We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Idan Herbet ("IH").
Idan defines himself as a ‘man of the people’. He is very influenced by his surroundings and loves to give back through design and well-doing. One of Idan’s biggest motivations are his emotions, learning to control and take advantage of them has allowed him to maintain a happier, optimistic lifestyle. Through this he has learned that his vantage points are in his actions, and he strives to improve every day as designer and as a human being, enjoy the moment and appreciate the journey.
Idan Herbet Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Idan Herbet.
Idan Herbet Design - E Drum Kinetic Electronic Drums Show
Designer Interview of Idan Herbet:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
IH : I did not know the design field. At the age of 24 after a big trip to South America, I decided that I wanted to study, but not at any cost, if I did not find the field that really drives me from the inside - from the heart - I wouldn't do it .I started digging through the Internet and asking people. Until one day I was exposed to industrial design. As I continued to read and deepen, I had a realization that made such a noise that I could not ignore it. Since then it continues to rustle.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IH : Herbet Studio is a design studio that I set up in my first year of studies at the age of 26. In school, we are challenged with exercises and we scratch our heads hard to get results.My approach from the beginning is to "go all in". I go in with all my might. If I do something, it's not just for the studies, or to check mark it. it's something I spend time and thought on, and I have no doubt I want to promote it. That's why this studio was built even before I was a designer
DI: What is "design" for you?
IH : Design for me is a way of life, "a designed life" I call it. We choose how and why live this life. Design is basically my way of communicating / expressing myself.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IH : R & D design through research. Innovation is the thing that leads me and always sits in my head, I am not interested in getting to something that I know how it will end.Which requires a lot of confidence and faith. "Go after the light, it will light the way for you"
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IH : Letherman. A small product that is so versatile and efficient. It amazes me how much thinking goes into something so small.its appearance is reliable and strong, and there is no doubt that it does what it should very well. Every little detail is anchored in great thought and intelligent solutions. Definitely an inspiration...
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IH : Interactive drum stabilizer. A product the size of 3X3 meters. With a stage, drums, lighting, cold fire, smoke machine and electric drums.Twelve professionals are involved in this project. Together, each one brought his best and we have created an amazing stabilizer that responds to the audience, to music, to percussion and to the environment.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
IH : "When the hands think" There is something magical about letting the hands work, feeling the material, stretching its boundaries and through that, understanding how you can move forward. Every crack opens a world to you. And the more you dig in, the more you discover.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IH : To devote yourself, to be present and creative in the design process you must be 100 percent there. And I manage to reach my 100 percent only if I have already made time to be in a place and for things that do me good, whether it's a surfing session, training, time with the spouse or friends .After filling my soul, I feel that creativity is coming in.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IH : I always put the person in front of me - the user. To whom this product is intended. I try to get into his head and connect to the feelings he experiences with his initial encounter with the product, while he is using it, and what will make him use it again.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IH : Joy, sadness, frustration, happiness, security, love and a host of emotions. The design process is like a good shake. You throw all your emotions in, they mix - collide with each other, and when you know how to control and dose them, you get an amazing shake!
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IH : Like a proud father, or a mother after birth, a great satisfaction... Emotion comes mainly when you see people affected by it.
DI: What makes a design successful?
IH : A design you look at and you say - "It really can do what it's supposed to do"One that makes you stop for a moment, think, and appreciate what is being done.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IH : An authentic design, one that does not strain or pretend to be something that it's not.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IH : Be honest. Do not give up on yourself, the client, the material, nor the person who meets with your creation. Do not underestimate the person in front of you. If you were alert enough to spot any problem yourself, you can be sure that the one in front of you will also feel it!
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IH : 15 .We are the future. As we dig deeper, spread our knowledge and desire to shape a future. That's where we will go. In my opinion, due to the multiplicity, consumer culture, the rise of technology and our capabilities - the future will be filled with many things that aren't really necessary.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
IH : Jaffa Port Tel Aviv, during Passover. I introduced a bicycle I designed and sold a number of products to by-passers. My next exhibition is in Mood, Milan under the A 'award design competition. I've already received an invitation.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
IH : Life is the greatest inspiration. Inspiration finds us. From the moment we get up, through the people and the nature we encounter, to our mind.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
IH : The main part of my design stems from thorough research, and I believe that in order to get to innovations, you have to go through unfamiliar paths. The deeper you go, the more you discover. Leave your comfort zone and do not compromise with the first find.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
IH : Man is an image of his homeland. Israel is a small country with a great consciousness. We got our freedom and our country with determined faith and cooperation. We did not give up and knew how to stand up for ourselves. I feel it in my own way as a human being.
DI: How do you work with companies?
