We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Kristina Pacesaite ("KP").
Each one of us in unique. I find the magic happens in the process of work itself. I enjoy the transition between the ideas from “ideal world” into material matter. The most important think is that I've found my purpose in my work and I can grow professionally with each project. Being specialized in one area ( gastronomy) helps me to stay in focus an monitor the industry news, which will help me in the designing process afterwards. I feel happy when I stumble upon some fresh ideas and solutions for my clients. I also enjoy to make my own in house projects in my spare time.
Kristina Pacesaite Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Kristina Pacesaite.
Kristina Pacesaite Design - Birds Packaging
Designer Interview of Kristina Pacesaite:
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?
KP : Although i wasn't a very quite child, I've always wanted to draw and make my own "world" of paper puppets, invidible friends and magic creatures. At the moment i had to choose where to study, I ve got a BA degree in ceramics. Later (when I got my first computer) I wanted to experience digital media so I got my second BA in graphic design. Since then I was working happily in both fields.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KP : I work as a freelancer since 2010 and last 4 years specialyzing in gastronomy. I like to work alone and take my time to investigate and dissolve myself in each project.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KP : Design for me is a metaphor of the map, where a customer and brand meets together. Good design solutions not only have an aesthetic appeal and funcionality, but enhances customer experience and leads a brand to a proffit.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KP : I like to work with food and drink industries, mostly with small local brands because of their care about their business and product value. In general, the communication with small brands goes smoothly and I can get a timely feedback.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KP : There were lots of them, but lately I was enjoying a lot drawing bird illustrations for coffee packaging. The concept was minimalist but with the handmade feel to it. There were 14 coffee bags with digital illustrations of the birds of each country that produces coffee, all in dark brown tones and bold typography. I had a nice time designing this project.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KP : The first commitioned work i got was a corporate identity for a automotive company.. it was quite generic and the client had no clue about the design tasks and was happy with the result anyway. It was a fuzzy feeling.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KP : Since i've bought my new Ipad, I can't get enought of Procreate app. It makes my workflow so much easier and smooth. The few paltforms I'm always checking for references are : Dribble, Behance and Pinterest.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KP : It depends. After watching a nice movie, or when i read an excellent book. Normally I feel more creative in the first half of the day, also when it rains.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KP : Normally I try to imagine the whole picture from the begining (a systems approach) but personaly I like the most to work with colors and think how I can set a mood and tone.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KP : A curious mix of calmness and excitement. Excitement is all about the new challenges and calmness comes from knowing that the solution will be found.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KP : Satisfaction and pride - when i have enough freedom to offer my own design solutions that are innovative, interesting for myself and also meet client's expectations.
DI: What makes a design successful?
KP : Smooth flow of visuals, communication and funcional aspects.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KP : Visual harmony.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KP : I'd say our duty is to Educate!
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KP : Design is a verb, an approach to solving a problem. Its fantastic that so many people want to be involved in a process that takes a principled approach to solving problems! I think the future lies in disciplinary cross training: design disciplines + social science, psychology, business, engineering, etc.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KP : The last time was in december 2019 i went to Russian Museum in Malaga, Spain to see the paintings of Nikolaj Rerich.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KP : Lately i've discovered the phylosophy lectures and practices that inpire me a lot. There are no better feeling when you find out you understood something about this world or yourself.
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?
KP : I find my design quite eclectic. In general i use clear forms and bold colours. Depending on a project it can be more detailed illustration or a flat image.
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?
KP : I strive to minimalist style with some modern elements. I'de rather find my inspiration in diferent artists, not countries or culture in general. Working as a freelancer in Spain i'd say that frees and taxes are too high.
DI: How do you work with companies?
KP : we comunicate mostly online. I send them a small questionaire and after gathering information and analysing additional sources i start designing.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KP : Investigate. Look for a designer that has a style that fits your vision.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KP : When I work for a client the project starts with the meeting brief. Then I generate different ideas, create mood boards, collect references for inspiration and better understanding of what client wants. Then I work several variations of concept design. When client agrees on which one to work, I make more specific and detailed variations. If client wishes I create virtual pre-visualisation at this stage too.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KP : 100y old Sweedish chairs, abstract copper etchings, steampunk lamp,
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
KP : My usual day starts with shower, breakfast for my family and taking my son to school, when i'm back, I glance at my day schedule, start first with urgent tasks. Unfinished will carry on for next day. Usually i work 8-9h during the day with some breaks.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KP : Try to be open minded, study consistently and take advice only from people who you admire and who inspire you, avoid negative influence.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KP : The hardest thing for me is time-management since i work from home. The crative part is my favorite, though it can be just a tiny part of all the workflow. i like that every new project is a unique challenge.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KP : Visual harmony, functionality
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KP : The ability to analyze, planning skills, the ability to listen, good time-management.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KP : I use Adobe Package tools, most often: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign. I look at the works of other designers on Behance, Dribble, Pinterest.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KP : I use Trello app to manage my projects.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KP : Depends on the project. I can say that on average it takes 3-4 weeks to develop an identity system for brand.With the packaging it can take longer, up to 8 weeks.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KP : How much does a logo design cost
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KP : Working on big projects. You have more responsability, but at the same time you can rech more people and make something meaningfull and to make their experience better or more pleasant through packagind for example.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KP : As i'm specialysing in gastronomy, my clients are: Coffee roasters, Food suplement companies, Food E-commerce , small farmers etc.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KP : Every project is unique. I enjoy a lot when i find "the right key" to every project and i can emphasize it's value through design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KP : In the nearest future I am planning to start a blog.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KP : Usually I work on generating and developing my ideas and concepts by myself. If I require additional co-workers for specific technical tasks, I have a few fellow designers to help me.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KP : It's better to talk about the finished projects.
DI: How can people contact you?
KP : hello@kristinapacesaite.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
KP : Thank you for this interview.