DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
EY : The main idea behind the design of the Affinity ring is to combine modern art with the rich roots of ancient culture and history. This ring is designed in such a way that the viewer, while experiencing the beauty of modern style, embarks on a mental journey into the depths of ancient culture and art. The design of this ring is inspired by the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, a work by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The soft and fluid curves of the ring, along with the unique use of black gold and green enamel in parallel rows, reflect the artistic vision. This ring not only serves as an amazing wearable piece but also tells a story of innovation, creativity, and the harmonious blend of art and architecture.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
EY : In designing the Affinity ring, my main focus has been on creating a link between modern art and ancient culture. My primary goal was to evoke the beauty of modern style while imbuing it with the depth and authenticity of ancient art and history. I wanted to create a ring that is not only beautiful and attractive but also tells a story of the harmonious blend of art and architecture, taking the viewer on a mental journey into the depths of ancient culture and art. The inspiration for this design comes from the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The soft and fluid curves of the ring and the unique use of black gold and green enamel in parallel rows reflect architectural brilliance and artistic vision, making this ring a unique wearable piece that embodies innovation and creativity.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
EY : For the future, I have many plans for the award-winning Affinity design. Firstly, I intend to bring this design into mass production so that more people can enjoy the beauty and story behind this ring. I am also looking to enhance and improve the design, using new materials and innovative techniques to create limited and unique editions. Additionally, I plan to collaborate with renowned jewelry brands to introduce this design to global markets. Furthermore, I hope to use the experiences and feedback from customers to further improve future designs and develop a collection of jewelry inspired by ancient culture and art, all designed in a modern style.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
EY : The design of this particular concept took approximately one year. This process included various stages such as research, ideation, prototyping, and final refinement. Initially, the inspiration for this design came from the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, and then I began creating the fluid curves and using black gold and green enamel in parallel rows. Each stage required precision and attention to detail to finally transform into a beautiful and unique piece. My goal was to create a ring that reflects both the beauty of modern style and the depth of ancient culture and art.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
EY : The design of this particular concept was based on my personal inspiration. I decided to combine an idea from modern and beautiful architecture with the art of jewelry making. This design was inspired by the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Zaha Hadid. The center, with its soft and fluid curves and innovative use of materials, has always been a source of inspiration for me. Therefore, I decided to use this inspiration to create a ring with fluid curves and parallel rows of black gold and green enamel. This design is entirely based on my personal inspirations and creativity, aimed at creating a beautiful and unique piece that showcases both architectural brilliance and artistry.
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?
EY : Currently, the Affinity design is not being mass-produced by another company, and the production rights have not been leased or sold to any company. My plan is to produce this design in a limited edition under my own supervision to ensure quality and precision in execution. I also aim to collaborate with renowned jewelry brands in the future to introduce this design to global markets. While I am considering the option of leasing or selling the production rights, my priority is to maintain complete control over the production and distribution process to ensure that each piece is made with the exact level of precision and quality that I envision. However, if I receive a good offer, I would be open to considering the sale of the production rights.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
EY : The design of this particular type of work was based on my personal passion for combining modern art with ancient culture. I have always sought to create pieces that not only possess visual beauty but also tell a story of history and art. The inspiration for this design came from the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This building, with its fluid curves and unique design, has always been a source of inspiration for me. My goal was to transform this inspiration into a piece of jewelry that reflects both architectural brilliance and artistry, taking the viewer on a mental journey into ancient culture and art. Therefore, I designed the Affinity ring using black gold and green enamel in parallel rows to showcase this unique combination.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
EY : In designing the Affinity ring, there were multiple influences and inspirations from the world of architecture and art. In addition to the primary inspiration drawn from the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, and its renowned architect Zaha Hadid, I was also influenced by other modern architects. Architects like Frank Gehry, with his curvilinear and pioneering designs, and Norman Foster, with his use of innovative materials and minimalist designs, also played a role in shaping my concept. Moreover, studying ancient artworks and historical jewelry helped me create a design that is both modern and rich in historical context. This blend of various inspirations allowed me to create a unique and beautiful ring that reflects both architectural brilliance and artistry.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
EY : The purpose of designing the Affinity ring is to attract customers who are looking for a unique gold ring inspired by modern art and architecture. This ring is particularly designed for women who appreciate high-quality, uniquely designed jewelry and wish to complete their personal style with distinctive and meaningful pieces. The target customers for this ring are those who seek a design that, in addition to its beauty, has cultural and artistic depth and can carry a story of architectural brilliance and art.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
EY : What sets the Affinity ring design apart from other similar or resembling concepts is the unique combination of modern art and ancient cultural roots. This ring design, inspired by the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, uses fluid and parallel curves of black gold and green enamel, giving it a distinctive and exceptional look. This ring is not only beautiful and unique but also tells a story of innovation, creativity, and the blend of art and architecture. Every detail in this design has been executed with precision and attention, making it not just a piece of jewelry but a symbol of architectural brilliance and artistry. The use of high-quality materials and innovative techniques has also helped create a unique piece that captures the attention of every viewer.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
