We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Pierre Cabrera ("PC").
Pierre Cabrera is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Pierre Cabrera Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Pierre Cabrera.
Designer Interview of Pierre Cabrera:
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?
PC : Rarely satisfied with the products that existe, since my youth I have invented and made objects. The aesthetic has always been present in my work and has taken on more importance as the projects have progressed.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
PC : In 2009 I create the company "Pierre CABRERA". I design unique pieces or small series of lamps, fashion accessories, playful objets, showcases... with metal, wood, bamboo, brick, wicker...
DI: What is "design" for you?
PC : For me, design is creation applied to useful.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
PC : Lighting design. Light is life !
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
PC : One of my favorite is a model of bamboo sunglasses which combines lightness, simplicity, elegance but also technical expertise in the manufacturing process. The idea came to me when I first got to know bamboo. So I did a lot of research in the field of optics and tests on bamboo aimed at achieving these frames. These models should be available to the public in the coming months.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
PC : I do not work for other companies, I create my own products.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
PC : I have favorite materials per period. Metal, wood, bamboo, old brick... I like to extract them from why they were made, even introduce them to an opposite univers.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
PC : Between 4am and 6am!
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
PC : I focus on the details that often can give a magical side to the design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
PC : It's like a wild ride during which time stops.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
PC : After keeping for me during its creation, I am impatient to compare it to other eyes.
DI: What makes a design successful?
PC : Its relevance to integrate into the universe for which it is intended.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
PC : For an object, when the desire to touch and / or use it is stronger than the rest.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
PC : Our responsability is to show that we can think differently, pushing the standards, surprising and inviting others in this process.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
PC : As previously stated, the environment must be a priority and a force in the creation.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
PC : Last: March 31 Galery "Dalbe" Toulouse - France Next: September 2012 "Maison & Objet" Paris - France, December
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
PC : My inspiration comes from the observation of nature, the movement of elements and objects.
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?
PC : My style is characterized by taut curves and surfaces, simple and pure lines.
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?
PC : Of course my heritage has influence my work, but also the people I have met and the travels I have done.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
PC : In general, the idea comes first, then the drawings, a piece of artwork and / or test a new material if necessary, some research on what exists, then comes the finishing with intermittent phases of design details.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
PC : A lamp, a pair of sunglasses, an eyeglass case, a shelf, a sculpture of an ear.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
PC : Be curious, observe, not to be "locked-in", draw, invent and reinvent, believe in yourself.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
PC : The freedom to create is a source of a lot of happiness. Often not enough time to realize my ideas.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
PC : Simplify.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
PC : Freedom to think differently.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
PC : First tool: my bed between 4am and 6am, second tool: a pencil and paper, third tool: a drawing software if necessary, fourth tool: the workshop
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
PC : Yes, the time investment is huge but it is essential to "let go" from time to time and get some air.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
PC : From one day to several months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
PC : And are you living from what you do?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
PC : My biggest project is about to be negotiated at this time.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
PC : Criollo Chocolatier, opticiens, individuals.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
PC : Those who are more open in terms of creativity. Those who make me meet new people, other trades, other materials and techniques.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
PC : Participate in more and more shows and competitions, find partners.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
PC : I usually work alone. Sometimes I work with craftsmen to incorporate materials that require expertise and/or specific techniques.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
PC : I developed a range of bamboo sunglasses. I have presented at MIDO in Milan last March with great success. A first production is expected to emerge in the coming months. I also work at the moment with "Esprit Porcelaine" in Limoges - France, on new lighting design that incorporate porcelain, a material truly magical.
DI: How can people contact you?
PC : Through my website : www.pierre-cabrera.fr