Interview with Alain Aebersold

Since I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and working three-dimensional. In high school I was able to visit the main topic visual arts. Afterwards I had the possibility to visit the graphic design class at the School of Design in Biel. I always wanted to work in a creative way and for me graphic design is a great way to work in this field.

First I always start with a visual and thematic research. I try to find my inspirations in a wide field. I do little, quick sketches to note my ideas. Afterwards I start with mood designs. Designs that are not necessarily purposeful, but display possible directions. I try to do a lot of them to have a wide variety of possibilities. Also to find the right style for the design. And then I start designing in a more concrete way and thinking in a bigger context.

In the beginning, it's often a lot of frustration: Not finding the right idea or not reaching the visual style i was hoping for. But then, when I find my way and find a solution, I often get enthusiastic and can't stop thinking on further possibilities. Then, when it's done, I have to get a pause. I really get annoyed of my own design and then I have to lock it away for several months. Then I can watch it again and usually enjoy my performance again.

A designer should never believe he is a genius. He probably does not invent something completely new. But a designer should always be able to sample elements in a new way. You don't have to invent everything from scratch. And a designer should be sensitive, open minded and patient.

I hope that in the future I will be able to do more designs in which I am personally and thematically involved. Projects that challenge me intellectually and creatively.

Never be arrogant. Be always ready to learn something. Never see yourself as completed.

Work should always be challenging. If a project does not look like it, find your personal challenge and grow. Never just do what the minimum is.

I start the day with a coffee at home. Then I work about 20 Minutes to the office. This time aI need for myself, to plan the tasks and to structure the day. In the morning I do rather top-heavy work. After lunch is a great time for research. And in the later afternoon and early evening I do more creative work.

I like to watch design blogs. But I don't think that I have to keep up to every design trend. Some stuff I like and if it makes sense I try to implement it to my own style. Other stuff i don't feel and maybe it's good to know this trend, but I don't have to master it.

Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.

When I know, that I really like it. When I get nervous and feel I fulfilled my Idea. Often, I decide impulsively when a design is ready. Then i send my design to the client.

My master thesis in communication design. I wanted to work with three dimensional and animated letters. Before, I didn't really work with 3D programs. But I had this vision and because I had enough time, I could learn the necessary skills.

I admire Mario Hugo. You feel all the passion and the hard working background in his work. There is style but also a lot of skills.

I currently live in Zurich. Although it is the largest city in Switzerland, it is internationally a small city. But i really love that. Nature is nearby, culture is nearby. In I fifteen minutes I am able to reach the woods. And also in I fifteen minutes I reach all the urban and cool parts of the city.

I enjoy working with people I have a personal connection to. If the human basis is right, the result is better too. I believe that I am demanding and strict, but always fair and looking for the best solution.

As a freelancer I worked more often for NGOs and was quite willing to make a special offer. But it always depends on the project.

I participated the first time and won a golden award. Until now, I was surprised where my work is communicated everywhere. I have always received e-mails that have made me aware of new releases. The team strives that the winning designs will reach many people.

Since I was a kid, I always wanted to draw, paint and working three-dimensional. In high school I was able to visit the main topic visual arts. Afterwards I had the possibility to visit the graphic design class at the School of Design in Biel. I always wanted to work in a creative way and for me graphic design is a great way to work in this field.

Designing was always a passion. It was a great luck that I have the opportunity to do it professionally.

I mainly do graphic design and illustration. I also like to do web projects, simple animations and 3d.

I don't feel like a design legend. I'm still on the way. I young designer should always be open minded and and always ready to learn.

A great designer is always looking for new challenges and does not hesitate to learn.

The most important point is probably whether it has something unique. And whether the chosen design makes sense in context.

A good design has something unique and stands out from the crowd. It should also serve a purpose.

I love projects where I can interpret something abstract visually. For example, give a face to a music album.

I would love to work for great musicians. Or spend more time to get better in new fields like animation or 3D.

I don't know if there is a secret ingredient. But I think passion is a important part.

I admire Mario Hugo. You feel all the passion and the hard working background in his work. There is style but also a lot of skills.

I love the design work of Mario Hugo or Oh Yeah Studios. They have a organic, handmade touch, and are still clean and professional.

I'm proud of my Master Thesis work. I learned a lot about new technics and grew as a designer.

You should always be open minded and able to learn new things. I don't lose your passion.

I would liked to work with animals. Maybe keeping a little zoo looking after old and sick animals.

Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.

My friends, my family and of course my girlfriend.

To be open minded and able to learn new stuff.

I'm still struggling. My biggest obstacle is my own quality claim.

In a way that the viewer understands the idea of the design.

i don't know what will come. But I hope, that there will be exciting projects.

I don't have an ultimate goal. But several goals on my way to getting better.

A professional way of working.

I don't know if design help to create a better society. But good design should help people to make their lives less complicated, more understandable and more beautiful.

I'm currently working on a redesign of a NGO.

Of my own work, my master thesis, Because I had the chance to grow with my work and to learn new skills.

Design should not be judged by its price. Good design will always take its time. I hope that people will see the value of a good design in the future.

It really depends on which devices will be popular in the future. Augmented reality could be a big deal. Then it would certainly need a new way of information design.

It really depends on the project.

First I always start with a visual and thematic research. I try to find my inspirations in a wide field. I do little, quick sketches to note my ideas. Afterwards I start with mood designs.

Always be able to learn something new.

I think it's an interaction. But I do not know what was first.

