WELCOME TO THE DESALL BLOG. THIS POST IS PART OF THE “COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT” SERIES WHERE WE INTERVIEW THE BEST MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
ALESSANDRO PENNESE is a young and determined design student who was recently awarded for the “Home Climate Wellbeing” contest. In this interview he speaks about how the contest experience helped him build self-confidence, and how promoting his work online has opened up opportunities. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Hi Alessandro, it’s great to have you here today. Can you introduce yourself to the community?
My name is Alessandro Pennese, I’m a product design student based in Bologna and currently enrolled at IAAD, the Institute of Applied Art and Design. Alongside pursuing my design studies, I’m also carrying out collaboration activities with a number of Industrial Design studios to increase my experience as much as possible.
You were recently awarded for one of our creative contests, can you tell us about your experience?
Receiving the extra award for the IRSAP contest was an unexpected surprise that certainly gave me enormous satisfaction, especially considering that many professionals as well as students also took part in the activity. It is incredible to know that a leading company considered my project valid and worthy.
Any advice you would give to students who might wish to enter a design competition?
Surely the best thing a student can do is participate in as many contests as possible, not so much with the main goal of winning but rather to have the opportunity to develop a real brief from a company, as opposed to a classic brief for a university exam. And above all, it is important to read the brief carefully, down to the smallest details: I believe that my concept was selected because I tried to develop a project that would respond clearly to all the themes detailed in the brief.
You seem to be very determined when it comes to promoting yourself, can you explain why is this important to you and what makes a difference when pitching an online publication?
I think that in a community such as that of design, which goes beyond national borders, customs and individuality, it is essential to share one’s work to receive feedback, whether positive or negative. Sharing projects on social platforms is not a tool to be underestimated if the goal is to create a network of knowledge and job opportunities in the design field. The publication of my work in some magazines generated attention towards my Behance profile, leading to two freelance work experiences in industrial design studios to date, despite being still a student.
Is there a project you’re particularly proud of and that you wish to share with us?
The project I am most fond of is TRZ.Y (Steering Wheel Simulator), published on some blogs and magazines, including Yanko Design. Inspired by the shapes of the Lamborghini “Terzo Millennio” concept car, TRZ.Y is a driving simulator created for environments that do not have the space to install a professional driving simulator. Designed to be used without pedals but through the use of four rear paddles, it projects the player into a deliberately futuristic experience, thanks to the customizable controls and shapes that reflect the design language of hypercars.
Where can we find you online?
TRZ.Y by ALESSANDRO PENNESE (all images by the author):
JOIN THE COMMUNITY, ENTER OUR CREATIVE CONTESTS!
Follow
