We met designer Marion Blum for an interview.
"Product design and the creative craft are not just a profession for me, but a vocation that I live 24/7. Innovative approaches to solutions, different thinking and the principle "there's no such thing as can't" always guide me a way through the development phases of my ideas. My designs often captivate with their simplicity and harmony. Nevertheless, here and there you can find a playful element that reflects one of my character traits - not to take myself and life too seriously."
Marion Blum is a native of Lake Constance and lives with her family in central Switzerland not far from Lake Lucerne. After discovering her passion for creative work in childhood, she always pursued an artistic career in various art schools. She completed her training as a goldsmith as the second chamber winner and subsequently studied integrated design. She worked as a product designer for several years as an employee. Since June 2021 Marion Blum has been working as an independent product designer and artisan. Marion Blum's main focus is on jewelry and accessories, textile products, as well as furniture and other lifestyle products.
Tell us something about yourself: Who are you? How would you describe yourself?
Although I am a bit chaotic and occasionally seem absent-minded, I am (also due to our 2 small children) an organizational and planning talent who soaks up all creative possibilities and can retrieve them at later points in time. I would describe myself as a bit cheeky, humorous and always looking for new tasks. Other than that, you can find me outdoors a lot and playing sports.
What inspires you?
The question is rather, what doesn't inspire me?
How did you get into design?
Even as a child, I was constantly involved in the creative field, so it quickly became clear that I would like to pursue a creative profession one day. However, while preparing for an internship in the field of animated film, I realized that I was not cut out for non-stop work on a computer. My hands always need to be integrated into the creative processes. So, I decided to train as a goldsmith. The world of giving shape to one's own ideas fascinated me more and more, which solidified the desire to study. To be honest, I don't think I had a choice. The path seemed predetermined for me and I couldn't have found a better one for myself.
What demands do you place on a product?
That depends on what the "product" is supposed to do. It can be simply "beautiful" and possibly achieve cult status through its aesthetics. Other products, on the other hand, require a technically innovative approach. My personal demand is that every product is as well thought out as possible and in the best case solves a problem or is not yet available on the market in this form. .
What is particularly important to you when choosing colors and materials?
For me it is always important that a product has a harmonious effect. If the basic design is right, it will look coherent in almost any combination of colors and materials. However, I find it important that the colors and materials used are in harmony with the product and its purpose.
How would you describe your creative process?
Basically, all my designs are created on paper. In first sketches I recognize the possible proportions and get an impression of how the product will look like. Depending on the project, I then create small handmade models or true-to-scale 3D data and photorealistic renderings.
What are the biggest challenges in the everyday life of a creative?
In my case, the biggest challenge is balancing family life with my desire to continue being creative. Another challenge is deciding what project to tackle next. Since my head is full of ideas for creative projects, prioritizing is sometimes difficult.
What does work with 1991 mean to you?
By collaborating with 1991, I get a unique chance to realize my long-held dream - to independently bring lovingly designed products to the market and make them accessible to a wide audience.
Cooperation with 1991
Thank you 1991 for recognizing the potential that designers offer. For giving me the opportunity to balance work and family life. I look forward to breaking new ground with 1991 and taking the versatility and multi-faceted nature of product design to a new level.
Thank you, Marion, for your time and the exciting insight.