Interview with Yakobium

Isev: Our design studio is a result of our friendship from college, where we met together, and since we had common art and design views it was easy enough to start cooperating together. We also bring a different skill set to the team. Jiri has always focused more on product design and prototyping, using many different materials, while I was always more focused on graphic design, print, and digital media. These days the skillsets overlap more. Jiri has had this idea to create and produce items resembling the unique rock formations of Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic for some time and I liked that idea a lot. So, we started to explore our options a couple of years back and Yakobium illuminated sculptures and the Yakobium Bow Tie became reality. So, Yakobium emerged as a company to establish our brand and showcase our creativity and inspiration. But, we also cooperate with our clients to help them produce aesthetical and functional products based on their ideas and needs.

It is envisioning and producing of aesthetical and functional products. It is also a way of satisfying our creative needs.

Aesthetic works combining art and functionality.

There is probably not a single most favorite design. The Yakobium Bow Tie is the latest, and therefore probably the most favorite now. What we like about it is, it is an art piece by itself but also very much functional. And, from now on, there are sandstone bow-ties available on the market.

First were the Yakobium Illuminated Sculptures.

We do not have a preference. One could say, it might be the sandstone for now. But honestly, as designers, we must be able to work with any material. At best, the one satisfying the vision the most.

Anytime but a little bit of stress and pressure helps.

The main focus is on functionality. But of course, it must be visually appealing.

It is most likely excitement, curiosity, exploration, urge, and creativity.

Satisfaction from the well-designed product. The excitement, when it is validated and used. Curiosity, what will be the next thing.

In addition to usability and aesthetics, well-executed marketing and sales.

Usability and aesthetics.

It is important to design products respecting nature. And we need to acknowledge, we are here for a short period and should pass the world to the next generations in better shape than we took it. We know this is easier said than done, but we should try.

Design is becoming the driving force and differentiator for many companies already. And we will see more of that. Companies like Apple paved the way, and others got inspired by it. People are surrounded by quality products, and our lives are becoming easier and faster. We achieve more in a shorter time. With the use of AI, this will become even more apparent.

The last exhibition was in Four Seasons Prague through December 2019 to January 2020. We have some plans this year, but nothing is finalized yet.

Andel: I come from the heart of the Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic. By my designs, I try to bring awareness of the rich artistic and industrial heritage of our region. At this point, I focus on the unique sandstone rock formations surrounding the area I live in, and the nature around me is the main inspiration for me.

Isev: I try to keep open to any inspiration. It can come from observing life and people around me, reading, searching the Internet, and following favorite designers and influencers. Since I live in Brno, in the Czech Republic, I also get inspired by my surroundings. The area is known for its industrial heritage, as well as its unique functionalist architecture.

For our creations, the style is very much influenced by nature. The ever-changing organic forms are our inspiration.

The Czech Republic has always been an industrial and art center, famous for the Czech garnet, goldsmithing, jewelry, and glassmaking, and it certainly influences the work of artists and designers. We do not see any cons regarding living in the Czech Republic.

Do your research, check the previous works, see if there is some recognition of their work first. Secondly, get together and talk. Try to come up with a problem to solve rather than a solution to your problem. And, let the designer ask questions and offer ideas forward. If you like what you hear, go for it. Or, you can try us, I think we are solid ;).

We are starting with research followed by idea generation, idea validation, prototyping, validation again, and production. The work usually starts with pen and paper before we jump into computer visualizations and prototype creation.

Andel: Four hours of sleep, work, work, and work.
Isev: I am a little bit older, so I try to get at least five hours of sleep. And between the work, I try to spend time with my family.

Be yourself, be creative, do not give up, and gain real-life working experience.

For most designers, designing is a joy, but that is only half of being successful. The other part is the ability to sell what you know.

Usable, eye-catching, can be made and fit into the budget.

Creativity, curiosity, technical and analytical thinking, and real-life working experience.

The tools will vary based on the material and the technological process. We are open to any available tooling and always explore new ways to achieve the best results. But, one thing is never changing, we start with pen and paper.

We are estimating work based on previous experience and setting time away from other business activities.

That really depends on complexity of the project.

Can you think of something? Can it be done? When? How much?

Hard to mention one particular. It has always been about getting a chance and show what value we bring to the team.

It is the generation of ideas at the beginning of the project. Considering all aspects of the future product and finding the best way forward is challenging and rewarding at the same time.

We will work on our own and clients' ideas, and we want to be proud of what we create.

It is both. It depends on the phase of the project. The ideation and the idea validation are phases where we work as a team mostly. Once we know, what we shoot for, we divide the work based on our skillset. Each of us having responsibility for a specific part of the project.

We do work on new projects all the time, and we are looking forward to presenting them to the public in the future. But, right now, we will not share more details. What we can say is, it is worth the waiting, they will be great.

Yeah, please visit www.yakobium.com or check Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, just add /yakobium. Also, you can reach us using contact@yakobium.com e-mail.

Feel free to reach us with any design challenge you have. Yakobium is not only about our sandstone designs.