Ricardo

Q%How exactly did you come to study design?

A%Well, I already studied Industrial Design in Mexico. For me it was … not automatic, but it wasn’t difficult to find. I always knew that I wanted to do something with my hands. I was very inspired by the Apple presentation videos. Those videos were always about how they do the design and talk about the manufacturing processes. I just found it fascinating how much passion they talked about it. And then I thought that what I was looking for must be something in industry. But in fact it wasn’t engineering, it was something artificial, artistic. And I thought at first that it was engineering design or maybe industrial engineering – but it wasn’t. It was a professor who was a product designer who told me, “What you’re looking for is actually industrial design.” And yeah, I didn’t even know exactly what that was. But I knew there had to be something along those lines. So I decided: Okay, you can study that. I then chose a leading university in Mexico. To be accepted, I first had to study architecture for a year. That’s how I was selected.

Q%So you Studied Architecture, Industrial Design and Integrated Design?  

A%So, it really was a long road. Yes, I first studied architecture for a year. Then I finally ended up in Industrial Design. And when I went into my last semester of that course, I had to do a year abroad. But I decided to stay here because of the different areas and opportunities. It wasn’t just product design, but also graphic design, motion design and all sorts of things. I thought that could be really cool.

Q%Does the degree program cater to all your interests or do you have a lot of hobbies in addition to your studies?

A%Well, I actually do a lot of hobbies alongside my studies. But most of them are also related to it. For example, I make 3D-printed lamps and work on my own products, which I then also film.

Q%That’s also a job, isn’t it? Or would you also say that it’s more of a hobby?

A%It’s a hobby for me. It’s also because I’ve always wanted to do things – always have. Yes, especially in this case. I also draw a lot, learn languages and play the violin.

Q%Do you work alongside your studies?

A%Yes, I work for an event company where I am responsible for graphic design and sometimes also develop concepts and designs. I work a maximum of 20 hours a week, mostly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I think I manage to balance work and study quite well.

Q%Do you feel financially secure? Or do you have a monetary buffer?

A%Well, I earn enough, but … well, I sometimes feel under a lot of pressure because I always have to work to be able to stay here in Germany. It’s about the residence requirements and also about financing my life here. Fortunately, I also get financial support from my parents. When I tell them that I need help, they give me money, which then saves me.

Q%Do you already have a foot in the door in your job? In terms of what? So we’re coming after your studies?

A%Yes, my boss once said that he could take me on as a full-time employee once I had finished my studies. But I can’t imagine that. I actually want to do something else. This is my first job and I don’t want to limit myself to just that. I need to explore myself a lot more and find out what I want to do in the long term.

Q%Where is your current focus, or are you working in many different areas at the moment?

A%Yes, my focus remains on graphic design and motion design, which is what I usually do at work. But I try to develop my skills through my hobbies. I also earn money with my lamps by selling them in art stores. So, yes, product design is also part of my skill set.

Q%You just said that this focus developed naturally. Did you have any role models in your professional development?

A%Yes, yes, indeed. I would say that Jonathan Ive is a role model for me. I’ve always been a very passionate person. For me, he was a role model in how to transform that passion into your professional life. So, yes, he is a role model, because I also want to be able to speak so passionately about my things.

Q%Do you have any specific projects or work that you are particularly proud of?

A%Yes, of course, on my two lamps. I think that was a great success and I’m really proud of it. I’m also proud of the game design I did for a French company and three animations that were broadcast on a screen in Piccadilly Circus in London.

Q%Why does it make you so proud?

A%Because it shows that I’m actually capable of creating a good product, be it a video, an animation concept or even something physical. It’s proof for me that I can be a good designer. Yes, it’s just a confirmation for myself, that’s why.

Q%What valuable experience and knowledge have you already gained during your studies here?

A%So, here in my studies in Germany … for me, the most valuable skill would be to work with other people who have the same passion. You can create things together that you like. It’s just nice to work with people.

Q%Would you approach your studies differently now if you already knew that? Right from the start?

A%No. If I had already known what to do, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Q%Do you have any other advice or tips that you would give?  

A%I would say: keep an open mind. It was a kind of clarity for me because I always knew what I wanted to do. That gave me the freedom to experiment. So, give yourself more room to dream, play and experiment. It really makes you grow.

Q%How do you imagine your professional life after graduation?

A%I would initially like to work in a product design company for three to four years. Provided that I have completed a Master’s degree beforehand.

Q%Do you know what kind of Master you want to study?

A%Yes, in Product Design and Process Development, also at KISD. But I’m also thinking about maybe doing my Master’s somewhere else. But to be honest, I’m very, very enthusiastic about the study concept here. And of course I would like to set up my own studio in the future.

Q%So the big goal is to be self-employed at some point?  Are there any particular aspects that have to be fulfilled for you to say you are happy in your professional life?

A%Indeed, yes. For me, it’s important to create something that helps people and makes them happy. That’s the biggest thing for me. If I manage to help people find their own solution and make them happy, that would be the goal for me.

Q%Do you think that this plan is realistic?

A%I think to myself, people have done it before me. That means I can do it too.

Q%What do you need to financially relize this?

A%Setting up a studio, your own studio here in Germany, can be quite expensive. I need a bit of investment and also money saved up from my normal job. But yes, I might need a quick start. I definitely want to be legally secure and I’m not very familiar with the German bureaucracy. So I need financial support to pay for a lawyer or a financial advisor, for example. Unfortunately, these services are also expensive and I would like to receive financial support for them.

Q%What would you like to offer in the studio?

A%My philosophy is to combine everything – product design, but also graphic design. Of course, design in general, maybe even game design or system design. My artist name is Alles Melanger, which means “The Everything Mixer”. I think that’s the only way to create something innovative. If you’re honest, you can only really develop new innovation if you combine everything in one place and thus incorporate different perspectives and perceptions.

Q%Aren’t you worried that you won’t have a clear strength, i.e. a specialization?

A%Of course, specialization is also important, but there are already many companies for this. What I want to offer is a solution that provides a kind of networking point to bring all these areas together and create a product.

Q%What else must be room for in your life outside of work and studies?

A%Relationships. Actually, yes, relationships – with people, with partners, with family. What I’ve learned recently is that it’s perfectly okay to create things. It’s nice to create things, and that makes you happy. But the ability to talk to people, to have a partnership or to have a family is also very important. That’s something we can create, and it reaches us in a different way. That’s why I think relationships are just as important.