Q&A

Time flies, it's already five years since I started my own little design studio and I wanted to answer some of the most common questions I have received.

Q: Would you recommend freelancing to other designers?

A: It depends; if you already have a fair amount of experience and a decent contact network, then definitely. The diversity of projects, flexibility of time and location, lack of a salary bracket, and the fact that you will have fewer meetings and far more creative time are all very tangible benefits in my book. However, if you’re a young designer straight out of school I would recommend a workplace with experienced people. An environment like this will accelerate your learning curve on all levels while building a contact network. That contact network will later be your best chance of landing projects as a freelancer if you decide to follow that path.

Q: How would you change the UCI rules if you could?

A: I would create rules to incentivise innovation in sustainability; a long overlooked topic in our industry. A cap on carbon footprint and requirements for recyclability could be some of the tools for progress.

Q: Which part of the job do you enjoy the most?

A: I enjoy so many aspects of this job that it’s hard to pick just one! I get to design and ride bicycles, travel the world, and work with some fantastic people along the way! Coaching younger designers is a stand out though. It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of the process of seeing them develop their skills and thought processes, gaining more and more confidence in their creative ability.

Q: Which of your own designs is your favourite?

A: First off; they’re not ‘my’ designs as it’s always a team effort. That may sound cliché but it’s true. There’s always a bunch of people contributing on every single project. Secondly, I always look back and see things I’d like to change, so the best project is always the next one!

Q: What advice would you give to younger designers?

A: 1) Make sure you’re in a place where you can learn and grow. That’s by far the most important thing early on in your career, not your salary or title.

2) Learn to pick your battles wisely! This goes both for how you develop your skill set and how you approach challenges at work. Focus your efforts on where the biggest difference will be made. Don’t waste your time fighting battles you can’t win or battles that won’t make a difference.

Q: How do you think AI will affect the design process in the years to come?

A: A lot. It’s already helpful in increasing the number of proposals etc. But it’s harder to envision AI fully understanding the experience of riding a bike and how it feels, so I don’t see AI fully replacing humans in this process; at least not any time soon.

Q: What’s the most difficult thing to learn in bike design?

A: In my opinion the hardest - and most important part - is to understand the mindset and needs of the riders in each category. Sometimes young designers will propose things that may look cool but be completely irrelevant to the people who are supposed to buy the product. In my experience it takes years to truly understand what’s relevant and what’s not, be it for Tadej Poga?ar or for someone bringing their kids to daycare with a cargo bike.

Q: What type of projects do you get and how do you land them?

A: Almost all projects are bicycle related and they vary all the way from commuter, cargo, road, eMTB to components, saddles, accessories and eyewear. Usually these projects are strategic and long-term; working together with the brand to develop a product range and design language. Stand-alone projects also arrive quite often, so to keep up with demand from existing clients and new enquires the team is growing. The vast majority of enquiries come from people I have already worked with in the past, and the rest through LinkedIn or Instagram.?

Q: What’s your favourite cycling discipline?

A: I’m a bit of an allrounder, pretty mediocre in most disciplines but I do enjoy them all;)

If I had to pick only one I’d say urban cycling; it turns my commute into one of the highlights of the day! The bicycle as a means of transport has such a bright future for so many reasons.