Interview with Manniche Timepieces

I've had experience with different companies. I've been part of starting up and running, a well-established Danish jewellery company called 'JEWLSCPH'. Moreover, I have worked with product design, graphic design, web design, visual identities and more, for different companies, throughout the years.

Design for me is all about personality, adding character and differentiating one product from another.

I mostly design on the computer.

Creativity.

Satisfaction.

The level of details and consideration put into it.

The balance of the design - if you can see the designer has put a lot of thoughts into the design, making sure proportions, elements, etc. are all properly balanced. The details always make a difference.

Always consider the impacts the product will have on the global environment, as well as making sure, that the people working with producing the product, have good conditions.

I think the field of sustainable design will grow even more in the future.

During Copenhagen Fashion Week 2013, displaying the first prototype of the watch.

I normally find the inspiration in my surroundings - on the internet, galleries, exhibits, shops, billboards, markets, etc. I rarely look for it, and I often gets most inspired when I am not specifically looking. It usually helps on my creativity to be taken out of my normal surroundings, in particular, when travelling, experiencing other cultures and ideas.

Scandinavian minimalist.

I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. I absolutely feel the cultural heritage affects the design I make - however, I also get influenced from travelling around, seeing different cultures, challenging my own cultural heritage, which I believe is essential to evolve.

Thoroughly go through the designers portfolio. Even more importantly, speak with the designer and discuss the ideas, you can usually get the idea if you have a shared understanding of the job.

I usually consider and visualize the design for a longer period, before sketching it out, and start working on it. From there on, there will usually be many revisions and amendments of the design, to make sure it not only looks good, but also fits the exact specifications.

An old wall clock
A custom build wood table
Eames chair
Barcelona chair
'The egg' by Arne Jacobsen

You constantly learn - learn from others, as much as possible.

KISS - 'keep it simple stupid', I always go back and simplify my designs, when I think I've finished it.

Visualization and understanding of the client.

Sketches and Illustrator/indesign/Photoshop

It can be very difficult at times. Being an entrepreneur and running a company, limits the actual free time to design on a daily basis. I try to design when I have time and feel the inspiration to do so

LIVA, JEWLSCPH

The continuous work of building, branding and marketing our watch company.

I usually develop my designs myself.

E-mail: dm@manniche.com