We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Cesar Augusto Idrobo Giraldo ("CAIG").
Cesar Augusto Idrobo Giraldo is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Cesar Augusto Idrobo Giraldo Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Cesar Augusto Idrobo Giraldo.
Designer Interview of Cesar Augusto Idrobo Giraldo:
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?
CAIG : I've always been an artist from an early age. Drawing and painting have been the core of my communication skills to explore ideas visually. Then, becoming a designer was a career decision that made sense to me because it was the perfect combination between and art and technology/mechanics. Also, there was a school that offered the courses and tools I needed to become an outstanding designer which was the Savannah College of Art and Design where I completed my bachelors and masters in industrial and accessory design respectively.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CAIG : My practice as an independent designer strives to provide companies or brands with an edge and a fresh perspective to their products and services. Also, assisting clients with technical expertise in the development of new styles in footwear as well as bags.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CAIG : It's the thought process behind your actions. The conversation that happens in your mind which dictates your decisions and then is translated into an idea.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CAIG : Lately, footwear and accessories. However, I'm open to any field of design. At the end of the day, it's another product.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CAIG : My favorite design is a product by mother nature: a fruit. I always think that the perfect example of great design is a banana. Most people know what a banana looks like because of its iconic aesthetic and color. The packaging which is the skin is biodegradable and functional. You peel it as you eat. It's healthy and you can take it to go!
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CAIG : I did graphic design and brainstorming solutions for lighting products at artecnica in Beverly Hills, CA back in 2011.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CAIG : My favorite material is leather.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CAIG : In the mornings I feel that my mind is the sharpest; however, sometimes I have this rush of energy in the evening that makes me go to work. I've learned to channel that energy and work despite of I feel just to have some structure in my schedule.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CAIG : In execution. There are a lot of good ideas in the market today that are poorly executed. The outcome is what customers see.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CAIG : I feel freedom. I'm letting my ideas out in the world and hoping they will have a positive impart in people's lives.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CAIG : I've heard that is the closest you feel to having a baby. It's like a parent to son relationship.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CAIG : It's a combination of elements. You need a strong design, a strong business model/platform and it has to be relevant to the needs or desires of the targeted audience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CAIG : I strive to back track as much as possible where the idea came from. I put on my hat of detective to find out why is the product in the market, how is being marketed
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CAIG : We have power to change cultures for the good. Through our designs, we change thought processes. Thoughts become habits. Then, habits turns into cultures and finally cultures are what the world is made of. We need to educate people to consume responsibly and help them make informed decisions.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CAIG : Despite of design being seen as valuable in the market, there needs to be a design-like approach in education and learning methods in schools. I definitely see potential in education as the next big thing because schools nurture the upcoming wave of professionals.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CAIG : My last exhibition was at the Gutstein Gallery in Savannah, Georgia. I'd like to be part of gallery series where different artists showcase their interpretation of a subject. Place doesn't matter as long as is accessible to people.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CAIG : There is a special brainstorming technique that helps me make connections from other fields. This facilitates the generation of far out ideas and triggers other concepts when done in groups. My main source of inspiration is either furniture design or architecture.
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?
CAIG : I don't have a design style or aesthetic in specific. Most of the time you design for someone else; therefore, you adapt to their visual identity in order to create a product that relates to their brand and customer. I believe in the expression of your ideas and doing anything it takes to get the point across.
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?
CAIG : I currently reside in Portland, OR. Yes, upbringing and where you where raised affect your designs. It's part of who you are and is part of your knowledge which you use to design. I don't see being raised in Colombia as a limitation, but as a way to approach problems differently. Being in a different environment where I didn't have access to anything I wanted, taught me to be resourceful.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CAIG : I adapt first to their work flow and way of doing things. Then, I start making changes that benefits them.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CAIG : An interview is the worst method to hire a designer. I'd try to meet them in person and bring them to the company for a couple days. This is the most effective way to see how professional someone is. You get to see how they interact with other teammates, take them out for dinner and drinks, give them a small project where they can showcase all their skills and learn how they sell ideas. Make sure not only human resources, but designers and managers are involved in the interviewing process from beginning to end.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CAIG : I start by learning and fully understanding the goal of the project. This will help me make decisions that are relevant to the project and keep me on track. Then, I start exploring as many solutions as possible by sketching quickly. After having feedback, I move into 3d prototyping and testing how ideas work as close as possible to what you'd see in the market. Make changes after having reviews and execute the best iteration possible. Then, source and prepare all the entities needed to bring the product to market. Finally, market the product! Separately from the commercial aspect of design, I strive to make time to work on ideas that have no brief. It takes creativity to sell a product that has no clear reason of why it exists. It's a good exercise for your brain.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CAIG : My pocket sized moleskin sketchbook, My Canon G15, my copic markers, my french press and a Muji toothbrush holder.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CAIG : Meditate. Read. Eat. Design. Break. Design. Eat. Reply/send emails. Design. Break. Read. Sleep. Repeat.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CAIG : Read. Read more and learn from the voice of experience. There are no shortcuts to creating great work. Good things take time, so be patient.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CAIG : The positive side of being a designer is that you have a voice either in society or at a company to make meaningful decisions. Our knowledge gives us the freedom and power to create solutions that people can benefit from. On the other hand, designers are accountable for the consequences of our actions. I don't see any negatives to being a designers, but as challenges instead. Any profession will have its good side and a not so good side.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CAIG : Like Nike says, "Just do it." In design, that's the most powerful statement. We should test as many ideas as possible and avoid getting caught in a never ending ideation stage. I would rather spend a $1 million dollars in 100 ideas than to spend $100 million in one idea.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CAIG : Translating research insights into design opportunities. Create the right design criteria will set the tone for the rest of a project.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CAIG : Right now, I have my shoe making tools which includes an assortment of needles, hammers, knives, awls and among other items. Then, I have my drawing/sketching tools which are markers and colored pencils. I've been using a source of inspiration the work of Issey Miyake lately. Currently I'm reading two books: "Ayrton Senna: the whole story" and " Buying In." For software, I use Adobe's creative suite, Rhino 5 for 3D modeling and Grasshopper for parametric design.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CAIG : Keep a clear goal in mind, structure your time around that goal and do take breaks!
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CAIG : It depends. Definitely not 7 hours neither 7 years. You can make shoes in 4 hours or you can spend 3 weeks on a pair of bespoke footwear.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CAIG : "How did you get into shoe making?"
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CAIG : My most important job experience has been related to communication and interacting people. You can have great ideas, designs or solutions, but you have to know how to sell them.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CAIG : Olukai, Android Homme, Emperia Handbags among other brands and projects.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CAIG : I enjoy making prototypes. This is the stage in the creative process where you test your ideas whether they work on not.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CAIG : Planning on staying independent for now, but open to new career opportunities if they knock on the door. I'd like to have a space and the tools where I can make footwear and accessory prototypes for companies. Additionally, teaching and sharing my experience by holding courses/talks would be of great benefit to those looking to start a career in design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CAIG : Either or. I do well in both situations depending on the needs of the company.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CAIG : I'm working on incorporating algorithms in the footwear creative process.
DI: How can people contact you?
CAIG : Via email, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If you reside in Portland, OR, let's meet up.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CAIG : Thank you for the opportunity to share my view of design to the world.