We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Anne Dumont ("AD").
Anne Dumont is civil engineer, born in Brussels in 1966. She is specialized as jewelry designer in adaptable jewelry. She developped in 2011 Jewel Box, a collection where the modularity is based on the use of toys building bricks principle. In 2013 she created the Gravity concept, a collection of adaptable jewelry using the threading and the gravity for its modularity. Actually she is working on a third project, being the natural step after the two first. Her philosophy : "Creating tomorrow beauty by wedding art and innovation"
Anne Dumont Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Anne Dumont.
Designer Interview of Anne Dumont:
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?
AD : I am civil engineer. Young, I wanted to study architecture. Finally, now, I'm working as jeweler architect!
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AD : I'm alone, working with an attorney for the legal aspects. I'm working in jewelry since about 10 years.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AD : Art intended for an industrial production. For me a good design is a combination of esthetic and functionality.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AD : Only jewels.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AD : I like to use the right material for the right usage. For me, it is no good or bad materials, just each materials have to be used at the right place.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AD : When I'm thinking conceptually, with as starting point dreams!
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AD : Is it possible to translate the prototyp to an industrial production?
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AD : I enjoy! I need to design!
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AD : I need to start an other project!
DI: What makes a design successful?
AD : It is depending of the point of view. For me, a design is successful when it is an obviousness.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AD : Both, esthetic and functionality.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AD : To create harmony with nature, with people.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AD : I'll only speak about design in jewelry. I think it is really difficult to set design in jewelry because jewelry stay strongly conservative. Actually, jewelry is mostly a wealth expression. All the marketing is done in this direction and so it is difficult to open an other direction in jewelry.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AD : I'm frequently exhibiting in my area, with other artists.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AD : Dreams and after, engineering - mathematics - physic to realize it!
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?
AD : I try to create design which finally are obviousness. I like simplicity
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?
AD : Brussels - BELGIUM. I'm feeling a cultural heritage from my country : open mind, the sky is the limit!
DI: How do you work with companies?
AD : Presently, I'm working alone. I want to work for companies!
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AD : Dreams - thinking, conceptualization - prototyping - legal protection
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AD : Lights, teapot, handpack
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AD : Each day is different!
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AD : Have dreams. Nothing is impossible. Do prototypes!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AD : Positive: it is a fascinating job! Negative : difficult to have a salary.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AD : Dreams can became reality!
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AD : Conceptualization Ability to do prototypes To think out of the box
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AD : A lot of materials to do prototypes.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AD : Engineer in IT in big companies
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AD : I'm looking for clients. As designer, I'm starting (2-3 years)
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AD : To continue designing new concept of adaptable jewelry. Open, also to other directions?
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AD : All alone.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AD : I'm designing an other concept of adaptable jewelry : Mosaic. It will be for next year.
DI: How can people contact you?
AD : 00 32 (0)473 74 65 42 annedumont.delrez@yahoo.fr