DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: For this Balinese Barong Ring design, it is another challenge for myself. I always like to attempt something that is already familiar and give it another touch. Bali Culture is not unfamiliar to a South East Asia Guy like me. The iconic creature has insane amount of detail which I will like to attempt.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: Barong has been used locally in their wooden statues or paper mask. It is not common to be seen in a jewelry. I will like to have an attempt and also infuse the glittering golden color and give it a modern touch.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: For this piece, I spend a bit more time on research than usual as the patterns are very different from different art source. But the actual digital design and crafting is quite fast as I am using a lot of repeating patterns. Inclusive prototyping is about 1.5 week.
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?
: At the moment, it is only sell through our online store at www.etsy.com/shop/Altejewellers. But we welcome any interested party to contact us if they will like to carry this product.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: This piece I am actually targeting more ladies that will be interested in South East Asian culture. But so far I have a fair share of guys audience and I am certain they are need not be a big fan of South East Asian culture. I believe they really appreciate the detailing in the design. That is their feedback.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
: I believe Barong is not a common subject in the Jewelry. If there are any, usually are the aging silver finishing so it look like some old traditional object. I decided to introduce a mix gold plated to bring out the refreshing by enhance the detailing. I suppose this is one key factor that it is able to draw its audience.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
: Digital 3D sculpturing tools (ZBrush) and 3D printer.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: Level of details. Different Gold Mixing helps to space out the details.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
: I believe the digital sculpturing tools help to speed up the iteration tremendously.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: Beside added the details, I do not want it to be heavy both physically and visually. I spend a fair amount of effort to create negative space to compensate the visually heavy detailing.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: I have a few industry associate actually suggested I should try for competition which I never thought of as I still consider as a newbie in the Jewelry industry. But when I happen to see the calling for entry for A’Design Award competition online, I thought might as well and here I am.