Interview with Guillermo Fok De Jesus

I was constantly going back and forth between my creative and technical curiosity. Industrial Design allowed me to explore both and use both skills to create new products and experiences

I chose to become one

I am lucky enough to be able to develop products and live experiences, which was my goal when i graduated

Figure out what design path makes you happy and work hard for it. If you really set your mind to it, the opportunities will come

understanding that the user and the designer are two different people. As designers it is our job to create solutions for a user

it should be a marriage between functionality , feasibility and aesthetics. A great design should never lack any f those three aspects.

Good design should be self explanatory and self promoting. Good design should be able to sell itself without persuading being needed.

I would love to continue designing travel accessories. I am interested in developing more products for the senior demographic .

developing and selling my travel line

get involved in the process, enjoy every moment of it

I love designers with a unique an eclectic mind, I would say currently the legend designers I look up to are Marcel Wanders and Ross Lovegrove but I have a unique admiration for Norman Bel Geddes, his vision and his over the top creativity.

I love the Futurama exhibition by Norman Bel Geddes for the 1939 World's Fair. It was a full display of creativity with no boundaries and an exceptional level of showmanship that came from his theatrical background.

I am very proud of the series of products created under errant and cheval. I have used this as an outlet of my love and passion for travel, art deco and the history of transportation.

Keep learning about new materials and processes. Always see what other designers are doing and what the trends are so you understand where design in general is going and how much you want or not want to be a part of it.

Probably another outlet for my creative side, maybe a chef.

design is solving a problem in an efficient , cost effective and elegant way

The faculty at RIT were always very supportive and a huge influence in my development as a designer

I don't consider myself one. I think designers are always looking for the next challenge and I enjoy that

Just believing that I had the skills to become one, overcoming self doubt

I think we all have different styles. I like to show some amount of my process so people understand my inspiration and influences, but ultimately a good design should be self explanatory

I continue to develop travel accessories constantly, I love sharing my latest projects on Instagram at @guillermofok

being able to share more of my accessories on a larger scale

I can offer honest and constructive advice as a fellow designer

Design should solve problems and bridge gaps. Goo design should be universal and that unites us.

Working on a series of weekender bags that I would love to share soon

Every project is a new challenge and comes with a reward. There's alway a new level of fulfillment whenever I finish a project personal or professional

I am interested to see how virtual and physical world will meet to create new products and solutions

like i mentioned before, I think the development of holistic solutions that transcend a physical object

depends on the nature of the project, for travel goods I would say somewhenre between 3 to 8 months

Research. I love diving into what has been done, what has worked and not worked

Design for the user

design should set the trends

it varies on the project. For errant and cheval I wanted to keep things as analog as possible. On a regular basis, I do use technology quite a bit, so it is a good balance to have.

AutoCAD, 3D studio Max

It is a key component in industrial design, it should complement but not sacrifice functionality

I love talking about the background and research behind it !

I love finding out more about the process and what led the designer to offer that particular solution

I believe in it 100%. I think it's always good to have a different perspective , whether it is co-designing or just asking peers for advice

My mentors / professors at school had a big influence

'Horizons' by Bel Geddes

Time, patience and lots or trial and error. Being a hands on designer is pivotal to becoming a successful professional

I would love to talk to Raymond Loewy, Frank Lloyd Right and Norman Bel Geddes

It's always a great to receive recognition and know you're making a difference !

Midnight blue, Rome, Lobster, Summer, vintage art deco tie ca. 1935, Alessi

I remember thinking I had the perfect direction for my first luggage item and bumping into the exact solution created in the late 1800s. It was funny and it encouraged me to keep researching and not settling for the first idea that came to mind !

Watching good design and finding inspiration in nature, architecture and every day products

I always loved to build and deconstruct things!

Hopefully a holistic and sustainable approach to life and design

I'd love to hear your input, thoughts and suggestions on my current designs and what you'd love to see next !