We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Maja Kirovska ("MK").
Very often I find my inspiration in non visual art forms like poetry or music. I like to use their way of expression, so I translate their language to visual. I try not to be limited by the form or the medium, so I express the ideas in many different media like drawing, painting, spatial installation, video, sound, performance in a wide range of forms, from free spirited to strict and precise. My artwork aims to accentuate our potentials instead of our disadvantages and reminds us of using them in full force. In 2015, amidst the height of the refugee crisis, my artistic practice took on a deeply socially engaged dimension. Moved by the plight of displaced individuals and families fleeing conflict and seeking refuge, I sought to use my art as a means of raising awareness and fostering empathy. Through various projects and initiatives, I endeavored to shine a light on the experiences of refugees, amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights. Whether through immersive installations, or interactive performances, my work aimed to create spaces for dialogue, understanding, and solidarity.
Maja Kirovska Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Maja Kirovska.
Maja Kirovska Design - Skin Art Installation
Designer Interview of Maja Kirovska:
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?
MK : From a young age, I showed a deep affection for drawing. I could sit and draw for hours, content with just paper and pen. This affinity was recognized early on by my teachers in kindergarten and later in school, and it was encouraged by my parents and grandparents. Their support helped guide me towards an education in the arts. Over time, my career evolved to include design work, complementing my artistic endeavors.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MK : I work as both an artist and designer under my personal name, Maja Kirovska, or through my design studio, Hybrideas. As an artist, I am engaged in exploring the dynamic intersection of digital and analog forms. My work frequently combines these mediums, resulting in unique and experimental pieces that challenge conventional boundaries. Through my art, I strive to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, reflecting my passion for pushing the limits of creative expression. As a designer, I primarily work in the fields of graphic design and video production.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MK : Design is a means to give the world a better shape, facilitate life, spread good ideas, and communicate with the world both directly and subconsciously.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MK : In my art I like the freedom to experiment with wide range of media. I like the challenge of the unknown, the experiment and surprise of the result.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MK : If I have to choose one of my artworks/designs I would like to mention the art installation “Luck”. It is an artwork created in 2014 which was shown at exhibitions in Skopje, Zagreb and Ponte de Lima in Portugal. It consists of 7 photos and 13 objects - opened book about nature where 13 four leaf clovers are placed and 1 video. The photos look like a kind of manual of making false four-leaf clover in 7 steps. Inspired by the todays popular quick manuals for instant solutions I few steps it talks about our belief in false values. It is Inspired by the todays popular quick manuals for instant solutions I few steps. It talks about our belief in false values.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MK : My initial designs stemmed from the necessity to promote my own art exhibitions. Over time, I expanded into creating comprehensive promotional campaigns for fellow artists, encompassing everything from posters, street billboards, and radio advertisements to social media announcements, catalogues, and invitations.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MK : I enjoy experimenting with various materials and media, and I wouldn't say combined media is my favorite. Recently, I've found myself most comfortable working in digital media—a vast field where there's always something new to learn. With new tools emerging each year, I find them continually useful for my creative process.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MK : Art can be found in everything, whether during a casual stroll or a family gathering. I tend to act quickly, capturing photos on the street or picking up specific objects that might inspire future artworks. Current events, both positive and negative, from our immediate surroundings or global news, often serve as inspiration. Over time, I gather these ideas and information. The most creatively intense periods occur when preparing for an exhibition—finalizing, selecting, and arranging everything for the scheduled date.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MK : When designing, I really focus on making sure the message comes across clearly. Whether it’s for a promotional campaign, a digital interface, or an art piece, I want the core idea to be communicated effectively and powerfully. I also emphasize consistency, maintaining a coherent visual language that aligns with the overall brand or theme of the project. This helps create a unified and professional look across all elements, from posters to social media announcements. By focusing on clarity and consistency.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MK : When I design, I feel a sense of relaxation that clears my mind from everyday life problems. It’s similar to meditation for me. The process allows me to focus, find calm, and immerse myself completely in my creative work.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MK : When you create something new you are pushing the boundaries of your potential, and upon seeing your finished work, you might be pleasantly surprised or even amazed by the result.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MK : There is no formula for successful design. It demands dedicated work, keen observation of trends, and a deep understanding of life and world events. Selecting from the wealth of information gathered over time, the challenge lies in choosing forms that effectively communicate with the audience in the chosen moment. It's a matter of professional judgment, but there's no guarantee of absolute certainty.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MK : The design needs to make impact and communicate at first glance. Then analyzing the details it needs to be functional. innovative, clear and consistent.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MK : Design plays a pivotal role in shaping our environment and world, significantly influencing the conditions we live in. Investing in good design is crucial as it enhances aesthetic appeal, improves functionality, and enhances user experience. Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally sustainable. Socially engaged design work can have a profound impact by addressing pressing societal issues and fostering positive change in communities.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MK : I believe the design field is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology. In the future, AI tools will likely be perfected to navigate more precisely and provide accurate results, thereby playing a more significant role in the design process to enhance speed and adaptability to increasing needs.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MK : One of my most recent exhibitions was "Regeneration", held in October 2023 at the Youth Cultural Centre in Skopje, North Macedonia. This exhibition featured works by Ana Ivanovska, Hristina Zafirovska, and myself. Subsequently, our art group MOMI, which includes myself, Ana Ivanovska, Hristina Zafirovska, as well as Zorica Zafirovska, Tatjana Ristovska, Marija Sotirovska, and Kristina Hadjieva, presented the exhibition "Motherhood" at the Kultural Informative Centre in Skopje, North Macedonia. Looking ahead, the exhibition "Regeneration", featuring works by Ana Ivanovska, Hristina Zafirovska, and myself, will be showcased at CC Magaza in Bitola, North Macedonia, and later in Tirana, Albania, in October.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MK : My plans for 2024 are already set. I will be attending the A'Design Award & Competition Ceremony in Como, Italy, where I will be receiving an award. Following that, I will be exhibiting alongside two other artists, Ana Ivanovska and Hristina Zafirovska, in Bitola, North Macedonia, with plans to showcase the exhibition in Tirana, Albania, later in October. Additionally, I will be participating in several group exhibitions throughout the year.