environment for nature, where Latin music and food mark an important style in your life. I live and work in the United States where the urban environment inspires me to create designs that reflect the energy and vibrancy of the city.

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

MR : I promote teamwork a lot, I like to get the best out of each talent that works for me on my projects.

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

MR : I think that the designer is a great social helper doing his best to make the world more aesthetically better. In addition to being an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, I am also the founder of Muralforacause.com, a movement that donates printed murals to organizations seeking to spread a positive and inspiring message.

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

MR : I love the idea of collaborating in events with such talented people in different branches of design. I would like to continue participating in the awards and maybe one day as a jury.

Manuel Ruiz Profile