Interview with Juan Ospina

Juan Ospina ("JO") interviewed on Thursday, 19 October.

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

JO : I've been designing as an independent designer since 2020 (when I graduated), although I've worked for big brands well. I've become great each day doing great concepts thanks to all the creative work ive done in the past.

How did you become a designer?

JO : My mom was a graphic designer, she inspired me a lot into art, conception of symbolism behind each great work and then I wanted to learn how to help humankinddoing physical products to help everyone day by day.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JO : 1) Finding the purpose of the product/project 2)self iterations until you know what you're doing from memory 3) trying to destroy your finished work until it's strong enough to speak for itself 4) Tell a story without speaking 5) do physical prototipes to learn about ergonomics 6) don't spent times rendering and modeling if you don't know about manufacture; be a geek.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JO : I get anxious when it becomes to starting some projects from zero because I wanna get the best conception for each work, they deserve it. Then when I discover the greatness core of each one I get really excited. Then when I finish each project I feel so much peace of having achieved this goals.

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

JO : I used to be a volunteer in Ywam full time back in 2012-2014, in Chile after a huge eartquake took place, we helped build lots of homes for the people who ost it all. I was part of homes of hope international in Mexico as well and my dream was to learn how to wood work to be better every day/ faster helping people in need, thats why I took an ultimatum of studying industrial design.

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

JO : I'm 29 and im already winner of 2 big design world renowed competitions, i got married 7 years ago, I have a 2 year old toddler, and my wife is currently pregnant with twins. I don't need anything else I already fullfilled the best dreams I could have dreamed of. Now I have goals: winning more contests, making money to help others with design, adopting two children at least and give the best to my family as a present father.

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

JO : Don't compare nor compete with others, always self evaluate yourself hard so you improve yourself everyday, find a meaning in life to center your live on it, never give up, stand for wht's right even if you're standing alone.

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

JO : Don't be materialist, be a person with goals and life valuable principles. If you aim those you'll achieve anything. Last but not least, never run alone, have a team/family; if you work in team youll get farther.

What is your day to day look like?

JO : I get up at 6am everyday, have breakfast with my family, then I shower and plan the day ahead. I work remotely on some proyects from 8am-1pm. I get lunch and then i work on some personal projects from 2-5pm. I get dinner at 6pm and then I take care of my children, shower them, put pj's on and spend time with my wife from 8-10pm, then I do some rendering on different projects from 10-12pm and finally go to sleep.

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

JO : I follow various design magazines and press profiles. I think trends are important but not all the times because sometimes the greatest designers set those trends before they arrive so I don't worry much about it. I care more about product's meaning than trend.

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

JO : I think there is good design when I can read the implicit aspects of the product, when a story is being told in a so obvious way that great pre design research is notable.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JO : When im sure I expressed all the aspects conceived in the meaning of the product according to all prior research and conceptualization, I have to get to the perfect balance where there's no more nor less needed.

What is your biggest design work?

JO : Im really proud of the last Adesign awards I won due to the simplicity, versatility and possible mas production that can be achieved. There's another great project I'm currently working on to nominate for a red Rot but I can't talk much about it atm

Who is your favourite designer?

JO : I really like Karim Rashid when it comes to conceptualization of products.

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

JO : Im not much influenced by the culture/society around me when it comes to design. I'm more inspired for what I live/have lived in the past; to help others live in a better way what I already lived

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

JO : I use to procrastinate a lot sometimes when I work alone or in a lonely space, so I prefer working surrounded by other peers to motivate myself. When I;m with a team i work really really hard to do my best for the team. I become a better designer of myself than i was the day before to be my best version to the ones surrounding me in all aspects.

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

JO : I volunteer as part of Youth with a mission international anytime i have a chance. Designing, being a staff on free times or sending money donations from my work for them to help people world wide with mental health and hard economic conditions.

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

JO : 1) Geting to know great new peers to share life with 2) Geting fame and rename on my now prestigiously proteted designs 3) Geting great uncomparable opportunities because of the weight the winner labels add to my resumes and portfolios.

Juan Ospina Profile