 |
Today's featured designer is Chris Slabber. Chris Slabber is the creator of iconic designs such as Haezer, Insect Sculptures and We Set Sail. |
We had the rare opportunity to interview the exalted designer Chris Slabber who was recently announced as the Designer of the Day by the A' Design Award and Competition. Chris Slabber is the creator of iconic designs such as Haezer, Insect Sculptures and We Set Sail. We got exclusive answers to our questions about Chris Slabber designs and design philosophy. |
 |
Chris Slabber, how did you become a designer?
Chris Slabber : I've always knew I would end up in some sort of creative job since a very young age. Nothing else really gave me same excitement as the arts did. I live for those moments of inspiration....
Chris Slabber, what are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Chris Slabber : I'm mostly known for my photography and manipulation techniques. I've always been inspired by Surrealism and photo manipulation allows me to really bend reality. I don't just rely on digital medium. Instead I try and do as much by hand as possible and the I would take it too the next level with photoshop.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, which emotions do you feel when designing?
Chris Slabber : Its always about solving the problem or challenge you've been given. Once you can visualise your end goal, interesting things start to happen. Nothing beats that moment when a project is completed and you can't stop looking at it. There is an uncontrollable smile that starts at your toes and fill your entire body with happiness.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Chris Slabber : I grew up in a very small rural town in South Africa. There wasn't much too do for someone that was interested in the alternative culture, so I kind of forced me to create my own world. It taught me how to shift my perspective of the world, how too make the dull become exciting.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what is your growth path? what are your future plans? what is your dream design project?
Chris Slabber : I just always strive too better my skills and too keep working on bigger projects with world wide brands. Working on an international level is very satisfying for a creative, because you get too work with some of the greatest minds in their respected fields. They understand greatness, which allows them/us too for see trends.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what are your advice to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Chris Slabber : Never assume it is about you when working for a client. Learn how too process feedback and manipulate it too the best of you abilities. You will build relationships that will last a lifetime and gain a lot of respect.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, you are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Chris Slabber : Make lots of mistakes every time. Failure is the driving force behind progress....
Chris Slabber, what is your day to day look like?
Chris Slabber : Coffee, breakfast, emails, get hands dirty, supper, netflix (usually a documentary), bed (I either read about creative trends or watch something on youtube about something creative).... |
 |
Chris Slabber, how do you keep up with latest design trends? to what extent do design trends matter?
Chris Slabber : I subscribe too a few blogs, but I find that Adobe 99U is a great source of information and motivation for any creative....
Chris Slabber, how do you know if a product or project is well designed? how do you define good design?
Chris Slabber : I try and keep it as simple as possible. I always tell student, "If it looks good, it is good. If it looks bad, you'll know it looks bad".... |
 |
Chris Slabber, how do you decide if your design is ready?
Chris Slabber : As soon as I like looking at what I've done I know I'm pretty much there. Your end result should make you smile....
Chris Slabber, what is your biggest design work?
Chris Slabber : There's been a few that stands out. In 2015 I did the artwork for Gordon's Dry Gin in South Africa, which was presented to the public on a very large scale. Also in 2017 I did a campaign for the Huffington Post that had a very influential call to action about smart consumerism. These are just 2 that really stood out for me.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, who is your favourite designer?
Chris Slabber : I don't really have a favourite. I like too study the forefathers of design especially the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and M.C. Escher. I guess in a modern world I would have too say Elon Musk. I suppose its the fact that they were/are able too change the world through design and innovation.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Chris Slabber : I tend too be very much a secluded person. I like being able too search my thoughts and my subconscious. I enjoy going to the Namib desert a lot. The total isolation is extremely refreshing and it allows me to be completely honest with myself and the world. At the moment I'm working on some photo composite work for Mercedes Benz, but I always have a personal project that receives attention when I have time too myself.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Chris Slabber : I see myself as a specialist in my field. I decided a while ago that instead of being a "Jack of all trades", I would focus on one niche market and sell myself as a product to the creative industry. Its not easy working for yourself. It requires a lot of focus and discipline. You need to have a strong routine and mindset, but you should also know when it is time to relax. The last part is not always easy.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Chris Slabber : I hope too inspire people with the bit of success I've had in my career thus far. I would like people too see that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve so much. Your future is in your hands so make it the best you can. Share your knowledge as much as you can. The more informed the world can be, the better the end result.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what positive experiences you had when you attend the a’ design award?
Chris Slabber : The night of the Gala in 2014 is my most memorable night of my life. I still get emotional thinking back too it. The A' Design Awards that I've won in the past gave me a big confidence boost and also made me so much more credible as a designer. I was able too shake hands with some of the industry's leading minds. This opened up my eyes on a whole new level.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Chris Slabber : I am a Surrealist creative specialising in Photo Manipulation. ...
Chris Slabber, what is "design" for you?
Chris Slabber : Its essentially a documentation of modern man. It will be able to tell future generations about our thought processes at the time. It would tell them what was important to us at a certain point in time. It would be able to show us/them the mistakes we have made in the past so that we can learn from them to improve the world through good design.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what kinds of works do you like designing most?
Chris Slabber : Surreal,Experimental, digital art. I love creating artwork for movie posters or album covers. I think its to do with the fact that you have to take an entire script or album and compress it into a single image. My work walks a fine line between Fine Art and Commercial art.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, what was the first thing you designed for a company?
Chris Slabber : It was a logo for a furniture manufacturer called AMAVITA...
Chris Slabber, what is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Chris Slabber : I work in mixed media. I think that each piece of work is dictated by the brief. But for the most part I use Photo Manipulation as a technique. ... |
 |
Chris Slabber, when do you feel the most creative?
Chris Slabber : I think once my research for a project is done and the concept starts to emerge. The energy is overwhelming....
Chris Slabber, what kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Chris Slabber : Just good old happiness which is so motivating to work harder to be able to do it again.... |
 |
Chris Slabber, how do you think the "design field" is evolving? what is the future of design?
Chris Slabber : I think after the past 7 years of intense digital media boom with all the social platforms design has become a bit impersonal. So i think design will be looking to adopt a more "hand made" approach in order to regain its place amongst the arts....
Chris Slabber, thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you... To learn more about Chris Slabber and check more designs by Chris Slabber as well as to see more Chris Slabber designs such as Haezer, Insect Sculptures, We Set Sail, Life From Stone, Destruction/Creation and Parallel visit designeroftheday.com/?135028 |
 |
We hope you enjoyed our interview of Chris Slabber. This interview was made possible by the contributions of A' Design Award and Competition - The World's largest and most influential design accolade. A' Design Award is an annual, international design award open to both concept stage and realized works by designers, artists, architects and brands worldwide. A' Design Award and Competition aims to create a public awareness and understanding of good design by promoting the best designers such as Chris Slabber and their design works worldwide. Visit designaward.com to learn more. |
REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/designer.php?profile=135028 https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=32975
https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=63001
https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=39322
https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=52793
https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=36138
https://competition.adesignaward.com/design.php?ID=45408
|
|
|
|
 VIA:
designeroftheday.com/?135028 |
|
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: |
|
CLICK HERE TO SEE EVEN MORE |
|
SEARCH
|
|
|