Interview: Shujan BertrandIt’s time we had some female representation up in here on idsketching.com! Shujan Bertrand has had extensive experience with a variety of design gigs over the years that have taken her all over the world. She has been extensively involved with the design scene in the San Francisco area over 10 years (mostly with Astro Studios), she has also worked in Milan and Munich with names such as LG Electronics and Siemens. She packs a creative punch and sketch ability that matches some of the top work in the industry! Recently it was my pleasure to talk things over with her…
1. It is great to see such a successful female designer in this industry all too often dominated by males! As a female designer, how do you feel your particular perspective helps out on projects that you work on?
Well, let me begin by saying that women are taught to connect more with their emotions; it is socially accepted and encouraged. I believe I make an impact on design by first connecting with my emotions. On all projects, I encourage designers to tap into their emotions and communicate through stories. My intrinsic nature is to find deeper meaning for the product, the brand and the consumers I design for. Since being a mother, I have this very personal experience and I am able to bring that deep experience and understanding into the design equation.
2. You have a great sketching technique and ability. What can you say that has helped you to develop such a cool style and look to your sketches?
I’ve had a passion for sketching my whole life, but it really developed at Astro. My sketches advanced from the intense pressure to generate concepts within a short time frame. Like many artists, my style has evolved and is forever changing. What is most inspiring are the designers at Astro–they sketch beautifully and each of them have their own unique style. When you surround yourself with so much talent, you automatically develop your own style by sharing, learning and experimenting.
3. Were you always very good at sketching/drawing, or was it something that you developed back in your college days?
My passion before discovering Industrial Design had been fine arts, painting and illustration. I went to Art Center I worked very hard on developing my visual communication skills, delivering more than what the design instructors had requested. I completed 8 ID sketch courses, double than what was required to graduate. I also had wonderful mentors at Astro Studios – Brett Lovelady, Rob Bruce, Carl Lui and Mike Simonian. When I travel to Europe and Asia for work or vacation, I try to complete one sketch book. I give myself a sketch goal. Additionally I always carry a sketch book, to note spontaneous innovations or to sketch things that interest me on the weekends and at cafes.
4. What is your favorite thing to sketch?
I love to sketch concepts that have a lot of potential to be successful. When I have passion behind an idea, the sketch will show enthusiasm in its composition and overall design aesthetic. I also enjoy sketching people with the product concept, and lifestyle scenarios.
5. What advice can you give that would be helpful for new designers sketching on projects?
I would suggest new designers to collect as many reference images as possible. A digital and analog collection of products, people, nature, architecture, fashion, logos, packages and textures. Take your own photography, cut out magazines, and keep packages. Anything that you find inspiring so that when you are in the design process you can tap into your own personal library. The more conscious you are about observing objects and your surroundings –- the proportions, perspective, shadows, reflections, etc. – the more reference you will have available in your design process. Exercise your visual skills by looking, seeing and understanding the physical world.
We are excited to see what Mrs. Bertrand will be up to in the future and we wish her all the best luck! Thank you Shujan for sharing some of your thoughts and work with us.