EY : The name Affinity for this design comes from the deep concept of connection between modern art and architecture with ancient culture and history. The word Affinity means 'a close connection or relationship,' and this name reflects the close connection between the different elements of this design. Inspired by the Heydar Aliyev Center and the use of fluid and parallel curves of black gold and green enamel, this ring embodies the deep connection between architectural brilliance and ancient art. My aim in choosing this name was to highlight the bond and connection that exists between the past and present, art and architecture, beauty and meaning.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
EY : In the process of designing the Affinity ring, I used a combination of hand-drawing techniques and advanced software tools. In the initial stages, I used hand sketches to create the initial ideas and concepts. Then, using the 3D design software Matrix 9.0, I created precise models of the ring to carefully examine its details and proportions. I also used rendering software such as KeyShot to create realistic images to visualize the final appearance of the ring. Using these tools helped me create an accurate and professional design that effectively showcases all the unique details and features of the ring.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
EY : The most unique aspect of the Affinity ring design is its harmonious and creative blend of modern art and ancient artistic elements. The overall shape of this ring is inspired by the Heydar Aliyev Center, a marvel of modern architecture, while the material used includes enamel, which has a historical legacy. This unique combination of high-quality materials and precise design, along with beautiful artistic details, has created an impactful ring that is not only beautiful but also has cultural and artistic depth, capable of telling a story of innovation and creativity.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
EY : While I enjoy collaborative work, I worked independently on the design of the Affinity ring. All stages of this design, from the initial concept to the final design and selection of materials, were completed autonomously. Each step of the design process is the result of my individual effort and creativity. As an artist, I am committed to creating a unique and high-quality piece. Working alone on this project allowed me to fully focus on the details and artistic aspects, implementing my personal vision without any compromise. This independence in my work enabled me to create a ring that truly reflects my individual creativity and innovation.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
EY : Technology played a crucial role in the design of the Affinity ring. I used advanced 3D design tools like Matrix 9.0 to create precise models and examine the details and proportions of the ring. This software allowed me to create realistic 3D models and quickly make necessary adjustments. I also used rendering software like KeyShot to create realistic images to visualize the final appearance of the ring and ensure the design was fully realized before production. These technologies helped me achieve high precision and quality in the design and production of the ring, ensuring that everything from the initial concept to the final product was executed to the best possible standard.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
EY : The design of the Affinity ring was accompanied by thorough data analysis and research. In the early stages, I conducted research on modern architecture and art to gather inspiration. Additionally, I studied various materials and innovative jewelry-making techniques to ensure the use of the best and highest-quality materials in this design. Furthermore, market analysis and examination of fashion and jewelry trends were part of my research to ensure that the final design aligns with the tastes and needs of the target audience. This research helped me create a ring that is both beautiful and unique, and also technically and artistically superior.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
EY : During the design and realization process of the Affinity ring, I faced several challenges. One of the main challenges was creating a balance between modern architectural inspirations and ancient artistic elements. Finding a way to blend these two aspects so that both are well-represented and harmoniously integrated required high precision and creativity. Additionally, selecting the right materials that would meet both aesthetic and quality standards was another significant challenge. Finally, ensuring precise and high-quality execution of the design was a crucial challenge, as every small detail could significantly impact the overall beauty and coherence of the ring. However, with perseverance and hard work, I was able to overcome these challenges and create a unique and beautiful ring.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
EY : Deciding to submit my design to an international competition was a significant decision. The main motivation for participating in this competition was to gain recognition and credibility at an international level. As a designer, I have always sought opportunities to showcase my abilities and creativity, and participating in this competition was one of the best ways to achieve this goal. Additionally, international competitions provide an excellent opportunity to compare works and learn from other prominent designers worldwide. Since the Affinity ring design was the result of my individual effort, I felt that it had the potential to compete internationally and attract the attention of judges and a global audience. Therefore, I decided to submit this design to the competition to have the opportunity to be reviewed and evaluated by international experts and designers.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
EY : Designing the Affinity ring was a major learning experience for me. One of the most important lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of balancing creativity with technical precision. This design taught me how to turn my creative ideas into reality while paying attention to technical details and build quality. During this process, I also improved my skills in using 3D design and rendering software, allowing me to create more accurate and realistic models. Additionally, I learned how to blend various inspirations from both modern and ancient art and architecture to create a unique design with cultural depth. This experience not only enhanced my technical and artistic skills but also gave me more confidence in designing and creating artistic works.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
EY : In response to this question, I would like to mention a few additional points that might be helpful. First and foremost, I want to emphasize that the design of the Affinity ring is the result of my deep passion for combining art and architecture with jewelry making. This project was a creative journey for me, allowing me to blend various inspirations to create a unique and artistic piece.
I also want to highlight that every step of the design and production process of this ring was carried out with precision and attention to detail to ensure the highest quality and beauty. From high-quality materials to the use of advanced techniques, everything was done with the aim of creating a unique and eye-catching ring. Economically, this ring is also cost-effective, as it uses enamel with a historical legacy and unique beauty instead of expensive gemstones, reducing costs while maintaining its beauty and artistic value.
Finally, I want to thank those who have shown support and interest in this design and hope that this ring can have a positive impact on its audience both aesthetically and meaningfully.