One On One Break | DesignBreak

One On One Break Category

One On One Break | Mika Barr | Love Me Some Textile Breeze

|February 6, 2013

I’ve been one of Mika Barr biggest fans since I first bumped into her graduation project back in 2009. And you know me, once I fall in love, it’s practically a love affair (exhibit a. exhibit b). Mika is one of these rare textile designers who know how to re-invent themselves time after time and each and every time the outcome is a textile piece of heaven! It was only a matter of time until I asked Mika to join me on my One On One Break. So… I’ll let Mika do the talking, you want to hear what she has to say… Lights. Camera. Action!

www.mikabarr.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I’m 29 y/o, born and raised in Israel (Ra’anana, to be precise). As a child I was exposed to a lot of art and at about 15 I realized that it affected me… I Graduated my B.Design at the Shenkar College in 2009, later in mid 2010 moved to Milan, there I completed a post graduate course, that was followed by an internship at Material Connexion Milan (Milan’s material library). When I returned to Israel I started working independently.	MikaBarr
	Where do you live, what do you like about it and how does it affect your creations?
	I live in Ramat-Gan. I loooove the fact that it’s near the park (Hayarkon). I like that it’s super close to Tel-Aviv and that I have action and quiet, subjected to my choice. However I’m not that sure if it affects my creation. Maybe it’s just a reflection of the fact that I like cities, with a healthy balance of nature here and there.	MikaBarr
	What does a normal day in your life look like?
	Well… I get up and from there it’s a mix of: COFFEE. food. studio. computer. screen-printing. errands. meetings. and at the end of it all I’m back home. You can mix the order and multiply some words but those are the common ingredients.	MikaBarr
	What are the advantages/disadvantages of being an Israeli based designer?
	Advantages… ummm let me think… As much as I like Israel, I think it’s hard to be an independent designer around here. Having said that, I do have to admit that there is now a growing awareness to the importance of local design. We are starting to receive some support from funds that recognize that young entrepreneurs and designers constitute a group by themselves, with specific needs and challenges. Other advantages are born of disadvantages – we don’t have any large scale manufacturers here, so we find our own resourceful, economic ways of self production. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?	MikaBarr
	What makes you different from other Israeli designers?
	I see my working with 3D soft surfaces as an aspect that individualizes me from other designers, not just Israeli. It also unifies me with others, because it’s a “hot” field of design these days.
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	It usually starts from an idea of trying something new in terms of material or pattern or a combination of the two. Then I start experimenting, and from there it takes on a life of its own…	MikaBarr

	As a textile designer, you often collaborate with other designers. What is it like and what do you look for in collaboration?
	First of all, we need to have a good starting point in terms of communication. We need to respect each others point of view. I prefer to collaborate with designers that have skills or design characteristics different from mine, I think that’s what makes a good collaboration and can lead to great outcomes. Plus, it’s fun (!!!)	MikaBarr
	Is there anything in particular that fuels your creativity as a designer?
	For me it’s all about nature and it’s flowers and plants. Also a good magazine can be a creativity booster.	MikaBarr
	Which place in the world most inspires you and why?
	The Milan design scene is definitely an inspiration, but I like to go every once in a while to Gan HaSlaim (Rock Garden), One of the special gardens in Ganei Yehoshua (Park Hayarkon). I find that there is something magical in that hidden garden.	MikaBarr
	Could you share with us your progression as a designer, compared to when you first started out, how have you changed since then?
	I have grown as a person as well as a designer since I graduated. As an independent person, I learned that you have to also know how to explain and market yourself. My design process has become more focused and “down to earth”. Even if I am making a piece for an exhibition, I still try to be as efficient as I can.	MikaBarr
	Are there any up and coming designers you admire?
	I really like Patricia Urquiola but she’s not that up and coming… She practically rules Milan. I also like Cristian Zuzunaga, a great graphic/visual designer with a distinguished language. And I also like Raw Edges, they are wonderful!	MikaBarr
	What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting out?
	That patience is the mother of all virtues.	MikaBarr
	What do you find most rewarding about your career?
	That I create my day, everyday. Also, when I get good feedback from a customer on one of my products – that’s a really incredible feeling.	MikaBarr
	At the age of 20, what did you think you were going to do “as a grown up” – where do you see yourself in the future? Has your dream come true already?
	I’m definitely living my dream everyday. Of course I don’t feel that I’m “there” yet, but it’s really great working everyday in order to “make it”. Who knows, maybe it will always feel like I’m not “there” yet… that’s why I appreciate what I do each and every day and try to enjoy (or at least appreciate) the difficult parts as well. The funny thing is that at age 20 (after the mandatory military service), I had a short period in which I thought to approach design as a hobby and to go study advertisement … I’m so happy I didn’t!	MikaBarr
	And finally, please share with us something nobody knows about you.
	Well, some people do know that but it’s time to share it with the rest of the world – I have strong groupie tendencies and I absolutely adore Berry Sakharof (!!!)	MikaBarr

in Israeli Designer, One On One Break, Textile Design | Tags: Fabric, Handmade, Home Decor | No Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Hagit Pincovici for the JPost

|December 6, 2012

“Follow your dreams at all costs,” says Israeli designer Hagit Pincovici who spends most of her time in Italy. I’m doing just that and I hope you are too!
Hagit and I studied at the same high school too long ago. Since then we didn’t stay in touch but once I discovered that she and I share the love for beautiful creations and that she is the one behind these pretty chairs I had to dig deep and ask some serious questions. I was so happy that Hagit was on board and you can read my “Doing Design: Roman designs weren’t built in a day” interview with her right here. Hagit’s journey takes her all the way from Israel to Italy and it’s one hell of a journey!

