We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Vassilis Mylonadis ("VM").
Many of the spaces that we live in and the objects that surround us, are not designed in a way to intrigue our emotions. Our vision is to design objects and spaces with the notion that they will make our everyday life more functional and fun. This approach has guided the design services that our practice has offered since its founding in 1994. Together with an extensive network of partners we have provided simple and functional solutions to clients who either manufacture consumer and industrial products or are in need of exhibition or interior design.
Vassilis Mylonadis Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Vassilis Mylonadis.
Vassilis Mylonadis Design - Otowav Jewelry
Vassilis Mylonadis Design - Sousmotif Coaster
Vassilis Mylonadis Design - Keymotif Key holder
Designer Interview of Vassilis Mylonadis:
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?
VM : I studied product design in Art Center College of Design(Europe) and received my BS in Product Design in 1990. After mu graduation I worked as a product designer in PHI Design in France where I was involved in numerous projects from a wide variety of fields. In 1994 I established Mydesign Mylonadis. As a child I enjoyed scribbling objects and products. I believed I could one day build anything I designed but instead of a magic stick use a pencil.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
VM : My vision is to design objects and spaces with the notion that they will make our everyday life more functional and fun. I founded Mydesign Mylonadis in 1994. Together with an extensive network of partners we have provided simple and functional solutions to clients who either manufacture consumer products or were in need of interior and exhibition design. This approach was taken further to the design of finished products for the mass market.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
VM : I aim to be involved in different fields of design in order to see things from a different prism and hopefully do that extra leap every time I design something new.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
VM : It was actually a high tech product at that time. An electronic water tab.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
VM : When I am bound by restrictions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
VM : I am very concerned about functionality issues. I want my designs to be very practical and I always believe that every design should always tell its story.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
VM : I am feeling really grateful that I am able to interact with the consumers through my designs and watch their reactions once they use them. That is why designs that remain incomplete are a great disappointment.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
VM : Practicality, simplicity, humor, story telling.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
VM : Today more than ever a designer has immense responsibilities towards society and the environment. I believe that we need to move from a model of overconsumption to a more prudent direction. We do have the tools for that more than ever before and it is going to keep changing through technology. If you take for example the 3d printing revolution which is just starting, it is going to change our priorities by introducing customization and flexibility in the way we think and design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
VM : I live in a country that in terms of cultural heritage has so much to teach us. I believe the balance, the simplicity and the humor that I seek in most my designs derive from that. And there is always the sun and that unique light that infuse in their own way within the designs.
DI: How do you work with companies?
VM : With mutual respect. Once you get that established sky is the limit.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
VM : Follow their passion, persevere, do not give up and believe the unbelievable.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
VM : An extensive network of partners that can support you at your journey to the top.