
Interview with Kurt Merki Jr, Bottle Designer from Scent of Africa
July 10, 2023
Interview with Ray Sun from China
July 10, 2023
Interview with Kurt Merki Jr, Bottle Designer from Scent of Africa
July 10, 2023
Interview with Ray Sun from China
July 10, 2023Interview With The 2023 NY Product Design Awards Winner – Sonny J. Surowiec
I hail from Calgary Alberta, Canada. After a stint in Vancouver B.C, where I began my pursuit to become a stuntman and actor, my journey has taken me from B.C. to the exhilarating world of Hollywood stunts and acting to a thrilling new chapter in design and product building.
After spending years as a stuntman and action actor, I felt a strong inner pull to explore my creative side on a deeper level. Drawing inspiration from my diverse experiences and my love for aesthetics, I embarked on an exciting adventure in design.
With each project, I aim to bring together innovation, functionality, and visual impact to create designs that leave a lasting impression. Whether it's crafting cutting-edge products or finding eco-friendly solutions, I pour my heart and soul into each endeavor, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
There are six segments to my design process that I approach:
Idea generation:You start with an idea or concept for a product or packaging design.
Sketching/drafting:You then draw out the design on paper, including dimensions and other important details for tooling.
Branding consideration: If you're working on packaging design, you consider the branding first in order to determine the packaging shape, size, colors, material, and finishes that will best showcase the brand.
Design refinement:You refine the design based on feedback and further research, ensuring that it meets the requirements and goals of the project.
Pyramid formula (if applicable): For consumer products, you use the pyramid formula for image and text placement on the packaging, to ensure that the most important information is easily seen and understood by potential customers.
Final design:You finalize the design and prepare it for production, including any necessary adjustments based on feedback from stakeholders.
Personally, I am deeply honored to see the recognition and appreciation for the efforts and collaborative work that my team and I have poured into our endeavors over the years. We have always strived to bring a fresh and innovative approach to our products, pushing the boundaries of the category they represent.
I am immensely proud of the team's collaborative spirit, their unwavering commitment to quality, and their passion for innovation. Together, we have set out on a journey to redefine the possibilities and make a lasting impact in the industry.
Our mission was clear, create a visually appealing product, packaging and brand identity that outshines competitors in functionality and benefits. We set out to bring a fresh and trendy approach to the market, raising the bar for excellence.
With unwavering optimism, we embarked on establishing our brand identity in the realm of body, health, and beauty. We understood the importance of connecting with discerning consumers who seek innovative solutions aligned with their lifestyles.
The design industry is poised for significant evolution over the next 5-10 years. Here are a few key trends and developments that are likely to shape its future. I see two very definite and completely different applications that will play a large role in future designs. The first is. a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethics in design.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of products. Designers will increasingly focus on creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially responsible solutions that minimize waste, use renewable materials, and promote ethical manufacturing practices.
Second, the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), will have a profound impact on the design industry. Designers will leverage these technologies to create immersive experiences, interactive interfaces, and personalized products that enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
I draw my initial inspiration from my family, particularly my parents who were true entrepreneurs. Their remarkable story began with their journey from Europe to Canada, armed with only $200. Through their sheer determination and hard work, they managed to establish and operate one of the largest privately owned hotels in Canada, The Georgian Towers in Vancouver, B.C. Their entrepreneurial spirit has left an indelible mark on me.
Inspiration surrounds me every day, manifesting itself in everything I do and in every person I encounter. I firmly believe that inspiration can be found in even the smallest of interactions. By adopting a mindset of constant learning and receptiveness, I am able to absorb inspiration from a multitude of sources. It is akin to being a sponge, eagerly soaking up knowledge, ideas, and experiences from the world around me.
Winning Entry
NEXT-LEVEL BANDAGE WEAR | 2023
Sonny J. Surowiec
After a stint in Vancouver, Sonny J. Surowiec first pursued his dreams of becoming a stuntman and actor, it led him to a new passion of designing and product building!
Read more about this interview with Ray Sun from China, the Silver Winner of the 2023 NY Product Design Awards.