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Reddish Studio for the JPost

|October 17, 2012

“Naama Steinbock and Idan Friedman do it all together. From cooking to walking Batya (their dog) and yes, even designing.” That’s how I decided to open my interview with Naama and Idan aka Reddish Studio. I’ve been following these two foot steps for a while now and always wanted to get an inside look into their creative lives. If the name Reddish sounds a bit familiar to you, I bet it’s thanks to their never ending creations but particularly their super buzzed Animal Corkers. You probably know who I’m talking about now. Don’t you?
You can read the “Doing Design: From Jaffa with love” interview right here.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

One On One Break | Elad Barouch | Super Designer Man

|October 11, 2012

At first I knew Elad Barouch only as Nophar Haimovitz‘s Mr. but after realizing that this guy is a ball of designed energy, I needed to find out for myself, where does it all come from. Trust me, if you were in my shoes you would have done the same! From studying Industrial Design to designing toys and then shoes and finally jewelery (!!!) Oh, and I haven’t even started to talk about the fact that he lives in my beloved NYC, or the fact that I need to visit their home or better yet their accessories drawer.
Give it up for the man who can do it all.
You can get in touch with Eland at:
eladbarouch {at} yahoo {dot} com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	After graduating from the industrial design department at Shenkar College I started my career designing toys for a local company in Israel. I absolutely loved designing toys. Later on when me and my wife Nophar arrived to NYC I had an amazing opportunity to explore my shoe design fetish, so I decided to enroll for the accessory design program at FIT. At some point my wife Nophar met Leeora Catalan, the owner and Creative Director at nOir Jewelry, who at the time started collaborating with DC Comics. Her acquaintance led to me helping out with some sketches that sparked my first jewelry design piece – the Gotham City Ring. After that, I took on a full time position at nOir Jewelry. Today as the head designer, I’m designing for the nOir brand, and for our collaborations with Toki Doki, Barbie, LAMB, Disney etc.	EladBarouch
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	For me, the most important part of the design process, is gathering the inspiration, which helps me define what I want the collection to look like. Than, I start to freehand sketching ideas for jewelry pieces, just to throw it out there. We choose the concepts we like and go on to the design process and the actual development, making tech-packs and either sending it to our factories or creating it with our in-house sample room.	EladBarouch
	Which materials do you work with?
	We mostly use plated brass (with real gold), we embellish with enamel, cubic zircon stones and crystals. But it really depends on the collection; we can use ropes, leather, fabric, beads and any material available. We don’t limit ourselves, and we are known for using various techniques and materials.	EladBarouch
	Do you ever miss designing toys?
	I never stopped designing toys and since I‘m not a trained jewelry designer my approach to jewelry design is different in a playful and unorthodox way. As an industrial designer, I think of the jewelry but design as wearable objects.	EladBarouch
	What is your dream toy?
	My favorite toy hands down is a toy named CuBees, from the Japanese manufacture Takara. It’s 4 little cubes, each of them is a different animal like a cow or a duck, and they all sing in harmony conducted by who’s on top. It’s the coolest toy ever, and every time I see it in action I am filled with joy.
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	I think, probably my See Saw Bike, that I designed for Design Miami. An art installation that stands on the thin line between reality and imagination. Creating a sense of illusion that the SeeSaw can actually work. The most unusual jewelry piece I designed is probably from our new pop art collection, I designed a pretzel with mustard necklace…	EladBarouch

	Now that school is over, what’s next? what is your dream?
	I am already living my dream; I live and work in the most amazing city in the world, New York. I work for an amazing company, designing cool products that are being worn by many people, and loving every minute of it!	EladBarouch
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	It really depends on the project, for nOir, since I live in NYC, I draw allot of inspiration from NYC Architecture, exhibitions and people watching on the street. If I do collaborations with others, I have their inspiration or art to guide me. When we did the Fantasia collection for Disney, I Watched the movie numerous times and loved the scene where the dinosaurs wake up from the sand, so we designed the Dinosaur Bones Pave Cuff. I also received access to some of the amazing sketch work of the original Disney animators.	EladBarouch
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I love Givenchy, Lanvin, and Tom Binns for their beautiful yet edgy jewelry collections.	EladBarouch
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	1stdibs, street fashion photographer blogs, Core77, AnOther Magazine and eBay. I love looking at vintage accessories furniture and lighting fixtures.	EladBarouch
	Your better half is a brilliant designer herself, what is it like for two designers living in the same house?
	We brainstorm a lot and get inspired together; we each have a very different point of view and esthetics, so there always is a very interesting discussion going on between us. It’s not always easy, but getting unedited critique from someone you respect and love in the fashion industry is priceless.	EladBarouch
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	Be kind to everyone on your way up, you are sure to meet them on your way down…	EladBarouch
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Learn to play the guitar I got as a present 2 years ago.	EladBarouch
	And finally, please do share something random or quirky about yourself.
	I love to vacuum!	EladBarouch

in Fashion, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Jewelry, Shenkar | 4 Comments.

