We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative João Loureiro ("JL").
João Loureiro is a multiple award-winning graphic designer from Braga, Portugal. He started really early as a freelancer, and he’s been working since then as a Graphic Designer. In 2008, he won his first design award for the national water supplier “AGERE” (identity contest), with more than 100 participants all over the country. It was a life-changing moment. He was requested all the time by multiple companies and cultural associations, and this has made him the designer that he is today. In 2012, he won another identity contest for GNRATION, a cultural creative hub in Braga, and his work was published in design books and magazines, taking him to the next level as a creative. In 2014, he started working for the first time in a design agency, Pi Creative Studio, and in 2015, he moved to Porto, where he worked as a senior graphic designer and lead designer in GIF Design Studios. In 2018, we won the prestigious and well-known international Silver A’Design Awards for a branding project he developed for a hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Later that year, he returned to his hometown, Braga, and is now the Head of Design at Seegno, a software house and creative agency with 15 years of active work. Combining this role with freelance jobs, he wants to continue leaving his legacy all over the place. His work has been published in reference books and magazines all over the world.
João Loureiro Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by João Loureiro.
Designer Interview of João Loureiro:
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?
JL : I have always been fascinated by visual storytelling and the power of design to communicate complex ideas simply and beautifully. My journey into design began with a love for creating visual narratives while solving problems, nurtured through formal education in design and influenced by my family. The desire to create meaningful and impactful designs has always driven me, making this career a natural choice.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JL : As a freelancer, I specialize in Branding and Editorial design projects. I focus on crafting unique visual identities and compelling editorial layouts that resonate with clients' audiences. My vision is to blend creativity with strategic thinking to deliver designs that not only look great but also serve a purpose.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JL : Design, for me, is a powerful tool for communication and problem-solving. It's about understanding the needs of the client and the audience and creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Good design tells a story, evokes emotions, and makes a lasting impact.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JL : I enjoy designing Branding and Cultural projects. Both require a lot of creativity and critical thinking, which is always challenging and rewarding.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JL : I have had the privilege of working with many well-known clients who appreciate my signature style as a designer. One project I am particularly proud of is the branding for Mesh Padel Center, a Padel Club in Braga. It was challenging and the final result was very rewarding.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JL : The first thing I designed was the rebranding of the local water company "Agere" in Braga, Portugal.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JL : I love designing for print because of the tactile pleasure of working with premium papers, textures, finishes, and colors. In my workflow, I primarily use Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JL : I feel most creative when immersed in new experiences, whether traveling, reading, or exploring nature. Also, spending time at our typical "esplanadas" (coffee terraces) in Portugal helps recharge my creative energy.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JL : I focus on clarity, functionality, and emotional resonance. It's crucial that the design communicates the intended message clearly and effectively while also engaging the audience on an emotional level.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JL : Seeing my designs come to life brings immense joy and pride. It’s always a pleasure seeing my work on the streets, on billboards, vans, newspapers, etc.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JL : Seeing my designs come to life brings immense joy and pride. It's rewarding to see how the final product meets the client's needs and connects with the audience. It’s always a pleasure seeing my work on the streets, on Outdoors, Vans, Newspapers, etc.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JL : A successful design meets its objectives, resonates with its audience, and stands the test of time. It should be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and memorable.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JL : The first aspects I consider are clarity of communication, functionality, and visual appeal. A good design should effectively convey the intended message and engage the viewer.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JL : Designers have a responsibility to create sustainable and ethical designs. We should consider the environmental impact of our work and strive to make designs that promote positive social change.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JL : The design field is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, with a growing emphasis on technology and user experience. The future of design lies in creating immersive and interactive experiences that blend digital and physical elements. Thankfully, print isn't dead and can co-exist with the digital world.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JL : Not applicable.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JL : My inspiration comes from art, nature, architecture, and everyday life. I constantly seek new experiences and perspectives to feed my creativity. Daily research on trends and following my favorite designers/agencies on social media also help.
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?