I like working with new technologies to get new results and create new visuals.

I work with Adobe Creative Suite for Layouts, logos and image editing. I'm now learning Sketch for bigger websites and Axure for wireframing. And I always try to get better with 3D programs.

It's an important part. But the whole thing is more than the sum of its parts.

I would ask people what they associate with my designs.

Why did not I have the idea myself?

An ideal partner is someone who complements me. Which is the opposite of me, but still able to work constructively with me. I yes, I do believe in co-design.

Maybe my teacher at the art school. He always reminded us that we still have much to learn.

Maybe Haruki Murakami, because his books are always a little surreal.

I don't think that I'm a master designer. I'm still learning and always will be.

I would choose Stanley Kubrick.

Where I live, designers aren't that famous.

My favorite color is blue, my favorite place is the swiss jura, my favorite season is autumn, my favorite thing is my phone and I don't have a favorite brand.

Once, I forgot to switch the picture with the watermark with the paid one. All advertisements had the image provider's watermark in the background. The customer was not so happy.

I start the day with a coffee at home. Then I walk about 20 Minutes to the office. This time aI need for myself, to plan the tasks and to structure the day.

I always loved to draw and to build stuff. I always knew that I wanted to do something with visual design. But it was a great luck that I can really work in this field.

In thousands of years, our solar system will be gone. But humanity maybe not. Maybe our descendants will populate the universe.

Thank you!

Currently I work part time as a art director in a agency. There we work for national and international clients. in addition, I realize smaller, personal projects.

Design is a vehicle to transport ideas, values and functions. It should not exist for an end in itself. It should serve a purpose.

I love projects where I can interpret something abstract visually. For example, give a face to a music album.

My most favorite design in probably my last album cover design. I always loved to create surreal landscapes. And here I could use them to transport my visual idea of a sound.

I don't really remember. But one of my first tasks I remember was the redesign of the Corporate Design of a hair stylist.

I love to switch between different media. 2D and 3D, analog and digital.

When I am relaxed and in pure with me.

I think it's important that there is a personal challenge. No project should feel the same.

In the beginning, it's often a lot of frustration: Not finding the right idea or not reaching the visual style i was hoping for. But then, when I find my way and find a solution, I often get enthusiastic and can't stop thinking on further possibilities.

I have to get a pause. I really get annoyed of my own design and then I have to lock it away for several months. Then I can watch it again and usually enjoy my performance again.

When people have to look at it, when it transmits something that produces an effect.

The most important point is probably whether it has something unique. And whether the chosen design makes sense in context.

The responsibility of a designer is no greater than that of any other human. Be nice, be responsible, no matter what job you do.

There are many new technologies in the starting blocks. How the design will change, will show through these technologies.

I have never had an exhibition for myself alone. And currently nothing is planned.

The biggest inspiration is maybe my childhood. I played a lot in the near forest. I there was a lot of space for imagination. Now, I also love fantasy, sience fiction, comics, art and design. With the internet it's so easy to get a lot of inspiration in short time. But I think it's still the inner child which is the biggest source.

I would describe it as organic swiss graphic design. I prefer organic forms over geometrical ones. And I prefer to look at them. But the typo elements have to be cleaned up.

I live in Zurich, Switzerland. And we have this big heritage of the famous swiss graphic design. There are a lot of good graphic designers. And I also love the typical swiss graphic style. But I feel my own work going in another, more organic, direction.

Professional. With a clear process and timing.

Ask the designer, how he sees the process. If he has no idea and just want's to do pretty stuff, look for someone else.

First I always start with a visual and thematic research. I try to find my inspirations in a wide field. I do little, quick sketches to note my ideas. Afterwards I start with mood designs. Designs that are not necessarily purposeful, but display possible directions. I try to do a lot of them to have a wide variety of possibilities. Also to find the right style for the design. And then I start designing in a more concrete way and thinking in a bigger context.

My notes, my sketchbook, my pens, my computer and my programs.

I start the day with a coffee at home. Then I walk about 20 Minutes to the office. This time aI need for myself, to plan the tasks and to structure the day. the morning I do rather top-heavy work. After lunch is a great time for research. And in the later afternoon and early evening I do more creative work. In the evening I like to go for a drink with friends, at home I love to cook something with my lovely girlfriend.

Never be arrogant. Be always ready to learn something. Never see yourself as completed.

The positive thing is that you can practice your passion professionally. But that's also the negative part. Work is never over.

Try always something new. Even if it is only partial.

To be open minded and able to learn new stuff.

I work with Adobe Creative Suite for Layouts, logos and image editing. I'm now learning Sketch for bigger websites and Axure for wireframing. And I always try to get better with 3D programs.

I always try to get some free time in the evening and at the weekends. I need recovery time to stay awake and inspired.

It really depends on the project.

"Can't I do that by myself?"

Maybe my first big website. It was a hard time, but I learned a lot about timing and process.

My personal clients are bands like "Death by Chocolate" or "Tawara", or the theater group "Ressort K". In the agencies I worked and work for clients like SBB, Post, Franke, Allianz, Swiss, Public Eye, Amnesty International, SolidarMed and a lot more.

I like experimental work a lot. Experiments are good way to find new solutions.

Currently I work as a art director in a agency. And there are a lot of projects around.

In the agency I work in a team. With my own projects I work often alone or with people I like.

It's all secret.

Through my website: alainaebersold.ch, or through behance.com/alainaebersold

Nope. All fine