One On One Break | Liron Lavi Turkenich | More Than Words

|September 27, 2012

It’s no secret that I have a thing for typography, in fact in my graduation project I designed Identity, a font built out of Hebrew and Arabic type faces in order to create one cohesive language. But, enought about me, Liron Lavi, a graduate of the Shenkar College, had the same idea in mind and she created Aravrit. I could go on and on about how brilliant this project is and trust me when I say I wanted to share with you more than 30 pictures… And my apologies regarding this super long interview. It’s just that Liron had so much to say and I really wanted her to keep on talking ;) She is really an extraordinarily typographer in the making!
www.lironlavi.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Unlike many other designers, I didn’t come form the world of art. I still wonder how I got into Shenkar College with my very limited drawing skills… All of my family are engineers so I consider myself the “black sheep” of the family. Only during my second year of Shenkar – everything came together (Until then I just felt that I needed to study Graphic Design, though it had no direct connection to my life). I discovered Typography (lights, smoke and dramatic music please!) Suddenly, my enormous love for words and letters and the impulse to read whenever and wherever I see text, found its place in the profession of Graphic Design. Since then I focused a lot on typography, trying to neglect my other love – colors (bright, clashing and many of them)	LironLavi
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I usually think of ideas, and stock them in my head for later on. Whenever I receive a brief – I begin by going through those ideas to see if anything fits. I’m very passionate about these concepts so the outcome is usually good :) If not – I take a shower (You read right, a shower) to find an idea during it. Normally it take me about two showers to find a good one. The concept has to be very good since it leads the design during the whole process. Every stroke, color or font must have a reason. After intensive research, I start going through my blog feed, digital libraries and my huge inspiration folder, which consists of many things that earned the right to be there.	LironLavi
	Which materials do you work with?
	As I mentioned, I work a lot with type. Any old inspiration (all the way to the 17th century) is also welcome. And colors. Many of them. I always work on my computer and my sketchbook is filled with writing instead of sketches.	LironLavi
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	I think it would be Project Project. This is a project that I initiated six month ago, for the purpose of documenting the emotional and mental state of students while working on their graduation project in the department of Visual Communication in Shenkar. Each day, the students marked their mood on a scale from 1 to 10, and added a word or a sentence that reflects how they feel. The idea was to show, for once, the “backstage” of the graduation project from an emotional angle. These four years are very intense, and as shown in the project – the ups and downs are very frequent.	LironLavi
	I’d love to hear the story behind your graduation project.
	Aravrit is a project of Utopian nature. It presents a set of hybrid letters merging Hebrew and Arabic. This new writing system is composed of an Arabic letter on the upper half and a Hebrew letter on the bottom half. The characteristic features of each letter were retained, however in both languages the fusion required some compromises to be made, yet maintaining readability and with limited detriment to the original script. I designed 638 letters for this writing system in order to write each word and its translation in the other language. There is a glyph for every letter in Arabic combined with every letter in Hebrew.	LironLavi

	How familiar were you with Arabic before you started working on your font?
	Asides from seeing it on the streets and on road signs all around and mainly in Haifa, I was not familiar with Arabic at all (even at school, we studied French). The project was a good reason to learn something new that is very relevant to our local surrounding. Many people helped me along the way. Charming Arabic students I ran into on the train, which I showed the project to spontaneously, students from “Keren Rothschild” and most of all from my fellow student in Shenkar Shady Mattar, which helped a lot with Arabic translations and legibility issues.	LironLavi
	I can understand you wanting to experiment with a new Hebrew font, but why Arabic?
	Hebrew and Arabic both emerged from the same sources, and even though Arabic is more flowing and round and Hebrew is more square and “stiff” they share a lot in common. We have three official languages in Israel and although we see them side by side many times, there is never a visual connection between them and they are just placed one next to the other. I wanted to see what I could possibly to do with these situations, and create a strong visual connection that will allow you to read the language you choose – without ignoring the other one, which is always present.	LironLavi
	What were the reactions you got to the font?
	One of the things I’m most happy about, is that no one stays indifferent to the project. People really like it an relate to it. You are also very satisfied once you succeed to identify a word, and that was where I put a lot of effort. A nice thing I discovered is that each one believes that his language is more legible (readable) than the other one. People have many ideas on how to take this project further – what can be done with it and what to achieve through it.	LironLavi
	Now that school is over, what’s next? what is your dream?
	Next, is a Masters degree in Typeface design at Reading University in the UK. I’m really looking forward to it, letters are exciting! And after that, coming back to Israel, working and eventually opening my own studio. My dream is to do what I love, while making a living. And of course to be happy and healthy, but that doesn’t relate directly to design :)	LironLavi
	Reading calling… What do you hope to achieve while there?
	I hope to learn. This program is really great and very professional. There is a lot of reading to do and many typeface designers are coming to teach workshops. In addition, there are people from all over the world, which sounds like real fun. I’m really thrilled about the experience of living abroad for a while, it puts you in perspective.	LironLavi
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Like many designers, I find inspiration in pretty much everything… But I would definitely mention old typography posters, old books and libraries. Also, a surprising source is my husband’s agricultural engineering textbooks. There are amazing graphs and diagrams there :) He doesn’t understand why I’m so thrilled about something he doesn’t find inspiring…	LironLavi
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I believe that you don’t have to go far in order to find the best answers. Oded Ezer is a person and designer that I admire. In addition of doing such great work, he is always thinking about the future- the next project, how to improve and about the past- he is constantly reading, learning about type and history of Hebrew typography. In addition to him I love the Maryland design studio Post Typography, Carl kleiner for his great use of colors, the Parisian studio Chevalvert and of course the great Pentagram. In the typeface legends section, I adore Adrian Frutiger.	LironLavi
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	I have a “problem” that I believe that many people these days share with me- we have so much to read and follow! I have daily mails arriving to my inbox from Trendland, The Daily Heller, and many more. I have over 150 blogs that I follow through google reader, many more saved in my Pocket (ex read it later) app, inspiration blogs that I browse through like But Does it Float, online magazine like Design Observer and Eye, short videos on Gestalten TV and TED. I also love diving in libraries websites like New York Public Library, the British Library and Shenkar Design Archive & Research Center (which I was lucky to work in for the past four years) that has tremendous amount of incredible Israeli graphic design from the 1900 and on.(I highly recommend it!)	LironLavi
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	One of the most useful advices I received is definitely “to go through with your ideas”. When I started working on my project I received a lot of “no”s. I’ve been told that I will not be able to complete this project, that it will never be readable, that I will not have enough time to design 638 letters, and so on. I’m so happy that I took this advice and I insisted on this project and many others. I believe that only you know what you are capable of and then challenge yourself some more.	LironLavi
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Read, Read, Read and start several blogs (including my secret vegi blog plan…).Oh, and go to the beach.	LironLavi
	And finally, please do share something random or quirky about yourself.
	when I was 12, someone told me that if two friends pass through different sides of a street pole their routs will be separated. This superstition stuck so badly, that it’s not rare to see me go back several meters because I realized that I passed through a different side than the person who is walking with me… Of course this got worse over the years and now trees and other objects on the street are included (Sometimes even very tall people!) embarrassing, I know…	LironLavi

