Above the Fold: Jeanett Madsen - Industrial Designer, Artist
Enter a caption (optional)In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!
Jeanett Madsen didn't pursue a career as a designer right away. Like many who choose to follow the path, it was a love of art that led her to industrial design. But once she was committed, Jeanett dove in headfirst and has never looked back. Her industrial design work is sleek and minimal, and she is often focused on solving problems through her designs that go beyond simple ease of use. These include a candle designed for safe and efficient home use, a beautiful looking light designed to combat the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and a wearable device meant to help those with ADD/ADHD manage time and stay on task. When Jeanett is not focused on solving problems through design, she takes on more artistic endeavors like jewelry making and photography. Recently she took the time to talk with us about getting into design and what drives her to create on a daily basis.
Was there a specific moment in life where you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?
Jeanett Madsen: I was pursuing my first year of a degree in pharmacy. My mom, who lived in Denmark at the time, took me to an open house at the new local art college, Designskolen Kolding. I remember walking the halls and thinking "this is where I belong". I knew I wanted to pursue art, but I didn't know what my options were, so I signed up for a degree in Graphic Design. During my freshman year in Graphic Design, I crafted a replica of my favorite designer shoe, entirely out of aluminum, and my professor was like "you belong in [industrial design]!" So I switched again and finally felt right at home.
Enter a caption (optional)Who are your design heroes?
I've been a long time admirer of Arne Jacobsen for his exquisite furniture design - especially his Series 7 chair. Poul Henningsen designed incredible lamps - you know it's a PH lamp when you see it. I also really appreciate Grete Juel Jalk for her stunning mid-century contemporary furniture designs and the same goes for Charles and Ray Eames. Paul Dyson - not only is he the inventor of the bagless vacuum, but his vacuum designs are like pieces of art.
Can you share some details about your most recent project?
I recently sold a chair that was initially a project for school. I crafted it out of wood and designed it to be an ergonomic seating experience. I used contours of the human body to create the form of the chair. I was then offered a commission to refinish it to suit the buyer's living space. It was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Enter a caption (optional)Do you have any projects coming up that you are particularly excited about?
I'm doing a collaboration project with some fellow industrial designers. We want to work together on a project that will focus on areas of design we have not yet encountered. Although it is still in infancy, I'm really excited to see what we come up with.
Walk us through some of your process for creating.
Throughout my design process I always make myself a list of questions that I believe need answering, to find the best possible solution. Many of the items can easily be crossed off, but sometimes they lead to many more questions. This process can be a lot of work up front, but ultimately it saves a lot of time and additional work by avoiding potential problems later on.
ATK Home Cooks Kitchenware Collection What is your favorite project that you've completed (professional or personal) and why?
The chair project. I really enjoy working with my hands, it's instant gratification. I had some general knowledge of woodworking prior to taking on the project, but this chair was an entirely new beast. I think I spent about 90 hours on it total. I learned so much during the process and I had a great time.
What tools (physical or digital) do you find yourself using repeatedly?
My X-acto; it just comes in handy for so many things. Digital sketching is fantastic, but when I need to do some quick sketches I find that the good ol' pen and paper is the way to go. I use Photoshop to edit my photography, photos of my merchandise on Etsy, and to create design elements for my presentations.
Watch Movement Rings Is there any work out there that you've come across recently that you've really loved?
I came across an innovative product called Owlet. It is designed to give parents of babies from 0-18 months some peace of mind by monitoring the baby's heart rate and oxygen levels.
Do you have a ritual for getting in design mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat) aka a productivity tip?
I like listening to music that will enhance whatever phase of design I am working on. It helps to block outside distractions and keep me focused.
Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?
Plenty! I enjoy crafting jewelry, painting, photography, and playing video games. I also bake once in a while; sometimes I'll make a cake or petit fours with delectable fondant decorations, just because.
Portrait Photography - Black & White If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three (design) tools, what are they?
A hatchet - it just seems practical. My X-acto - I've carved more foam models with that thing than I can count, and it always seems to come in handy. A pen - if I was stuck on a desert island I'd want to write about it and doodle my adventures.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?
Don't be afraid to show off your work! As artists, we put ourselves into our work, so sharing it can be a scary thing. Not all work that we do will be awed and that is okay, because we learned from the process and now we'll be able to make it even better next time.
Want to see more of Jeanett's work? Check out her Coroflot portfolio!
Read more Above the Fold! Interested in possibly being featured? Email Neil Ferguson for consideration: nferguson@coroflot.com.
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