We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Andrew Lam ("AL").
Andrew Lam, a producer in the animation, vfx and gaming industry for the last decade. Started up as a concept artist in the gaming industry to eventually managing projects. In 2015, he has the opportunity to join a friend who own a goldsmith factory. He was tasked to modernizing the factory, exploring 3D printing technology and also touch on artistic work but now as a jewelry designer. With background in gaming and animation, that explains his unique design style from conventional jewelry.
Andrew Lam Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Andrew Lam.
Designer Interview of Andrew Lam:
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?
AL : I have a decade of experience in 3D animation, having worked extensively in animation, gaming, and visual effects. My passion for visual storytelling began early; even as a child, I instinctively gravitated towards creative expression, transforming any surface, including walls, into my personal canvas.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AL : I joined a local goldsmith to streamline their production by implementing 3D printing technology. After successfully establishing this pipeline, I shifted my focus towards developing innovative jewelry designs. However, the local market exhibited a strong preference for traditional aesthetics, leading to a disconnect between our design philosophy and the company's direction. This ultimately resulted in our design studio separating from the parent company. Recognizing the value of our unique approach, we subsequently expanded our reach to the international market, where our contemporary designs found a more receptive audience.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AL : Learn from the past, innovate, and create something new.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AL : I am fascinated by structural engineering in architecture. As an animal lover, I've recently been drawn to the intricate skeletal structures of animals for jewelry design inspiration.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AL : Here's an improved version of the sentence: This is a lion ring, the subject of my first design experiment. I visited our workshop and consulted with our master craftsman about popular designs, and he pointed to a lion ring. Upon closer inspection, I found the existing design to be rather simplistic, resembling more of a stylized cat than a majestic lion. This sparked my desire to create a more compelling and authentic interpretation.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AL : I find that creative flow can strike at any time, provided I have uninterrupted focus. I particularly enjoy the process of idea generation, where one form seamlessly transitions into another, leading me down an endless path of exploration and discovery
DI: What makes a design successful?
AL : I like it when a design has a narrative, maybe with a little twist. I guess my animation background always creeps into my thinking.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AL : Begin with a holistic overview, examining the overall form and flow, before delving into the intricate details.
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?
AL : I strive for a sense of realism in my work, but always with a subtle twist. I aim to create a sense of believability in my viewers, then introduce elements that challenge their assumptions and provoke questions about the nature of reality.
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?
AL : Singapore, a vibrant melting pot of cultures and races, has undoubtedly shaped my worldview. While I appreciate the diverse tapestry of cultures within Singapore, my curiosity extends beyond. I am drawn to Southeast Asia, eager to delve deeper into the unique cultural nuances of each nation. Living in such a multicultural environment has undoubtedly fostered an open-mindedness that fuels my desire to explore and understand different cultures on a deeper level.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AL : I've cultivated long-term relationships with a few clients built on trust and mutual understanding. While we typically begin with an overarching brief, we've found that embracing flexibility throughout the design process yields the most rewarding results. This collaborative approach allows for organic evolution based on discoveries and insights gained during the project. Conversely, new clients often present briefs that lack clarity or a well-defined objective. Moreover, an overemphasis on strictly adhering to the initial brief can sometimes hinder the creative process and ultimately compromise the design's effectiveness.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AL : I encourage young designers to investigate the origins of all forms, which often lead back to nature or cultural influences. I frequently observe a tendency to emulate current trends or blindly admire certain works. However, I believe it's crucial to look beyond these surface-level observations. Even the most celebrated works are ultimately rooted in deeper inspirations and underlying principles.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AL : I believe that meticulous attention to detail is paramount in any design project. Clients often come to me with a general idea, but ultimately, it's my responsibility to bring their vision to life by meticulously refining every aspect of the design. The level of detail ultimately determines the professionalism and impact of the final work.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AL : My current workflow primarily revolves around Zbrush and internet research, utilizing a dual-monitor setup for optimal efficiency. This configuration allows for seamless transitions between creative exploration within Zbrush and the continuous gathering of inspiration and references online. I find this workflow highly conducive to extended periods of focused work.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AL : I maintain a select clientele while also offering my work directly to the public through my online store at www.altejewellers.com.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AL : We plan to do a few more different collection so our customers have a wider selection.
DI: How can people contact you?
AL : www.altejewellers.com