in Graphic Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break, StudentBreak | Tags: 2012 Graduates, Arabic, Hebrew, Shenkar, Typography | 3 Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Itamar Burstein for the JPost

|September 5, 2012

I’m not sure is designers play the name dropping game, but if I would ever to do so on behalf of the industrial designer Itamar Burstein, I’ll would be covered. This energetic human being is spending his time between Tel Aviv and Paris, and while doing so, he manages to collaborate with some pretty major international companies.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t really speak the interior design language fluently, but it seems like Itamar knows how to work his magic around names like Metalarte, Roche Bobois and Ligne Roset.
Here is “Doing Design: When It Comes to Design, Everything Goes”, my interview with this fearless guy!

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

One On One Break | Sharon Sides | Traces of Nature

|August 9, 2012

Sharon Sides is a fresh graduate of the Industrial Design Department at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. When you see tens of graduate projects, you don’t really know where to look first. You start to glance and then… you just stop, cause you found something special. That’s exactly what happened to me, when I spotted Sharon Sides’ chairs, while exploring the Bezalel graduate show.
I loved what I saw and I just had to find out all that I could about this super talented and extra beautiful girl.
You can get in touch with Sharon at:
sharon.sides1 {at} gmail {dot} com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey and how it all began.
	When I decided to be an industrial designer, I was working for a big international company. At first, I thought of interior design, but as I started exploring the design world I knew I was destined for industrial design. I quit my job and started my studies at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. From the beginning I knew I made the right choice; the continuous strive for knowledge and the passion to create and innovate inspired me to keep up the hard work.	SharonSides
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	My work process always starts with comprehensive research inclusive of interviews, observations and market surveys. In each project I integrate the product necessities and requirements with my interpretation and inputs. I always aim to bring an added value. Innovativeness and different points of view are the guiding principles in every work process of mine.	SharonSides
	Which materials do you work with?
	Over the past years I experimented with a vast variety of materials and techniques such as aluminum, brass, plastic, acrylic, steel, wood, fabrics, silicone etc.	SharonSides
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	As part of my B.Des I studied at the Pratt Institute for Arts and Design in New York. That was an amazing experience for me, personally and professionally. “Closure” was a project I designed for biomimicry class I took there. It’s a desk lamp inspired by the bizarre mating of the Anglerfish. As the male bites the female skin and turns to be an organ in her body, the lamp is built from two different bodies that are living in symbiosis. When the metal ball goes into its place it closes the circuit and the light turns on. The weirdest part of the project was to stand in front of the professors needing to explain about fish mating…	SharonSides
	I’d love to hear the story behind your graduation project.
	“Stumps” deals with the transference of images from nature to design projects using technology and in the process tests the spectrum between meticulous planning and freeform naturalness. The project explores the interplay between control and freedom, and examines when it is important to plan and when it is better to let things happen naturally. The design process offered a different outlook on a tree trunk, which is normally associated with beams utilizing its length, and focused on the rings that appear on the actual stump. This point of departure presents us with a new morphology. The pattern implies on the history of the tree as well as its age. As part of the project, patterns of tree stumps were scanned and later etched on metal. The metal sheets were bent into chairs, when the outline of the tree stump was kept intact. Shaping and bending each chair took into account the original outlines of the tree stump, consequently bestowing each chair with its own unique character.	SharonSides

