-Life as an Industrial Designer-
Without a doubt, the world of product and design is utterly compelling.
Need some convincing? Alright let’s play a quick game.
I want to you to look around yourself right now. What do you see?
Alright, now zero in on one thing. Maybe it’s a pen, computer, coffee maker car or even your smartphone.
Now consider this thought. What you are looking at is so much more than the physical representation of what your brain is recognizing it as.
No. This thing is mirror of many aims and ideas not limited to the infusion and blending of cultural tastes, preferences and functionality.
It is also a meshing together of creative inspiration and interpretations of other’s visions and ideas.
You see, these realizations are somewhat engrossing, no?
However, what’s even more spellbinding to consider is how exactly, do all of these influences blend together to end up becoming a product?
Or what differentiates an idea or concept that makes it off paper and into reality, versus one that does not?
Well, our guest on this episode is eminently qualified to shed light on these questions and so much more.
Introducing
Ray Horacek is one of the co-founders and the creative force behind ANAMALY, an award-winning, industry-disrupting product design firm.
Professional Background
With an education in Fine Arts and Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and Strate Collège in Paris, France, he has leveraged that knowledge and skill across his career into becoming an award-winning creative director & industrial designer specializing in athletic innovation and wearable technology.
Ray has a history of creating category-defining breakthrough products, and is named on various unique patents. His work has seen him consistently create high-caliber products internally at Reebok and PUMA.
Further, he has been part of successful global product launches for corporate clients and crowdfunding campaigns for startups.
Personal x Professional
Passionate about the intersection of technology, nature, and art, his work reflects much of these constructs.
The representation of these ideals coupled with his own unique lateral thinking abilities and artistic talent in the development of original insights and the delivery of unexpected designs has allowed him to garner much in the way of respect and award across his career.
Finally, Ray is active as a design professor and is also involved in the mentoring of startups.
Reasons to Listen
This talk represents a peek into the mind of a mission driven individual and organization. Rare insights into both are provided.
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those interested in learning more about the finer details of product design and creation
- those wanting to know the most critical elements to finding success as an industrial designer
- those curious about learning what truly goes into the launch of a successful product
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- what this profession is truly all about from both a practical and philosophical standpoint
- what mental approaches an industrial designer ought to have towards the work
- how Ray personally keeps his edge as far as having ample amounts of creative output capabilities at his disposal
- how a successful creative professional operates and sets himself up for continued success
- what lead him to create his own product design firm after successful stints with big brands like Reebok and Puma
- how and why he and his brother founded their product design firm ANAMALY
- some of the challenges and pitfalls to avoid as an industrial designer
- the complexity of product design
- why they often strategically design for top athletes such as Usain Bolt and others
- the excitement of creating products that span the globe and create impact for people on many different levels
- the impact of tech on the profession of an industrial designer
- Much more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“I think that one of the important things is that you need to keep your mind a bit plastic. To do that, you need to build your mind in a plastic way. And to do that, I don’t know of any way to get there besides going to art school.”
-Ray Horacek
Check Video Highlights of the Conversation:
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Ray or his co-founded product design firm ANAMALY, you can check out these links:
You can also check out Ray’s artistic work here along with another company he is spearheading.
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