IH : I go to companies whose work intrigues me or companies come to me after they have met my work and have connected with it. I accompany the company through an idea they want to implement and they see me as the person who will make it happen in the best way because I choose the projects I believe in, the product, the person / company I work with / their approach and the willingness not to compromise and give up when difficulties arise on the way - until we get to where we were aiming at.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
IH : Behind each designer stands a person. Meet the person. If you do not connect with him on a human level you will not connect to his design or, certainly, you will not enjoy the road together.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
IH : Of course, first of all and before everything else, a design process begins with dedication. It is important for me to choose and start projects that I believe in their idea and those that intrigue me, and I know that I am going to give everything I've got and devote myself to the path that leads to the goal. I'm always looking for the innovation, the unfamiliar, the esoteric, the kind they have not seen before. I believe that in order to reach such a product, one has to go through a lot. A path that includes thorough exploration, entry into unfamiliar paths, and exhausting every step of the way. The best things are the unexpected. Where the emotion thrills and leads you. Listen to it.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
IH : House Design is the space where a person is staying. The details that are there are what will make his home experience for better or for worse. In my opinion, the most significant items in your home are not ones that you can't live without - those that will upgrade your experience in your home, such as an inspiring picture, a pleasant lamp, an authentic phonograph, a sophisticated sculpture and an unusual wall.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
IH : A good day for me is a day when I change at least 3 costumes and I'll explain. The night before I always prepare the car and bag in advance for the whole day.Waking up at 5:30am, pushing in a banana and a glass of water with lemon, at 6 I am already with the surfing suit (first outfit) at sea for a surf session at sunrise. 9 In the morning I go into the studio, wear work clothes (second outfit) and start working. Towards the evening, I wear clothes for going out and dedicate time for friends / family and my partner. This is an ideal day for me. Sports, work. Family / Friends. And so on.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
IH : First of all, I myself am a young designer but I would love to share the pearls that at least for me, have helped me get up in the morning, push forward, and create a healthier, more intriguing, full and better life. Enabling me to design accordingly.Listen to your inner voices, people around you have a lot to say, they usually look at themselves and criticize you. You can listen to others but listen to yourself! Stop to think and feel what honestly makes you feel good and what doesn'tKeep things and people who do you good! And move away from what does not do you good.Good is measured by evil, the highest by the lowest and the most beautiful by the ugly. Know and acknowledge the things that you do not like.Whatever you touch, do it in the best way possible. You're already there, so why not do it in the best way! Do not say when I'll have time I'll do, since you might never have time! Just get to doing!If you think you are too small to change something... Try to sleep with a mosquito in the room.Ask, everything, ask anything. Everything you encountered and did not understand. Ask! Or research and examine yourselves.If I am not for myself, who is?! The more you enrich your toolbox, the better you can express yourself without being dependent on others.Last and most important thing! Enjoy the way! And if the road does not appeal to you, pave it.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
IH : 100 percent positive, but not because there is a specific reason or missing bad things, I just choose to shed a light on the positive side.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
IH : Listen and be alert to findings on the way. Not jump to the first thing that comes to my mind. Before I go through a step and advance to the next one in the process, I make sure that I have exhausted it as much as possible or that it is a dead end and I can continue onward.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
IH : Curiosity, faith and security. Without each of these variables, in my eyes, it does not work.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
IH : The most important tools are the head and the arms. A computer is a world and with it, the internet, web design software such as SolidWorks, Studio Max, Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Primer Decoration and more. The more self-sufficient you are in your abilities. The more you can express yourself in the best way and not rely on others
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
IH : Available management is an important issue. I love managing my time with specific tasks for that day but also leaving a window of time for the unpredictable since I'm actually counting on the unexpected.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
IH : There's no end to it, it usually ends on deadline, and if there's enough passion and time to get back to it, then that happens too.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
IH : Is it the best I can get to?!
DI: What was your most important job experience?
IH : Every step of the way is a milestone. I try to choose and take the job to places that challenge me so that in everything that I deal with I'll be enriching my knowledge and abilities. If I put my finger on it - an important project I learned a lot from was one in which I've challenged myself too much and, in the end, did not achieve the result I expected. Time is part of the brief and it is also a material that you need to consider.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
IH : Most of my customers are ambitious and are looking for great challenges. And that's why I'm with them. Those who dream big.For example, there are 2 who still work with me:Chocavi & klien - Lighting Architects - Together we design and create a colorful and innovative world. Multi-disciplinary artist zvika horesh - Together we raised a series of colorful sculptures in sizes of 3 meters or so, which take over tourist areas, luxury hotels, lobbies and more.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
IH : One I have not yet done before. Because it requires me to be most creative and bring my best.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
IH : Build a name and a resume for my studio, grow and specialize. Grow together with employees who have become a family and together attack the next challenge.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
IH : It depends on the project and on the client. I have experience working in projects that combined 12 different professionals. 5 designers on the same project. 2 people and also alone. It depends very much.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
IH : Of course. Herbet is a portable gas stove that I designed and because of it, I am here. I slept and got up with it in the morning and I still do it until it gets to where it should be in my opinion. The next step for me is to get relevant clients and companies that will appreciate the work and want to buy it. I use it every day. It makes me pause in the middle of the day, appreciate the moment and cook myself a good treat. Whether it's a small coffee after a surfing session, at the end of a day's work, or an outdoor meeting.
DI: How can people contact you?
IH : Today it is easy to find each other. The question is how much you want to get to him. My name is Idan Herbet Mail - HYPERLINK "mailto: idanherbet@gmail.com" idanherbet@gmail.comPhone - +972526348948Or you could just knock on my door at home; Sethunit 6, Ness Ziona Israel.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
IH : Yes, I would love to convey a message and especially say to those who read it and not necessarily to designers - that design is how we choose to look at it. We shape our feelings, our relationships, our family, the environment ... And more …! Whether it's through what we say, do, eat or how we dress. The world is a design of nature and man. It's all in our hands. Do not compromise.