	Now that you finished school… what’s next? What is your dream?
	My dream is to do what I like most, to design, somewhere around the globe. I think Israeli young designers are good competitors for designers around the world, and that our desire to innovate is one of a kind.	SharonSides
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Probably nature is the biggest hoard of solutions we can imagine.	SharonSides
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	Well… Dezeen, Notcot, Designboom, Things Organized Neatly and Humans of New York.	SharonSides
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	In order to innovate, you have to work, while hoping for mistakes.	SharonSides
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	I would train for the triathlon!	SharonSides
	And finally, please do share something random or quirky about yourself.
	I have a collection of more than 200 metal boxes, no purpose found for them yet…	SharonSides

in Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: 2012 Graduates, Furniture, Lighting, Nature | 1 Comment.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Pro-ducks for the JPost

|August 8, 2012

When two super unique designers team up, it’s always good news!
Gil Sheffi and Yoav Avinoam flew solo for a while and Gil even baked for quite some time, but now lets leave the past in the past.
Give it up for Pro-ducks Design Studio, aka Gil and Yoav’s brand new adventure. Just so you know, for both of them, design is a lot more than just style!
You can read the “Doing Design: Looking for the X-Factor” interview right here.
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You can find all the other interviews in my Jerusalem Post series, in here.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

One On One Break | Dana Bloom | A Pot of Gold

|August 2, 2012

Dana Bloom is a shinning star, not only does she have the most loving personality, she also lights up my DesignBreak with her golden creations. Although I’m not that much into high end jewelry, Dana with her sensitive eye and delicate hands makes me want to learn more about this unfamiliar territory. Besides that, I secretly wish that Dana will hear my prayer and start working on a casual line. I can’t help but admire her road to perfection… and don’t let me start talking about her graduate collection… Anyways, let’s let the girl talk. She knows what she’s talking about!
{Photos by Oded Marom}
www.dana-bloom.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	After my graduation from the jewelry design department at the Shenkar College, I continued my studies at the Creative Academy in Milano Italy, where I got my MA degree along with 20 very talented students from all over the world. Following my studies, I did an internship at Cartier, which was a fascinating experience. I got to live in Paris and design for am amazing brand such as Cartier. I returned to Israel and worked as a house designer for an Israeli jewelry manufacture and finally decided it was time to open my own studio. Nowadays I’m launching my first collection which is a great pleasure, a huge challenge and gives me enormous satisfaction :)	DanaBloom
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	My work process starts by looking for inspiration in photographs, material and basically everywhere. Once I can spot a common theme that “speaks” to me in my findings, I try to understand what drew me to these particular items and this becomes the beginning of my project. From there, I enjoy playing with the idea, sketching and sculpting freely without thinking too much. During this process, the shapes become clearer and brighter and when I like the outcome I turn to my 3D software and start creating the jewels there. When the model is ready I print it using a 3D printer, then with the 3D prototype made from polymer in my hand I feel the volume, weight, and how it feels on the body. When it feels right I start to imagine, how its “brothers and sisters” will look like…	DanaBloom
	Which materials do you work with?
	I’m working mainly with gold; I like the strong deep color of the 18k alloy. In some cases in order to add brightness, colors and elegance I use diamonds and precious stones. In my new collection, Golden Neem, Most of the jewels are made from 18k yellow gold and some of them are set with clear white diamonds.	DanaBloom
	Why gold? I have a feeling it’s a bit more challenging…
	Challenge is my middle name! and gold is a challenge but it is also such a pleasant joy. Working with gold gives you the opportunity to create a jewel with the finest detail and to know that it will last forever. It also means that you need to be very calculated with the thickness, weight and volume of your design, because the outcome will be expensive. I print my designs with 3D printers and cast them directly in gold without creating a mold, working with high alloy allows me to create fine delicate details that don’t get lost in the casting process and will be seen in the final outcome.	DanaBloom
	You just launched your first collection. can you share with me your source of inspiration for this one?
	The idea for this collection comes from observing Mother Nature, her micro and macroscopic processes. Wilted leaves and the capillary action of plants are the inspiration for this collection and the airy foundation of it. The collection is called “Golden Neem”. “Neem” in Hebrew is a small vein while in English it’s the name of a tree from South Asia said to have medicinal properties as well as an outstanding ability to withstand severe droughts.	DanaBloom
	How close or far is your end design from your initial idea?
	Design process for me means to invent a new visual language; I know that I’m close to the end design, when I start to speak this language “fluently”.	DanaBloom
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	In school we had a project to make shoes inspired by a villian. I made black and white leather men’s moccasins that looked like the face of Hitler.	DanaBloom

