We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Marco Naccarella ("MN").
As an Architect and Industrial Designer, Marco’s main target is to achieve innovation and experimentation trough the use of both classic and modern styling, alongside cutting-edge technology and manufacturing. With a portfolio with a large spectrum of project, Marco has a single motto: ‘Talent is not tail at birth’.
Marco Naccarella Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Marco Naccarella.
Marco Naccarella Design - Cerberus Moped
Marco Naccarella Design - Intrigo Hybrid Hypercar
Marco Naccarella Design - Nibbiorosso Electric MTB
Marco Naccarella Design - Atto Primo Motorcycle
Designer Interview of Marco Naccarella:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MN : Admittedly, becoming a designer was not my first motivation in life, but rather transforming the imagination into reality. Synthesizing the unprecedented and the unorthodox into the physical form is what has always driven me, and it is through this desire that eventually led me into design. As they say, "the sky is the limit", and I try reflect this in my designs.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MN : The company's conception was around 2003. Inspiration for the company's name derived from a writing workshop. And like a writing workshop, we model ourselves in a similar manner, from engineering designs from a variety of perspectives, to making them a reality. We have also developed an architecture and design website in 2019 with about 114 pages, both in Italian and English. It will launch in February 2021.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MN : It is difficult to give a precise definition. We all have our personal ideas on what is design, and that I find special.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MN : I have no preference, everything is fair game.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MN : I have no favorite design, they all have their pros and cons.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MN : A chessboard. It was a remarkable training experience in packaging, with the perfect interlocking of elements for minimum bulk, and sleek form.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MN : Iron, without a doubt. It was a medium in which I learned, and experimented with, all the different welding techniques.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MN : In moments of creative solitude, with nothing but peace and quiet. Often times this is late at night.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MN : The fine details in every aspect of a design, in almost a pedantic manner. Ofcourse, adhering to the restrictions given by a project's regulations. And much more.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MN : Self-reflection , admitting my physical, mental, experience and time limits. I only feel satisfied in a project when I believe I have given all that I can towards it; Give any more and the chapter is over.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MN : Happiness, confidence, and desire. I make sure I have my projects whenever possible. I often get excited, and hide my feeling of celebration within.
DI: What makes a design successful?
MN : Its usefulness. Especially when it evokes a subjective beauty that becomes charming for everyone.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MN : I first look at its accessibility, seeing if the common person could use the concept in question. I then look at its emotion, analyzing if it can make that same person feel unique.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MN : I have the same responsibilities as everyone else in my country and in the world; To preserve our environment and ensure it is there for the future generation.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MN : It is impossible to know. There is no way to really know what the field will be, even within the near future.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MN : My last exhibition was at the A’ Design Awards Exhibition.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MN : My sources of inspiration is are around me and are not of a niche category. I have a wide variety of inspirations from all over the world.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MN : It depends on the project, there is no one style of trend I follow.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MN : I currently reside in Montecatini Terme, 37 km from Florence. However, my reference point is not my nationality, but rather my family. I do not feel bound by my cultural roots, nor the geography of where I live.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MN : On a case-by-case basis; Every company has different needs, methods and contractual obligations.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MN : My design process depends on the project itself. Sometimes different calculations are requirements are needed.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MN : I prefer not to advertise brands.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MN : I wake up before dawn without an alarmm. Most often I have breakfast, and then head straight to work. I skip lunch to focus on work and continue until 7:30 pm. Then my family comes to the fore.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MN : Believe in yourselves despite any obstacles in your path, and everyone will notice you. But I must advise you: don't use Steve Jobs' motto and make it seem like a common right or duty.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MN : Maintain a recognizable style. Each project must have its signature hidden.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MN : It depends on what the design is and what the requirements are.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MN : Outside of using the latest softwares, I still use using a 0.35mm pencil, a Moleskine, a pen, and an A5 size notebook with dots. One doesnt need a graphics tablet to make a good design.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MN : Design takes up a good portion of my day. I work until I feel the work is done.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MN : It depends, it may take a 1 week, it may take 2 years.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MN : The next job!
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MN : Almost always private customers.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MN : I am working on two new projects: An e-bike and a new take on the moped.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MN : I never work alone. And I never work with too many people on the same project. If you work alone, self-criticism is not enough. If too many people work together, homogeneity, especially in terms of style, is forgotten.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MN : I have a multitude of patents and contracts currently in the works
DI: How can people contact you?
MN : Via E-mail. I always reply as soon as possible.