We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Nikola Eftimov ("NE").
The multi-decade experience includes work as a designer in the fashion industry, design studio, design platforms and international services for fashion predictions in the country and abroad, graphic designer in advertising companies and marketing departments of companies, visual artist, costume designer of theatrical performances, musical-theatre performances, ballet performances, etc., manages his own fashion design company and fashion store and regularly presents fashion collections, works as a lecturer and academic manager Accademia Italiana Skopje, visiting professor at the Faculty of Art and Design at the First Private University - European University - Republic of Macedonia (EURM) in Skopje, the Faculty of Multimedia and Design at the American University of Europe - FON in Skopje, 2017-2018 and participates in many educational programs from non-formal education in cooperation with state and private institutions in the field of culture and higher education institutions. He also engaged in teaching activities abroad. He has been engaged as a lecturer at Chanapatana International Design Institute-Accademia Italiana in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand and visiting professor at Accademia Italiana Thailand in Bangkok.
Nikola Eftimov Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Nikola Eftimov.
Nikola Eftimov Design - Buky Illustration
Designer Interview of Nikola Eftimov:
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?
NE : It may sound like a cliché, but from a young age I preferred to express myself through visual means. I was lucky to have parents who encouraged my love of art, drawing, creative games, etc., protected my safe space for personal expression, and gave me drawing and painting materials and art history books. Before studying the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje (graphic art and fashion design), I graduated from a cultural studies high school (a variant of the classical school) with subjects related to humanities, classical languages, art and culture. I graduated from university in 1993, worked for a few years in the fields of fashion and graphic design and in 1997 I enrolled at the Accademia Italiana in Florence to complete a master's degree in fashion design (fashion as art).
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
NE : Over the course of my decades-long career, I have worked both as a freelance designer and as a representative and manager of my own design studios and companies. Although my teaching experience began early, almost at the same time as my design work, as my involvement in the education progressed, I felt the need for freedom and decided to go freelance again.
DI: What is "design" for you?
NE : There are many angles and perspectives on how one can perceive design, from a beautiful, poetic and somewhat childish approach - to make the world a better and more beautiful place, to an essential part of all industries, a means of communication, something that shapes and gives character to companies, products and services etc. As a designer with art and design training and practice, I wanted to explore, whenever possible, the areas where they meet and coexist. On the other hand, as an author with a great fondness for exploring various topics related to the history of costume and fashion, I found myself drawn to problems related to the contexts in which certain types of clothing and accessories appeared, the communicative aspects of the fashion and the idea of design, not just fashion design, as a reflection of the society in which it is born and consumed.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
NE : Most of my design career is characterized by working in the field of fashion design, working on collections that belong to different categories, but also on custom-made clothing and accessories. I also really enjoy working on fashion illustrations, especially when I combine some traditional approaches with the benefits of new technologies. In my design portfolio there are some costume designs for plays that allowed me to do design research and translate that into clothing and looks for completely different purposes. I like some design solutions with a postmodern touch that allow me to play with different eras.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
NE : It is very difficult to name a favorite design, but if I had to choose, perhaps it would be the winning design of the competition organized for the launch of Coca-Cola Light (The Silver Temptation) in the local market. There were now restrictions on the designer's behalf that allowed me to play freely with the inspiration. The award enabled me to present my design in Florence, Italy, but also to teach at the Chanapatana International Design Institute in Bangkok. The list of my favourite designs also includes those that have been donated to charity and helped economically disadvantaged people.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
NE : I gained my first work experience in the early 1990s at Saatchi and Saatchi Advertising Balkans, where I was involved in the project to create a visual identity for a local brand. Later, after I returned from my master's studies in Italy, I was hired by the clothing company in Skopje to design collections for the local market
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
NE : As for fashion, when I'm not limited by clients and the nature of certain designs, I like to reuse materials and old garments, play with experimental techniques of fabric manipulation, etc. I've always placed great emphasis on sustainable fashion. When it comes to art, I like to combine all the traditional techniques with the new technology. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are my favorite programs. I have great experience with Photoleap, Pixlr, Photoroom, Facetune and other applications.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
NE : When I was young, I preferred working at night and in solitude. After years of experience, I have taught myself to work in different circumstances. It's interesting that sometimes the most difficult periods of my life have produced great design solutions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
NE : Although I am a visual person, I always want to combine functionality with the aesthetically pleasing aspects of the design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
NE : At the beginning of every design project there is a lot of excitement. Sometimes the birth of a new product, a new design solution, etc. is also associated with great suffering. I have decades of experience, but I always approach every new project with the enthusiasm of a beginner. Of course the experience helps a lot, but there is always a big responsibility.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
NE : Most of the time it is a great happiness and fulfillment, but sometimes it is accompanied by the feeling of a deflated balloon, especially if it was a very long and tiring process.
DI: What makes a design successful?
