We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Artur Tikhonenko ("AT").
Artur Tikhonenko was born in Belarus. He has an outstanding artistic talent since he was a child. He has a strong interest in painting and handmade. He was even more keen on street art, graffiti creation when he was a teenager. The unfettered creative experience provided him with the direction and accumulation for his professional art path. Artur entered the design faculty of Belarusian State University, systematically learned 3D modeling, sculpture and plaster casting, and did a lot of research on origami art, especially the Japanese origami flower ball kusudama. Artur was also abscessed with the modular origami system - building shapes with more or less modules. This also laid the foundation for him to create TRIDO.
Artur Tikhonenko Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Artur Tikhonenko.
Artur Tikhonenko Design - Trido Magnetic Art Building Blocks
Artur Tikhonenko Design - Trido Magnetic Building Blocks
Designer Interview of Artur Tikhonenko:
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?
AT : During my childhood I discovered a natural talent for drawing and developed a genuine passion for it. As a teenager, I began to realize the strong link between art and design, which made me imagine a future career that combined these creative interests. I thought that pursuing a path as a designer seemed more practical than solely focusing on being an artist. When the moment arrived to select a university, I made the decision to enroll in the Faculty of Design at Belarusian State University in Minsk, Belarus. My time at university was a thrilling period marked by exploration and experimentation. And I am grateful that this spirit of discovery continues to guide me in my current professional endeavors.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AT : Trido Ltd is a startup based in the UK and a part of Hape Holding Group. It serves as the holder of all Trido intellectual property assets and manages production and distribution licenses. The primary focus of Trido Ltd is to support and develop the Trido brand and its products. We have tremendous potential for expanding our product line, such as the recent introduction of two new color palettes this year, with plans to introduce additional shapes etc.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AT : Design, in essence, serves as a solution to various challenges faced by consumers, society, and the demands of our time. I firmly believe that exceptional design is a harmonious blend of artistry and technology. In other words, it is not purely boundless creativity, but rather a process that considers input parameters and operates within specific boundaries and guidelines.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AT : Things evolve rapidly from year to year, and currently, I derive immense satisfaction from my work in the realm of 3D. Whether it involves using software editors, 3D printing or engaging in the construction of new builds of Trido, I experience a sense of being akin to a sculptor.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AT : I don't have a specific favorite material, but I must admit that magnets, with their intriguing and almost "magical" properties, greatly inspire my imaginative journey. It amuses me to witness how they behave as if they were living entities. As for technology, I am an avid enthusiast of 3D printing and have actively incorporated it into Trido's prototyping since 2016. Additionally, I find great inspiration and amusement in the realm of AI software within the artistic field.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AT : During the initial stages of a project, when the idea has just taken shape and there is a vast amount of work to be done in terms of development, prototyping, and experimentation, receiving feedback becomes incredibly inspiring. The first responses and reviews play a crucial role in motivating me to enhance and refine the idea or product, driving its further progress.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AT : Conciseness, clarity, and accuracy are the core aspects of design that I prioritize. To me, this is what the formula of perfection looks like.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AT : During the design process, I tend to immerse myself deeply in studying, analyzing, and experimenting with the subject of my creativity. As a result, I experience a strong sense of enthusiasm and excitement that propels my creative endeavors forward.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AT : The feelings of satisfaction, joy, and desire to keep creating something novel.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AT : I think it lies in its appreciation, which encompasses various aspects: the design being utilized, its desirability, discussions in the media, and, most importantly, its effectiveness in solving problems and fulfilling needs.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AT : If a design elicits a response, captures interest, and evokes pleasant and positive emotions, then we can confidently classify it as good design. Even designs that may initially seem challenging can still be considered good if they demonstrate harmonious execution.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AT : One of the responsibilities is to aim to influence and inspire consumers to make conscious and environmentally responsible choices in their consumption. When undertaking a project, it is crucial to consider ways to enhance its environmental friendliness by prioritizing the utilization of sustainable materials and resources. Cultivating a refined sense of style and artistic taste is, to some extent, the responsibility of the designer for society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AT : The design field is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies, societal changes, and emerging trends.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AT : My creativity and desire to create are fueled by external sources. Contemporary culture, beautiful things, aesthetics, new technologies, and science inspire me greatly. I enjoy observing how someone invents something new in science and art; I want to keep pace with them, not lag behind, but create alongside them. Such things inspire me. Also, a more in-depth study of a particular topic reinforces my inspiration.
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?
AT : In my works, I aim for purity and minimalism. I enjoy meticulously planning and refining even the tiniest details.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AT : The plus side is that you are engaged in your passion, and it's like an endless journey because there's always something to create. However, the downside is a concern that it may not always be possible to find the ideal solution you desire.