Interview with Sonny J. Surowiec from United States

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Sonny J. Surowiec

After a stint in Vancouver, Sonny J. Surowiec first pursued his dreams of becoming a stuntman and actor, it led him to a new passion of designing and product building!


Interview With The 2023 NY Product Design Awards Winner – Sonny J. Surowiec

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I hail from Calgary Alberta, Canada. After a stint in Vancouver B.C, where I began my pursuit to become a stuntman and actor, my journey has taken me from B.C. to the exhilarating world of Hollywood stunts and acting to a thrilling new chapter in design and product building.

After spending years as a stuntman and action actor, I felt a strong inner pull to explore my creative side on a deeper level. Drawing inspiration from my diverse experiences and my love for aesthetics, I embarked on an exciting adventure in design.

With each project, I aim to bring together innovation, functionality, and visual impact to create designs that leave a lasting impression. Whether it's crafting cutting-edge products or finding eco-friendly solutions, I pour my heart and soul into each endeavor, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a product designer?
Passion for creativity! I am driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to bring ideas to life. I enjoy the process of conceptualizing, designing, and developing products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
PRO PAIN INC. is an innovative company that specializes in wound care and offers advanced bandage solutions. As the CEO, I hold a crucial role in the organization, responsible for managing the company's operations, shaping its strategic direction, and driving its growth.
4What does “design” mean to you?
Design to me means much more than just a creative process. It encompasses a journey of learning, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. It represents the culmination of your experiences, relationships, and the impact you make through your creations.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Automotive, graphics, and architecture. It stems from my love of cars and as a student I considered becoming an architect.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
For me, a good design is more than just aesthetics or functionality. It's about breaking free from tradition and creating something truly remarkable. I want to move people with my work, that "wow" factor that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it's through cutting-edge designs or eco-friendly solutions, I'm committed to making a difference.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
Contemporary or Modern Design, clean lines and geometric shapes.
8Tell us about your design process.

There are six segments to my design process that I approach:

Idea generation:You start with an idea or concept for a product or packaging design.

Sketching/drafting:You then draw out the design on paper, including dimensions and other important details for tooling.

Branding consideration: If you're working on packaging design, you consider the branding first in order to determine the packaging shape, size, colors, material, and finishes that will best showcase the brand.

Design refinement:You refine the design based on feedback and further research, ensuring that it meets the requirements and goals of the project.

Pyramid formula (if applicable): For consumer products, you use the pyramid formula for image and text placement on the packaging, to ensure that the most important information is easily seen and understood by potential customers.

Final design:You finalize the design and prepare it for production, including any necessary adjustments based on feedback from stakeholders.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Indeed, the cultural shift and the emergence of the Next Gen influence have a significant impact on our design choices. As society evolves, so do the attitudes, values, and preferences of the generation. As a company (designing a consumer product), we have a moral obligation to provide the newest technological advances to our customers, and that impacts our design choices.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Personally, I am deeply honored to see the recognition and appreciation for the efforts and collaborative work that my team and I have poured into our endeavors over the years. We have always strived to bring a fresh and innovative approach to our products, pushing the boundaries of the category they represent.

I am immensely proud of the team's collaborative spirit, their unwavering commitment to quality, and their passion for innovation. Together, we have set out on a journey to redefine the possibilities and make a lasting impact in the industry.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

Our mission was clear, create a visually appealing product, packaging and brand identity that outshines competitors in functionality and benefits. We set out to bring a fresh and trendy approach to the market, raising the bar for excellence.

With unwavering optimism, we embarked on establishing our brand identity in the realm of body, health, and beauty. We understood the importance of connecting with discerning consumers who seek innovative solutions aligned with their lifestyles.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
Three come to mind, outsourcing, the prolonged timeline due to the impact of COVID-19, and overcoming barriers (language) through extensive sampling and collaboration with a diverse range of suppliers over the course of several years.
13How has winning an award developed your practice/career?
The recognition and success achieved through our designs not only bring joy but also provide a boost in confidence. Receiving validation and positive feedback from a global audience reaffirms that your designs transcend cultural and geographic boundaries. It highlights the universal appeal and relevance of your brand, making it relatable and appealing to people from different backgrounds and regions.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Creativity and Self-Expression, Innovation and Problem-Solving, and Collaboration and Diversity. The design industry offers a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape where creativity, innovation, and collaboration come together to shape the world around us. It is a field that celebrates individuality, problem-solving, and the power of design to make a positive impact.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
Our design process is greatly enriched and influenced by the diverse cultural backgrounds that people bring with them from all over the world when they come to America to pursue the "American Dream." The influx of different perspectives, traditions, and values adds a unique dimension to our approach, fostering creativity and innovation. This fusion of cultural influences enables us to create products that have a global appeal while maintaining a touch of local authenticity.
16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

The design industry is poised for significant evolution over the next 5-10 years. Here are a few key trends and developments that are likely to shape its future. I see two very definite and completely different applications that will play a large role in future designs. The first is. a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethics in design.

Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of products. Designers will increasingly focus on creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially responsible solutions that minimize waste, use renewable materials, and promote ethical manufacturing practices.

Second, the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), will have a profound impact on the design industry. Designers will leverage these technologies to create immersive experiences, interactive interfaces, and personalized products that enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring NY Product Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Discover your passion and let it motivate you to give your all every day. Greatness takes time and patience, so be persistent. Embrace the courage to face adversity and learn from challenges. Maintain a winning attitude and always believe in yourself. With dedication and self-belief, you can achieve the goals you set for yourself and find success.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, Canva, InDesignSubstance 3D Stager (Sg), autoCAD, Smartdraw, ScetchUp, Blender, and Ansys Ganta -Material Intelligence software.
19Who has inspired you in your life and why?

I draw my initial inspiration from my family, particularly my parents who were true entrepreneurs. Their remarkable story began with their journey from Europe to Canada, armed with only $200. Through their sheer determination and hard work, they managed to establish and operate one of the largest privately owned hotels in Canada, The Georgian Towers in Vancouver, B.C. Their entrepreneurial spirit has left an indelible mark on me.

Inspiration surrounds me every day, manifesting itself in everything I do and in every person I encounter. I firmly believe that inspiration can be found in even the smallest of interactions. By adopting a mindset of constant learning and receptiveness, I am able to absorb inspiration from a multitude of sources. It is akin to being a sponge, eagerly soaking up knowledge, ideas, and experiences from the world around me.

20What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Discovering your passion and finding the motivation to pursue it wholeheartedly is a transformative journey. It's what propels you out of bed each morning, driving you to give 110% in everything you do. However, it's important to remember that achieving greatness takes time and patience. Overnight success is rare, and it's through perseverance and dedication that you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
21Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
The entire design and product manufacturing process has been a learning curve. Taking a design concept to creation requires a team effort, and working together to build a tangible product.

Winning Entry

NEXT-LEVEL BANDAGE WEAR | 2023

NEXT-LEVEL BANDAGE WEAR | PRO PAIN INC
PRO PAIN®introduces ProTECHtive GEAR, a new and exciting on-trend bandage line geared for today's consumer …
(Read more at NY Product Design Awards)

Sonny J. Surowiec

After a stint in Vancouver, Sonny J. Surowiec first pursued his dreams of becoming a stuntman and actor, it led him to a new passion of designing and product building!


Read more about this interview with Ray Sun from China, the Silver Winner of the 2023 NY Product Design Awards. 

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