Valentin Vodev feels that design is an adventurous journey from the common to the unexplored. And this is instrumental enough in defining new functions and forms which outlines an integral part of his designing process. Design in itself is a multifarious system in which individual factors and components are analyzed and optimized, which communicate with one another and present themselves as a whole. And all his designs explicitly shed the above said notion, see for your self.
1. When did you decide to pursue design as a career and how did you go about it?
Valentin: I would like to say that I have done design my entire life but the truth is that when I was 14 I actually wanted to be a painter, but maybe luckily I was accepted to study in a school for Applied and not Fine Arts when I was 14 and I really fell in love with design.
2. Valentin you’ve said that converting ideas into products is an adventure for you, so here I’d like to ask, how has been the journey between the common to the unexplored?
Valentin: When I start a new project, at the beginning I do research on that what already exists in the world related to the brief and compare the different solutions and ideas. After this process happens, I get the “kick” idea in my head and then I dive into the unexplored and start to develop something that has never exist before, and this is very exciting for me.
3. Please tell our readers more about the Roller Buggy?
Valentin: Roller Buggy is a product that makes both – parent and child have fun, doing sport and moving by using it. I designed the Roller Buggy to make it possible for parents to feel free using a baby carriage and don’t give up the sport after getting a child. And also feel the freedom of riding, whilst the child also gets a taste of that same freedom. The child has fun â and also stays secure in the seat (seatbelt) driven by the parent.
4. How the Duckfins created by you are different from the conventional ones?
Valentin: The Duckfins are something like sport shoes, but for the sea world. The conventional fins/ flippers as we know are very long and when you go from the beach into the water you go backwards. With the Duckfins you can easily run on the beach and jump/walk into the water.
5. Valentin, please acquaint our readers with the concept behind Laser Lighter and RFID Gate?
Valentin: The Laser Lighter is a lighter with round design, which allows you, when you fire it up, to fill like the controller and creator of the fire. It makes the symbolic illusion that the fire comes directly from the middle of your hand. Furthermore the symbolic character of the form can be interpreted as earth, or as the symbol of the feminine.
6. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?
Valentin: I am experimenting often with new ideas and materials, also sometimes for completely different concepts and branches, but for me always the significant in my work is that I try to put the originality into it and the user on first place when I am designing.
7. How do you conceptualize the design you’re working on and incorporate it into your design process?
Valentin: I think the right attitude for me is simple, first I just try to think, what is useful and what can be made better in our surrounding and to follow the rules of the logic, but this is not enough. Designing a product is also to include a culture message into it, maybe something like the hidden message in a book. To use associations and visions and use unconventional solutions.
8. Where do you see yourself, after, let’s say, five years from now?
Valentin: I will continue doing design products with strong conceptual inputs and I hope there is still somebody interested in my vision of design. Of course I am very positive and think that all my plans and new projects will happen, be produced, and I will have a very exciting time in the next future.
9. Any parting words of wisdom?
Valentin: Yes, for all your readers – trust yourself and stay loyal to your wishes and dreams 🙂
10. Finally, we’d like to have your views on Coolbuzz.org?
Valentin: I like your channel, because I always can find and read into it, about something very original, new and interesting around the world.
Now some rapid fire questions:
Who is Valentin Vodev, in one word?
Valentin: Creator
If given a chance, what would you like to change in the world?
Valentin: (1) Know-how and share ideas for free with everybody.
(2) Reduce the ignorance in the world.
If given a week’s holidays, how would you like to spend them?
Valentin: Traveling and meeting new places and cultures.
Your three favorite gizmos would be?
Valentin: Pen
Note book
Music player
What is your greatest day-in/day-out obstacle?
Valentin: Getting nice feedback at a final presentation of a project witch was created in a very long and difficult, but successful working process.
Thank you Valentin for sparing out time in doing an interview with us, it is greatly appreciated.
Iâd also like to wish you luck for all your future endeavors.