DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
MH : The woman is no longer portrayed as a decorative accessory but as a self-confident, active part of the action.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
MH : The focus is on the combination of determination and feminine aesthetics as well as a certain lightness and fun. The protagonists know their goal and go their own way - their look reflects self-confidence, but also a certain vulnerability.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
MH : I see this series and its success with the A' Design Award as a reference and flagship of my creative work for new projects.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
MH : The pictures were taken within 2 days. I needed another 2 to 3 days for the image selection, post-processing, image look, etc.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
MH : I wanted to visualise the familiar theme of women and racing in a new way. The theme was originally a customer order. I developed numerous motif ideas before the realisation, further motifs were created through inspiration during the work.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
MH : This photo series is exclusively self-produced.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
MH : Women and racing cars? This photo series changes perspectives. ‘Fast Women’ places women at the centre, self-confident in various racing situations. They are active protagonists surrounded by racing technology, their gaze reflects self-assurance, but also a certain vulnerability.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
MH : I was inspired by the work of photographers, e.g. from the magazine ‘ramp’.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
MH : Difficult to categorise for this theme. Anyone who has an eye for these motifs and appreciates the idea behind them.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
MH : The content of the pictures, the motifs, the moods created and the look of the pictures all interact to generate their own character.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
MH : The name emphasises the intention of the pictures - it is the women who act as ‘Fast Women’ themselves. No accessories.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
MH : Camera Canon EOS R5, lenses Canon RF 50 f/1.2L IS, Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, post-processing with Adobe Lightroom (corrections, presets) and Photoshop if necessary.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
MH : My pictures should always reflect respect for my subjects.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
MH : Yes, the vehicles required technicians.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
MH : The quality of the technology and the use of image processing programmes is a key factor for the result, both in the actual photography and in post-processing. Many adjustments would not be possible without these technologies.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
MH : Data and analytical research did not play a direct role in this work.
Research could be cited: Women and motor racing - a typified topic from a new perspective.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
MH : The most difficult thing was to capture the self-confident image of women authentically, without stereotypes or pointing fingers. As the models are not professionals, they were involved in the image ideas. They were able to internalise them and express their feelings. Depending on the motif, it required more or less communication, measured instructions or simply letting them act freely. The creative challenge was to portray the woman as self-confident, determined, elegant, feminine and fun.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
MH : After I was content with the result of my work and received positive feedback, I wanted to take up the challenge of submitting some of the pictures to this competition.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
MH : It is important to immerse yourself in the subject, pay attention to the details, test and try out new things, push your limits and always remain critical of yourself. When difficulties arise, keep going until they are overcome. Keep optimising your own work and only be satisfied with the best result.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MH : Winning an award is an incredible experience and a sign of appreciation for a creative person. In normal everyday life, you often question your work and take a very critical view of yourself. But this result a great motivational boost that always brings a smile to your face.