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I want to keep designing new collections and that my jewels get to touch and excite many people around the world.	DanaBloom
	Do you fantasize about your next collection? Care to share anything about it?
	It seems like the inspiration for my next collection will come from the life and nature of the underwater world, I hope to be invited to another interview at your blog within a couple of months and tell you all about it :)	DanaBloom
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	My inspiration comes from life, from traveling around the world, or even walking with my son along our neighborhood and watching him being fascinated by every tiny ant. I believe that inspiration is everywhere, you just need to be attentive and to observe.	DanaBloom
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	There are so many talented, bright inspiring designers, among them Ingo Maurer, Fabio Novembre, Achille Castiglioni, Michael Young (I just received a new watch that was designed by him and I’m so proud of having one of his designs).	DanaBloom
	What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly?
	Other than DesignBreak? ;) The list is long and is getting bigger from day to day. I’ll name just a few: Vougue Gioiello, Designboom, Design Milk and Jewelry Scape, which I read on a daily basis, Dezeen, The Style Smith and finally Design*Sponge, which I’m also subscribed to and enjoy following.	DanaBloom
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	Short and simple, but so true: “Follow your heart, be honest and true to yourself”. I’m not sure exactly who said it to me, but I do try to follow it.	DanaBloom
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Two months before I gave birth to my child, I stopped doing Pilates and practicing my Italian, those two hours were like a breath of fresh air. At the time, it felt like I was doing something good for my well being. These days my son is a year and 9 months old and I’m trying to spend with him each and every moment possible… but I guess if I had an extra hour I would choose to spend it practicing Pilates and Italian.	DanaBloom

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, Gold, Jewelry, Nature | 1 Comment.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Jaim Telias for the JPost

|July 5, 2012

Jaim Telias is the nicest, sweetest designer I’ve ever meet, full stop. Actually, to set the record straight, I’ve never really met the guy.
Since I first stumbled upon his magical world, we exchanged a bunch of long, long emails… and there is something quite endearing in each and every one of his emails.
“It seams like Jaim Telias is always on the go. From Chile, to Israel to Italy, this energetic guy knows exactly how to seize each moment and wherever he goes, he does his best to leave an industrially designed mark.” Yeah, that is exactly how I see him.
You can read the “Doing Design: The world is his oyster” interview right here.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Bakery Design for the JPost

|June 10, 2012

“Can you imagine a couple in real life who spends their day in the kitchen, talking and planning their next big dessert? Well this is how it feels like when you steps into Gilli Kuchik and Ran Amitai’s studio.”
I’m super exited to share with you my interview with the two, as part of my Jerusalem Post series.
You can read the “Doing Design: A tale of two bakers” interview right here.
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FYI, you can head here to visit all my previous posts about their super colorful world.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

One On One Break | Michal Miller | The Quiet Ones…

|May 31, 2012

As you are reading this, I’ll be on my way to the Accessories Market to pursue some of my favorite shoes of this super colorful Summer 2012 collections, including Michal Miller’s Nico Shoes. Not so long ago sweet Ellie Malin, wrote to me: “I will never understand how one small country has so many incredible shoe designers. My feet are so jealous!” I couldn’t agree more!
Well, Michal Miller is one of the quiet ones, however each and every season, her designs make some noise and I mean that in a good way! I was curious to learn more about her world so… Lets get on with my One On One with her.
Take it away, Michal!
michalmillershoes.blogspot.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	After graduating from Film & Television and East-Asian Studies at Tel Aviv University, I wasn’t sure what I wanted my day-time job to be like. Both majors didn’t have provide too many job opportunities in Israel. One day I was walking my dog in Neve-Tzedek and came across an ad for a school that was about to open for footwear design and manufacturing, I was intrigued and signed up for the first course that opened. The rest, as they say, is history…	MichalMiller
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	Each collection starts with a fundamental inspiration. For example, my Summer 2012 collection was designed not long after I gave birth to my son. I was of course inspired by the whole process of pregnancy, birth and the symbiosis and harmony between two entities living off and feeding off each other. After I have my basic sketches and ideas for the collection I start looking for materials that would translate my ideas into reality. I begin a second process of design, only now with the materials I’ve acquired. Then the sketches go to the modelist, who turns them into 2D patterns. Together with the factory we make a preliminary sample, try it on and then the process of changing and fitting, until we reach the perfect fit and design. Then the design is ready for production and goes through cutting, sewing, forming on the last, placing the sole and heels and the final finishes before going into the box. Each pair is handmade and goes through various craftsmen until it reaches the final destination.	MichalMiller
	Which materials do you work with?
	All shoes are made of leather (upper and insoles) and the soles are made out of non-slip rubber.	MichalMiller
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	In school we had a project to make shoes inspired by a villian. I made black and white leather men’s moccasins that looked like the face of Hitler.	MichalMiller

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	To keep on growing and becoming a household name, and to expand the business worldwide.	MichalMiller
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I’m inspired by my day to day life, nature, watching fashion and faces on the streets. My studies in university are also a constant inspiration – old films, Eastern aesthetics…	MichalMiller
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	Too many to list… at the moment I’m in love with Céline and it’s creative director Phoebe Philo and I always liked the swedish and Japanese designer’s aesthetics.	MichalMiller
	Can you tell me which web sites and blogs you visit regularly?
	Before I had a kid, I would sit for hours roaming the web for inspiration. Now I go to the basics – Style.com, The Sartorialist, Jak & Jil and the Israeli blog I love Josh.	MichalMiller
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	Sleep on it!	MichalMiller
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	Probably have some time for myself – take a bath, a massage, go for a date with my other half. Stuff our busy schedules don’t allow at the moment.	MichalMiller

in Fashion, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Accessories, leat, Shoes | No Comments.

