Q&A with Mirko Mili?i?

As a well-versed designer, motion graphics, and 3D specialist, Mirko has worked on numerous projects varying from industrial, spatial & UX/UI design to installations, art direction, visual communications, and animations.?

His opus is characterized by simple and clear lines using which he strives to create visually stimulating, practical, and innovative solutions. ? ?

At Project42, Mirko’s signature is visible in numerous successfully completed projects including web applications, mobile apps, digital marketing campaigns, 2D/3D animations, and holographic projections. ? ?

In what follows, we talk to our Creative Director in more detail about his work, passion, and attitudes to art and design. ?

What attracted you to study design?

I have been drawing and creating since childhood really. So, when I graduated from the School of Applied Arts, the only logical option for me to continue studying was the Academy of Fine Arts or, alternatively, Design Studies at the School of Architecture. In reality, I was preparing for both options but since their entrance exam was on the same day, I ultimately had to decide on one. And I chose to study design, perhaps for more practical reasons.?

Is there any area of design that you favor over others (e.g. industrial, spatial, UX/UI)?? ?

Every field of design intrigues me because the basis of the work methodology is the same – the balance between finding the best way to communicate the client’s brief with the users and producing the work with your signature and identity.? ?

If I had to separate an area, maybe it would be product/furniture design. Here you need to be familiar with material properties, statics, mechanics, ergonomics, and a bunch of other elements, but when the product is finished and functioning in all segments there is no better feeling. ?

I am also open to exploring new areas. At Project42 we have recently completed a pilot episode in children’s animation for a brand (CUBOSEE) that we have created from scratch, which was a great challenge for me but also a great pleasure since I had never encountered such a project before. ?

In any case, I find it best to work and function exactly the way I do. I jump from one area of design to another, depending on the project. I think it would be a bit monotonous and less challenging for me to specialize in just one area.?

What technologies would you suggest young designers start learning and working in?? ?

Technologies as well as design trends change so you need to constantly upgrade in terms of learning software as well as following trends. I would advise two things to aspiring designers: never to lose their "signature" in any given project and never to cease striving for more, whether it's a job, a professional project, or a self-initiated endeavor. Doing creative work is a privilege and if over time such work becomes reduced to a kind of a template, due to pragmatic or any other reasons, it is rather sad in my opinion.?

Do you think your more artistic work (in oil painting, for instance) has helped you to differentiate your work in comparison with other designers? ?

Interestingly, I started painting as a contrast to the structured methodology related to design projects. My expressive painting style, devoid of set parameters, client demands, and the weight of academic knowledge, provided a perfect balance for me to unleash additional creative energy. Having drawn and painted since primary and secondary school and continuing through college, pursuing this path seemed a natural progression.? ?

I couldn’t tell if my painting helped me stand out compared to other designers, but design surely influenced my painting. This influence is evident in the use of primary colors, minimalistic composition, and reduction of figures and shapes in my artwork.?