We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Gilles Laot ("GL").
Born in 1975, Gilles found his true path in metalwork, beginning the Tour de France in 1993 with the association of Compagnons du Devoir as a boilermaker. Since his Tour de France, he has specialised in the shaping of metals and artistic work, joining the Foundation de Coubertin, as artistic boilermaker and brass worker, where he uses his skill in realisation of commissions for several major artists of international fame. Since his Tour de France, he has specialized in the shaping of metals and artistic work, joining the Foundation de Coubertin, as artistic boilermaker and brass worker, where he uses his skill in realization of commissions for several major artists of international fame.
Gilles Laot Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Gilles Laot.
Designer Interview of Gilles Laot:
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?
GL : I was always attracted to design and I have integrated 'Les Companions du devoir' in order to perfect my skills.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
GL : I would be interested to work on my own designs, I have been working for world renown artists and I feel that I am ready to start my own journey.
DI: What is "design" for you?
GL : Design is mind spirit that is linked to functionally
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
GL : I'm quite versatile regarding my design interest...
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
GL : My work Inferno that was linked to my mother's death.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
GL : I have designed for the world renown artist Pablo Reinoso
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
GL : All metals, Handcrafted (hammer)
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
GL : When I am alone and able to concentrate
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
GL : Final aesthetic
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
GL : A feeling of freedom
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
GL : Satisfaction and the desire to do more
DI: What makes a design successful?
GL : It's originality,decorative aspect, it's form and functionality
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
GL : It's lack of originality and functionality
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
GL : To create emotions and develop awareness
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
GL : I think that design remains mainly in terms of construction and furnitures but everything is evolving
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
GL : In 2009 Rotary Club, I 'm keen to present my work in other exhibitions
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
GL : They emerge from nature, I love the artists HR Giger. My source of inspiration comes from comics, Sci-Fi movies and ife
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?
GL : Organic, fluid and to constantly explore new ventures
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?
GL : I live in France
DI: How do you work with companies?
GL : I am currently working with a company an things are going very well
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
GL : Team work is essential
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
GL : I start by sketching drafts then I gradually produce them
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
GL : I own quite an extensive collection of vases that I have produced
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
GL : Subway - Work - personal creations at night and sleep
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
GL : Perseverance and patience
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
GL : The relation with the costumers
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
GL : It has to be very pure and distinct with a balance
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
GL : Pencil, paper and the brain
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
GL : Hammer and metals. Tools to work on metal
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
GL : I generally work extra time during the Week ends to finish my projects
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
GL : 100 hours in general
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
GL : How did I produce the work...?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
GL : My creation Inferno
DI: Who are some of your clients?
GL : Pablo Reinoso, Franceco Moretti,...
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
GL : My personal work and futuristic works
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
GL : To be able to create further personal artworks
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
GL : I work alone
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
GL : I currently working on a vase inspired from the movie Prometheus