One On One Break | Tali Furman | The Textile Goddess

|May 21, 2012

Textile designers fascinate me.
I can’t really explain why but they do.
After stumbling upon Tali Furman’s world of beautiful prints, I decided that I need to dig deep and find out a lot more, about this next big thing in the textile world.
Say hello to Tali and her one of a kind prints.
{Photos by Noa Kedmi}

www.talifurman.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	Well, I think that each day my journey begins over and over again. When I was young I didn’t consider myself a very talented person. Until the age of 23 I didn’t even know I can draw! When I first started my studies at the Textile Design Department at Shenkar College, I realized that engaging with aesthetics comes really natural to me. Early on I realized I have a talent for arranging different images and materials together and placing them in new context. These days I’m working as a designer at Golf & Co.	TaliFurman
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I start by collecting images that I find interesting. Many of them don’t have a common theme but I see how they complete each other by color, form and feeling and so see a theme where it doesn’t usually exist. My process also includes drawing on fabrics, especially on silk. Most of my prints combine photography, digital scanning and hand drawing. Sometimes when I look back at prints I created I can’t even remember what came first, colors, scanning or drawings. These days I’m starting to work on a new visual project that is all inspired by fixed forms and stencils.	TaliFurman
	Which materials do you work with?
	I work a lot with collages of photos that I take… My scanner is my best friend and I love silk and cotton. My favorite thing is reactive colors for fabrics, they are amazing and can be easily manipulated.	TaliFurman
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	These days I’m working on embossed vases for Golf & Co. It is really fun to apply patterns to a 3D mold. As a student I worked with a ceramic designer named Naomi Shousberger. At her studio I learned about printing directly on porcelain and combining textile prints with ceramics.	TaliFurman

	Now that you are done with your studies, what’s next? What is your dream?
	When I finished my studies I immediately started working at Golf & Co as a designer. I just know discovered that my academic journey might start all over again. I’ve been offered a place to study at The Royal College of Art in 2012/13, at their Textiles Department so as we speak, I’m busy looking for scholarships.	TaliFurman
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	I find periods of art in history very fascinating, the fact that artists and designers would spend years of their time creating, each with their own uniqueness and specialty. My favorite periods in art are Baroque and Rococo. My inspiration comes from lots of places, I really like spending time in down towns areas every where I go. Also as an immigrant myself, immigration realities are very close to my heart. Recently I found inspiration in paintings of ports in Europe. I love sea creatures and I have a feeling that fish prints will be the next big thing in fashion and interior design.	TaliFurman
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	Lets see… Mary Katrantzou, Timorous Beasties, Jonathan Saunders and the Hermès brand. Actually my dream is to work at Hermès… Also there are a few young designers that inspire me: fashion designer Mark Goldenberg, the young textile photographer Noa Kedmi and illustrator Alina Gorban. As a member of the community of young designers I think that it’s very important to be inspired by your friends.	TaliFurman
	Can you tell me which web sites and blogs you visit regularly?
	My list is too long so I’ll only share a few: Color Collective, Silken Favours, Nomenus Quarterly, the two Norwegian blogs Maruska and Fru Fly, Cherry Blossom, Love Nordic, Trend Tablet by Lidewij Edelkoort, the patterns of Longina Phillips Designs, Saša Antić, But Does It Float, Everythig Is Going To The Beat and finally BibliOdyssey.	TaliFurman
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	“Dream until your dream comes true.”	TaliFurman
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	I would call my sister. She is 16 and I can’t find enough time in the day to spend with her like I wish I could.	TaliFurman

in Israeli Designer, One On One Break, Textile Design | Tags: Fabric, Illustrations, Nature, Prints | 2 Comments.

DesignBreak Elsewhere | Interviewing Kulla Design for the JPost

|May 3, 2012

The first time I came across one of Kulla Design creations was when I bumped into their brilliant Tris Collection. Basically, these girls, Adi Shpigel and Keren Tomer, took plastic shutters and transformed them into the most amazing home accessories. Since then, I’ve been keeping my eyes on them and they don’t disappoint! Working with all the random objects and materials that surround our everyday life isn’t an easy task, but for some reason that’s what works best for these two. Join me while I learn a little bit more about Adi and Keren’s world on my Jerusalem Post series and read my “Doing Design: A recycled party for two” interview right here.

in DesignBreak Elsewhere, Industrial Design, Israeli Designer, One On One Break | Tags: Interview, JPost | No Comments.

One On One Break | Sian Thomas | The Pattern Whisperer

|April 18, 2012

I know i’m a bit behind with my One On One interviews, but all I can say is I have a lineup of pretty amazing designers coming really soon.
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Sian Thomas came to Israel a few months ago and while starting to build her textile empire, she is also trying to master the Hebrew language. As I’m all about spreading the word when it comes to young talent I figured Sian is the right fit for DesignBreak. With one light box and lots of ideas Sian is one of those you should keep an eye on!
She has a lots to share so I’ll pass her the lead.

