We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Manss Aval ("MA").
Manss works and resides in San Diego. He concentrates on painting, photography, and sculptures and has a broad set of skills with backgrounds in media, communications and the sciences (including a Ph.D.). His works present a unique amalgamation of arts and science. His latest interactive series originate from mundane objects such as rectangles and spirals. He explores how these nominally inanimate elements, can morph into moving, transforming, three-dimensional constructs. Geometry has always occupied the human mind and dictates the environment we have created. Manss grew up in the West, but is intimately connected with Eastern cultures where centuries of artistic expressions focused on calligraphy and intricate geometric patterns. When ordinary circles can assume dynamic, doughnut-shaped faces and rectangles in perceptually transition to hexagons, octagons… as elements of a twisting, flexible and growing multigonal boundary of abundant complexity and depth, the viewer’s eyes begin a journey to wherever it leads them, often returning to the origin to depart for a different destiny. Beauty in the mundane and complexity in deceiving simplicity. Manss has exhibited in over 90 juried solo and group shows in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Florence, London, Venice, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, the Louvre and Athenaeum Museum. His work is recognized by some 70 awards, including Biancoscuro Art Contest 2016, IPA, International Photography Awards, Donkey Art Prize 3, 2015, Gala Awards, International Fine Art Photography Award, 2013, Pollux Awards, 2015, and ArtBuzz 2014. His work was featured in over 30 publications including Biancoscuro Art Magazine, 2016, Art Quench Magazine, “Contemporary Art of Excellence", 2015", "Internationale Kunst Heute 2015" and “The Art of Creativity”.
Manss Aval Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Manss Aval.
Designer Interview of Manss Aval:
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?
MA : My goal originally was to be an architect. I got into design via a PhD in organic chemistry.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MA : We do a variety of visual art works and designs for a broad range of clients.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MA : Beauty, harmony, effective message delivery and an element of surprise.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MA : Fashion designs
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MA : The "Conjugates" is still one of my favorites, since it led me to a large series and strong body of wrok.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MA : Company logos.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MA : I always experiment with new materials and new platforms to extend my The concept development.3-D printing technology and its potential applications.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MA : In the evening without the usual business distractions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MA : Concept development.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MA : I am thrilled when I reach my original design vision.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MA : Satisfaction
DI: What makes a design successful?
MA : Absolute novelty, impact, elegance and minimalism.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MA : It has to clearly deliver the intended message.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MA : To assist in effective communication.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MA : As always, technology is shaping the end product in new ways.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MA : I am currently exhibiting at Artexpo New York. Next stop will be in Miami.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MA : Nature, many elements from my environment, technology news, astronomy and general science discoveries.
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?
MA : It is a combination of art and science which is atypical.
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?
MA : I live in San Diego. We are bombarded with a flood of visual imagery that can be overwhelming at times.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MA : It varies depending on the assignment.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MA : I would be looking for innovators, designers who have recently been recognized by professional peer groups.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MA : I do a lot of sketches to try to frame my ideas before making a selection to pursue a particular direction.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MA : Windows, chairs, tools, lamps, sunglasses.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MA : I start at 5:30 am and typically work until 11-11:30 pm with one or two breaks.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MA : Never rest on your laurels. Be your worst critic and always try to experiment with new ideas.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MA : A happy client provides considerable satisfaction. As in every field, some of the mundane and repetetive aspects are boring at times.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MA : When I think I have reached my goal, I put the design away for a while and take a new look at it after a period to see if I am still satisfied or if see room for improvement.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MA : An open mind.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MA : I use a broad range of design software, including Photoshop, Coreldraw,Illustrator, etc.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MA : I try to set time limits.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MA : It really varies with the assignment, ranging from one day to weeks.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MA : Many clients have an existing design they think can be tweaked a little to come up with a better product.That does not work for me.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MA : When I completed by first assignment starting on my own. I was absolutely uncertain I could complete the job satisfactorily.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MA : Architect, interior designers and fashion designers.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MA : I really enjoy fashion design. It is really thrilling when someone selects your work not only to put up on a wall or sign, but to wear it in public and walk around with it. That requires a different level of commitment to your design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MA : I want to explore 3-D printing technology more and extend further into fashion design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MA : I work alone.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MA : I have some sculpture work in progress that I am quite excited about.
DI: How can people contact you?
MA : Via my website, by email or phone (www.manssaval.com, info@manssaval.com; 858-752-7791).
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MA : I also enjoy photography and painting, if anyone is interested.