NE : If the designed object (or the design solution in general) has a life of its own and is accepted by users, then we can speak of a successful design.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
NE : I always start with the general spirit of the time, whether the design communicates with the contemporary context, then I continue to analyze its different aspects.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
NE : A designer has many responsibilities, some of them are in the field of conveying messages for building more humane societies, overcoming prejudices, creating inclusivity, etc. As a designer who is passionate about issues related to the environment, I think, that this should be of great importance. Not only the design process itself, but also the production technology, as well as respect for the planet and all life forms, should be taken into account.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
NE : In a sense, all of humanity is at a crossroads, the design field is trying to adapt to constant changes. Many specific design areas already feel that they cannot hold on to the old stories. Designers have the power to communicate progressive ideas and anticipate future evolution. The responsible use of new technologies can bring great progress in future developments, but can also be beneficial for the design ecology. Not everything should become a materialized product.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
NE : My last public presentation was at the charity fashion auction in November 2023 at Intermezzo Music Bar in Skopje, organized by Konekt and USAID. At the end of June I will take part in a fashion show and exhibition of the International Fashion Institute Izet Curi, where I currently teach. At the moment I am negotiating a fashion presentation in Brussels, Belgium, planned to celebrate my country's Independence Day.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
NE : Throughout my life I have been inspired by visual art, music, literature, history and culture in general. I also drew inspiration from my personal life, my interactions, my events, the people around me, interpersonal relationships, etc. Plants, daily walks, meditation, a nice piece of early music, a meeting with a friend, a cup of tea and so on are things that nourish my soul and open channels for 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?
NE : Eclectic would be the first word that comes to mind. I've gone through maximalist and minimalist phases, changed expressions, the constant that has remained is the idea of being honest with myself. I am fascinated by the concept of time and explore categories such as past, present and future, hence my motto: Between Modernity and Tradition.
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?
NE : I currently live in Skopje, my hometown. In my opinion, the designer always chooses things from his or her heritage, consciously or unconsciously. It can be very obvious, but it can also be more subtle, in the mood, in the atmosphere. Living in a country with a rich cultural heritage is a true blessing, but it can also be a challenge. Sometimes verifications of certain designs come from abroad first, and then they are accepted and praised locally.
DI: How do you work with companies?
NE : I collaborate with companies as an independent designer.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
NE : Those who choose designers to collaborate with should be familiar with the entire process, from idea to execution and placement or distribution. Each step is very important, nothing should be omitted, forced or accelerated. The balance of talent, knowledge and experience is crucial in selecting a good designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
NE : I start with a brief, trying to get as much information as possible about the design, the client or the company. Then I do my research, sometimes mental mood boards, I live with the inspiration, I do tests etc, until it clicks. Then the process of realization begins.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
NE : Him Chair designed by Fabio Novembre, vintage plates by Enoch Wedgwood (Tunstall) Ltd that belonged to my parents, anonimus Art Deco glass bowl, pieces of Byzantine coinage, blue and white Delft apothecary vases, pieces of clothing with traditional Hill Tribe embroidery from northern Thailand etc.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
NE : I taught myself to wake up early and start the day with a good cup of coffee. At this point I check emails, sometimes produce a few digital images and if I'm happy with the result, I edit them. I recently lost my senior rescued dog. During his lifetime I would continue with the first walk. If I'm teaching that day, I would go to the institute after the shower, otherwise I would focus on my current design projects. Sometimes in complete silence, sometimes with music. Many hours later, when I don't have meetings, I can visit a friend to relax a bit. Gardening is also part of my everyday life.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
NE : At a certain stage of life, you are sure that designer will be your profession. Once you understand this, despite possible discouragements, never give up and try to learn as much as possible. It doesn't matter if it's formal or informal education, just learn. And, be curious. Try to overcome yourself, push your personal boundaries. It's not always the most pleasant experience, but you already know that you were born to be a designer and live an honest life. Not becoming famous, just being who you are, thus becoming an even bigger star than you can imagine.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
NE : I believe that every personal choice and decision has consequences, some pleasant, some not. But one shouldn't be disappointed.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
NE : The designer must overcome his or her ego, listen and observe, be cooperative, use the best of his or her knowledge, experience, talent, personal baggage, etc., to produce a good design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
NE : Theoretical and practical skills are equally important.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
NE : When I'm designing clothes, I use a piece of paper and a pencil. Sometimes I do digital sketches using some of my favorite applications. When I'm involved in the making of a garment, it's usually my hands, a needle and thread, rather than a sawing machine.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
NE : I consider myself a well-organized and disciplined person, I generally don't have problems with managing my time. Once again, discipline is crucial.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
NE : It all depends on the specific type of design I'm working on. Some results can be achieved more quickly, other times I'm talking about months of work.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
NE : Depending on the client, some ask about price first, others are more curious about the creative process, how the inspiration is implemented, and other finer aspects of the work.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
NE : There are different important jobs, from being involved in the design and look of my country's former first lady at important international events, to running my own store and teaching talented international students who have become realized designers.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
NE : Over the decades, I have collaborated with people from different walks of life, singers, actors, politicians, so-called ordinary people, companies, etc.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
NE : I really enjoy working on experimental fashion design pieces, illustrations, sometimes even paintings as it gives me more freedom of expression.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
NE : Besides my teaching obligations and my work on custom clothing, there are some indications and project proposals that would result in greater international visibility of my work, but I am not authorized to share further details at this time.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
NE : I usually develop my designs myself, but when certain projects require something different, I like to work with the team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
NE : I think I've already covered most of the projects I'm currently working on.
DI: How can people contact you?
NE : People can contact me through my website: www.nikolaeftimov.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
NE : I would like to thank the esteemed jury members of A' Design Award & Competition for the great honor - the prize in the digital art category and would like to encourage designers to participate in this prestigious competition.