www.sianelin.com

	I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began.
	I always knew I wanted to do something creative, and felt like there wasn’t any other career path for me from a very young age. After finishing school I went on to study for an Art Foundation course in Wales, which is where I am originally from. It was there that I decided to become a graphic designer, because I knew I wanted to work in design and print, and I felt like it was the most varied and vocational of subjects. At that point in time I didn’t know what surface pattern design was. After my foundation year, I studied Typography and Graphic Design, and History of Art at University. This course taught me to be disciplined and appreciate colour and layout, and it led to my 6 year career in Book design for two top global publishers: Oxford University Press and Penguin, both in the UK. I worked mainly as a children’s book designer where colour is so important, and so it’s here that I developed my love for colour and also typography. During this time, upon seeing the array of pattern and colour in One Year On at New Designers in London, I knew from then on I would make it my goal to make patterns for textiles and print for my career. It took me 2 years to make this a reality, and this is how I came to take the big step of quitting my full time job, and pursuing my business in surface pattern design. I’m lucky enough to spend this year in Israel with my partner who works at the University as a professor, developing my designs, and starting my business. I’m still very interested in book design and do freelance work for Oxford University Press and other clients, and in fact some of my designs reference book design, like my typography patterns.	SianThomas
	As you just moved to Israel, I’d love to hear about your first impression and then what do you like most about it so far?
	My first impressions of Israel are that it’s a welcoming place with less structure and order than I am used to! The people are so open, they have fewer boundaries than British people; for instance strangers on a mountain walk want to be your friend. I also come from a small country, and so in that respect I feel like we have something in common. I’m learning Hebrew which is a lot of fun, but very hard work. The letters seem so alien to me, but I’m so happy that I get an opportunity to learn a new language and use my brain in a different way than normal. The nature here is wonderful – the sea, large gorges and forests, and the desert. Nature is very important to me, and Wales has many nice beaches and mountains, and it’s where I can draw a lot of inspiration from.	SianThomas
	Can you describe your work process for me?
	I normally go out and about and look at things. I see pattern everywhere I go so I always take a camera with me – just in case I like the colour of a sign I see, or the pattern some leaves make on the ground – and I need to document it. The challenge is being able to see how things in reality can turn into a pattern that is arresting, and also commercial. I take objects I have photographed and draw them in a black pen. Most of my patterns are hand-drawn because I love the control it gives me, and I love the more quirky finished effect it has. I then scan in all my images, and start working with them on screen; this is my favourite part of the process. I place motifs on the page and see how they can work together. Once I am happy that the pattern might be going somewhere, I start to add colour in Illustrator. I keep a reference file of colour combinations I like, and I also document them on my pinterest page. Once I have found a colour combination I am happy with, I complete the rest of the pattern to make it into a repeat, so that it could be printed on anything. I keep everything I have ever worked on, incase a motif I have drawn works on a new pattern. I’ve created many new patterns out of old objects I’ve drawn. Sometimes when a pattern isn’t working, it’s best to leave it, and inspiration will come to you when you are least expecting it. Other times patterns just flow and can be achieved in a couple of hours.	SianThomas
	Which materials do you work with?
	I work with a black pen with a 0.3mm tip, and white a4 paper. The pen is the most important part to me, and I have 100s of black ink pens which I enjoy drawing with. I will draw onto any white paper, it doesn’t have to be amazing quality. I also use a light-box a lot, to trace objects I have photographed. I then use a scanner, and Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign.	SianThomas
	What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed?
	I work with a charity called First Story, who I design book covers for. They are a wonderful organisation, whose aim is to foster creativity and literacy in young people through the medium of writing. I worked on a book called Handwritten, where I involved the students by using their handwriting on the cover. I gave them an image of a fingerprint, and each student traced on top of the lines to produce a fingerprint made out of their own handwriting. It was a very fun and collaborative project. I also got to meet the wonderful children’s author Julie Hearn, and the famous author of the Golden Compass, Philip Pullman.	SianThomas

	What’s next? What is your dream?
	I have a new online shop, selling my designs on greeting cards. And I have just recently been asked to have my designs published in Trend Bible. Next year I hope to exhibit at Tent. My dream is to expand my business and develop cushions, tea-towels, and wallpaper also. I would also love to receive commissions or licensing requests from large companies like Heals, or Selfridges, and one day I’d love to have my own shop. I would also like to influence young people in some way through the medium of design. I’d love to be able to offer my own advice and skills somehow, and help to guide them and answer all the burning questions I had when I was their age.	SianThomas
	I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from?
	Everywhere! I love objects that you find in cities like lamposts, or signs, or cabling. There is some crazy jumbled up cabling on streetlamps in Israel, which I find beautiful, and hope to make a pattern from one day. I also love folky abstract patterns as well as lettering found anywhere – on signs, on menus, on buildings, on packaging. Everyday objects inspire me too like umbrellas, or pens, or rubbers, or even an old jar.	SianThomas
	Can you tell me which designers inspire you?
	I love Orla Kiely, Leah Duncan,Marimekko, Julia Rothman, Donna Wilson, Abigail Borg, Clare Nicolson and Mini Moderns.	SianThomas
	Can you tell me which web sites and blogs you visit regularly?
	I love Print and Pattern, Tigerprint, Design Sponge, Book By Its Cover, Living etc, Stylist. It’s an amazing web site that presents all kinds of unique shoes. I myself am taking part in it.	SianThomas
	What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
	To stay true to your own style and things you like. The lovely owner of La Vague Doree told me that during the design process not to worry about what other people think, because everyone has a different opinion – and your style will become confused if you take it all to heart. He also told me to keep a small box of things that inspire me and not to show it to anyone, even my Mum! He told me not to let it get too full, because your style and preferences need to stay clear, and to give it a clear out every now and then as your style develops.	SianThomas
	If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
	I’d spend more time looking at and producing patterns!	SianThomas

in Graphic Design, One On One Break, Textile Design, World Break | Tags: British Break, Illustrations, Patterns, Prints | 3 Comments.

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