On November 12th, 2019 we had a cool and interesting conversation with Antonio Olombrada.

Hey guys! Welcome to another episode of The Archiologist Talks. Before continuing I'd like you to know that this is a two-part episode. Yes, it is intense, and yes it is long (that's why we split it into small, interesting, and juicy episodes). Antonio used to work at an engineering firm, as a mechanical engineer, working on solving the gap between design and manufacturing, until he realized that he wanted to focus on something more creative and free.

Skip forward to two years ago, when he started a design studio online called blash design, offering design services and teaching other designers and students. In this studio, he develops cool projects managing an online team of designers, commercials, engineers and marketers. At the moment his studio is focused in startups, creating physical MVP's from the market analysis, ideation, modeling, rendering, prototyping and larger production working with factories worldwide. They also create the branding, marketing, and sales strategies so the client is able to go to the market and sell the project.

If you're like me, and perhaps like every other designer out there, you're wondering how you can get more exposure, and maybe dream about starting your own studio and create a brand for yourself. Well, you're in the right place, because in this first part of our series with Antonio, him and I talk about how any designer can start their own personal brand from scratch. We also talk about how to become a better designer, be more knowledgeable, study more, and take advantage of the ever-growing internet world, that has thousands of possibilities for you to learn through courses, books, and even YouTube videos. You just have to know where to find them and where to focus your time on! We also talk about how important it is for any designer to develop their expertise.

Want to follow Antonio in his social media?

Instagram: @aferolombrada @konabackpacks

Studio: www.blashdesign.com

Kona Backpacks: www.konabackpacks.com

Questions:

Tell me a little bit about your self, what you do and how you do those things.

Why did you go into a creative career?
Wht software and-or tools do you use for work?
Hw to learn as a designer (more than just the school)?
How do you do so many things with such little time? Tell me about your productivity tips.
Do you believe Instagram is important for design students?
Ho do you use social media to benefit your career and business?
How should one get started in personal branding?
What is one way architects - or any designer - benefit from marketing?
Howdo you find more exposure as a designer?
What are the steps to be knowledgeable on business and entrepreneurship?
What is one thing you have learned that you wish you knew when you were back in school?
What are the top three things all students should be learning about or doing?
Do you have any advice for students out there?