We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Martina Schuhmann ("MS").

Since I remember I was interested in design and art and next. After highschool I started to study architecture but after some semesters I started to work. Next to my job (pharmaceutical industry) I was always creating and designing different interior items. In general all these items were for personal use. So the items have to be usefull for daily life and not only a Piece of art.

Martina Schuhmann Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Martina Schuhmann.

Designer Interview of Martina Schuhmann:

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?

MS : After highschool I have started to study architecture. I didn´t finish it but I was always interested in design, homeware and interior. From time to time I was restyling my house - always brought some personaltity to my home. I was painting, working with drift wood and finally I designed my first felt stone rug.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

MS : It´s a one woman show and it´s specialized in felt design. 90% of the items are customized.

DI: What is "design" for you?

MS : design = art ... and art isn´t what it is - it´s what you make others see

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

MS : Drift wood lamp

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

MS : natural materials like wood and wool

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

MS : work life balance has to be good

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

MS : I feel happy to create something new

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

MS : sometimes I´m doubtful if it´s a item you can really use

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

MS : functunality

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

MS : Most of my ideas come by being in the nature - feel the nature. Get my inspiration while traveling - other places other inspirations

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?

MS : Item has to b e stylish as well as a good factore. It has to stand the daily life

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?

MS : I live next to Vienna - Austria. Yes Austria is beautiful country and we have a lot of nature to get inspired.

DI: How do you work with companies?

MS : I´m working with interior Designers and it´s very inspiring to get new "ideas". Most of my rugs are customized and for me it´s important that my design is adapted to the enviroment.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

MS : my rugs, my drift wood lamps and one alessi bowle

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

MS : pos - you can create what you feelneg. - sometimes customers want to adapt the design in a "wrong" way

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

MS : it has to be useful and functunal

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

MS : sometimes it´s from the first moment like you want it to be - sometimes it needs years

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

MS : from where did you get this idea

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

MS : interior design

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

MS : myself - but I discuss new ideas with friends

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

MS : Rugs like meadows, a bed of flower ... it brings happiness home

DI: How can people contact you?

MS : www.flussdesign.at