Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Antonia Skaraki ("AS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.
AS : I studied Visual Communication and Advertisement – graphic design in Vakalo. I worked as head of the art department in several magazines and as a creative director in Able Communications. I was a co-founder of Design Lab where I served as V.P., I organized the Athens Design Games with Dimitris Fakinos at a biennale of Greek artists. I founded Karamella advertising in 1993 and in 2000, when the company became S.A. I served as a V.P. In 2005, I participated in the European Community Equal program with the project Andromeda – Actions against racial segregation in workplace environment. I regularly participate as a keynote speaker at meetings and conferences on issues concerning Branding and modern concepts of tourism. Recently I held a personal exhibition in my hometown Chania, Crete called: 14 Stories 14 Routes Local & Global identity (branding).
AS : Design is a matter, or state of being. Being happy, being self-content, being sad, being creative, being communicative, in harmony and being expressive. Design is a form of expression.
AS : Natural born designer.
AS : Branding is “The Thing” for me but whatever is challenging is welcome. If it’s challenging, bring it on.
AS : Work – passion - work
AS : The great designer has failed a lot more times than a good designer. Moreover a great designer never rests upon her/his success.
AS : Being something unique and something that not only the professionals appreciate but also the whole world.
AS : Because a good design says a 1000 different things with a glimpse of an eye.
AS : My country
AS : My country
AS : Having the correct team, having a close relationship with them and always challenging ourselves. Teamwork is the founder of a good strategy. Marketing is a fluent knowledge of every segment and market. All of the above contribute to the almost prefect design, because perfection is rarely achieved.
AS : Le Corbusier, Gaudi, Philippe Starck, Vivienne Westwood.
AS : Can’t tell.
AS : Karamella’s corporate brochure where in a very big size 6 Greek rooted, universal words where illustrated: Philosophy, Monogamy, Euphoria, Metamorphosis, Polyphony, Harmony. This depicted the relationship of the designer with his work.
AS : Analyzing the needs, grasp them and then implement them. Symmetry and harmony with the brief.
AS : I’d cook.
AS : Everything. Symmetry, passion, life, beauty.
AS : My mentor, Hristos Arvanitis, designer.
AS : My endless passion for what I do.
AS : My effort to try to convince my senior colleagues to allow me express my suggestions.
AS : There should not be any kind of norms. Every project is directly related with its designer and presented according to her/his personality. This the magic when we exhibit our work.
AS : Can’t tell, it’s confidential.
AS : To keep inspiring my co-workers.
AS : To always challenge and overcome their expectations.
AS : Design = image Design = positioning Design = communication Design = attitude
AS : Can’t tell.
AS : Every project gave me and still gives me great pleasure.
AS : The design community as whole should be allied.
AS : It all begins with an idea.
AS : We don’t know how long it takes for the spark to light up.
AS : From the inspiration/concept
AS : Seize the day
AS : It’s a mix.
AS : It’s our direct ally.
AS : Everything starts with an idea. But to be more specific the colors and materials exist to service our goal.
AS : Analyze it.
AS : I admire the inspiration.
AS : Teamwork- teamwork-teamwork
AS : Giannis Xenakis
AS : It is every book on every single moment on any given time.
AS : Work, inspiration work, fail and try again.
AS : Socrates, Epicurus
AS : Yellow, Crete, mousakas, spring, a painting, Supreme.
AS : A letter that received from a company, letting me know that our work was exceptional but we cannot work together because our passion and creativity cannot be controlled!!
AS : Working, socializing with my colleagues and at the end of the day spend time with my beloved son who is my own source of inspiration.
AS : I cannot predict the future but I hope my eyes or soul to gaze the world as a field with thousands of wild colorful flowers.
AS : See it, feel it.
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