JL : My design style is clean, modern, and minimalist, with a focus on typography and subtle details. I believe in the power of simplicity and clarity to create impactful designs. My approach is to start with a strong conceptual foundation and build upon it with thoughtful execution.
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?
JL : I live in Braga, Portugal, a city rich in history and culture. Some of my work is inspired by the vibrant cultural heritage of Portugal, providing a wealth of inspiration. However, it can be challenging to balance traditional influences with contemporary design trends, which I believe is the magic of design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
JL : I work closely with companies to understand their brand, goals, and audience. Collaboration is key, and I ensure that my designs align with their vision and objectives.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JL : Companies should look for designers with a strong portfolio who understand their brand and values. Clear communication and a collaborative approach are essential for a successful partnership. Creativity is key!
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JL : My design process starts with research and understanding the client's needs. I then move on to brainstorming and conceptualization, followed by sketching and prototyping. The final stages involve refining the design and ensuring it meets all objectives.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JL : Some of my favorite design items at home include a vintage sideboard that I love, some design posters and art I have on my walls, a collection of art/design books, and my Apple products collection - they nail it when it comes to industrial design.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
JL : My day typically starts with a cup of coffee and reviewing my tasks. I spend my days working on design projects, followed by meetings with clients. Communication is crucial to delivering fulfilling projects. Later, I spend quality time with my wife and kids, enjoying family activities. Cooking is a therapeutic escape from work for me.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JL : Stay curious and always be willing to learn. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes, as they are valuable learning experiences. Build a strong portfolio and network with other professionals in the industry. Get involved in cultural and local projects. Be creative and, most importantly, be yourself.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JL : The positives include the ability to create impactful work, constant opportunities for learning and growth, and the satisfaction of seeing your designs come to life. The negatives can include tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the pressure to constantly innovate. Some projects/clients can be time and energy-consuming.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JL : My golden rule is to prioritize clarity and simplicity. A design should communicate its message effectively and be easily understood by its audience.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
JL : Important skills for a designer include creativity, problem-solving, communication, and technical proficiency with design software. Patience is also crucial for truly understanding the client and the project.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JL : My toolbox includes software like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, my Mac, iPad, sketchbooks, and a collection of design books and magazines. I also draw inspiration from online design communities and art exhibitions.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JL : I manage my time by setting clear priorities, breaking down projects into manageable tasks, and maintaining a structured schedule. Regular breaks and time for relaxation are also important to stay productive and creative.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JL : The timeline for designing an object can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JL : The most frequently asked question is often about my design process and how I come up with ideas. Also, many designers inquire about my quoting process.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
JL : One of my most important job experiences was working as the designer for the International Photography Festival - Encontros da Imagem. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that pushed my creative boundaries and resulted in a highly successful outcome for the client. I created both physical and digital supports for the festival, such as the Book Catalogue, outdoors, flyers, website, invitations, signage, etc. The artistic environment was truly inspiring!
DI: Who are some of your clients?
JL : University of Minho, Primavera Software (now Cegid), Agere, Amnesty International, Gnration, Braga City Council, Encontros da Imagem - International Photography Festival, Fast Forward Festival, among many others.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JL : I love working with cultural places. They usually allow for greater creative freedom, which is very rewarding for a designer.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JL : Currently, I’m working as Head of Design at Seegno, a digital product-focused agency with more than 15 years of experience. Working with a multidisciplinary team is truly rewarding. I also continue to work as a freelancer and have achieved a perfect work-life balance, which I aim to maintain.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JL : At Seegno (seegno.com), I work with a multidisciplinary and creative team. For freelance projects, I work independently.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JL : Not at this moment but I encourage you to follow me on my social media networks for future updates!
DI: How can people contact you?
JL : People can reach me through my website - www.joaoloureiro.com, my email joaoloureiro@me.com, or follow me on social media networks like Behance (behance.net/joaoloureiro), Instagram (@joaoloureiro), or Facebook (facebook.com/joaoloureiro).
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JL : I would like to thank you for this opportunity and hope to win another design award soon! :)