Behind the scenes of an urban watch brand: Interview with lead designer, Carlos Zuniga

Behind the scenes of an urban watch brand: Interview with lead designer

, Carlos Zuniga

We are giving Just Bling fans a chance to go behind the scenes at the Just Bling studio. This interview will let you see why Just Bling diamond watches have been given the recognition as a proven and successful international brand in the urban culture. We love our watches and know you do too, so we welcome you into the world of Just Bling and the thoughts of lead designer, Carlos Zuniga.

As you enter the Just Bling studio, immediately you can feel the energy and see where the creativity comes from. From floor to ceiling are images of concepts and inspiration pinned up for upcoming trends in urban culture/fashion. Blasting from the Bose speakers is a variety of hip hop and pop music that keeps the creativity flowing throughout the day. The vibe and walls speak creativity, which in turn translates into Carlos's designs for the Just Bling brand.

Just Bling watches are designed through creative support and the collective ideas of the Just Bling team. At certain parts of the day impromptu focus groups collect in the halls discussing the newest watch they saw on Kanye West or one that Carlos created himself. In reference to a sample design that's drawn, the team dissects the idea and discusses the concept and direction of the design. Eventually bringing Carlos back to the drawing board to further develop the idea and bring the design to its ultimate fruition. In addition to the designs, there is continuous talk of how new ideas for watches should bolster the brand direction of Just Bling.

Our extremely busy studio is in constant overdrive, however, Carlos made time to sit down with me and answer questions about his work, inspiration, and the future of Just Bling:

What makes Just Bling so bling? It's all about the diamonds!

Describe the Just Bling brand in 3 words? Flashy, Fresh, Bling

How did Just Bling enter the market? We started this brand back when the diamonds on everything craze took over pop culture and fashion. We obviously wanted to distinguish ourselveswithin the market so we created Just Bling, a diamond watch company with a unique creative direction.

What sets you apart from other urban brands? We don't just throw diamonds on a watch and call it a day. We pay close attention to quality and detail. I always try to creatively place diamonds on a watch. There are so many things you can do to a watch design that it ends up being unique on its own. I like playing around with patterns and textures. I might use a specific texture on the face of the watch that you've never seen before. A lot of urban watch brands just add diamonds on a huge watch case. I try to go beyond that.

Where does your inspiration come from? Hip Hop & pop music hands down. Since I'm a big fan of music, it's easy for me to reflect that within my designs. Before I start a design, I'll turn up the speakers and jam to Jay-Z, Kanye, or Lil Wayne, to name a few.

But from a creative perspective, I always say inspiration is all around us. If I have to design a new watch collection with an emphasis in multiple time zones, then I'll start looking for inspiration that relates to travel, tourism, on the go fashion trends, countries..and the list goes on. I once had to design a watch inspired by aerospace so I chose the B-2 Bomber Jet, the all black stealth-like one, and used that as my inspiration. I researched images of the cockpit, the exterior of the jet, materials, textures, and took it from there.

Or the Eclipse (shown in photos) which is self explanatory. I knew I had to design a watch that would draw attention, just as an eclipse would. An eclipse is large and occurs rarely. Everyone stops to stare at an eclipse. See where I'm going with this?

What's your favorite thing about the Eclipse by Just Bling? The black diamonds! Most watch brands use clear diamonds but black diamonds scream sleek, modern, and urban.

Take us through the design process. Well first I find the inspiration. I ask questions like, "Is it supposed to look like something in particular? Is it part of a collection? Who am I targeting? I also research ideas and post them along the walls. I study diamond placement, crowns, lugs and other components that I think would compliment our watches. Many people think that it's a walk in the park, but I'd have to say the toughest part is the creative phase. Just because you can sketch your ass off or you're a beast on the computer doesn't mean you can come up with a good design. Coming up with something hot doesn't happen overnight. Once I get a few ideas in my head, I begin to sketch them down on paper and try to work out the details. Interesting though, a lot of hot designs accidentally happen. I'll try to focus on a specific detail but then it ends up looking like something else that I really end up loving. That's when I get all excited and start running around the office showing off my latest work. The exciting yet most time consuming part is rendering that exact sketch on the computer because it has to be right, or else our factory's engineers won't understand it. The last thing I want to happen is for my finished product to come in from the factory and it's most important details are wrong. The most rewarding and exciting part in this process is finally seeing the finished product. It's like Christmas every time I get to hold a watch designed in my hands. It takes me back to when it all started with a sketch and now I'm holding this diamond-encrusted piece.

What's your favorite Just Bling watch? Honestly, that's classified top-secret info. Haha, I can't tell you because it hasn't hit the market yet. Let's just say it's like no other watch we've ever designed. So be on the look out because it's coming soon. But for now, the new Vanquish.

What's your design background? For the most part, I've been in product design. I started in furniture, then shoes, now watches. They're all products yet, very different. With watches, I have to focus not only the aesthetics, but also functionality.As for furniture, my designs were ergonomically driven with a mid-century modern touch.

You mentioned several Hip Hop artists that inspire your work. Who's your favorite? What's your favorite Hip Hop song of all time?

My favorite artist is Kanye West. I may not agree with some of his actions but his music is genius. His lyrics and beats are like nothing else out there. I guess you can say I try to do the same with my work. His lyrics inspire and motivate me consistently. "Ice so cold, makes me want to pull my mink out." I definitely apply that one to Just Bling.

My favorite song of all time...hmm that's tough to answer. I have an idea though. How about we ask our Facebook fans which is their favorite song of all time? The first person who chooses a song that I would consider a favorite gets a free watch.

Where do you see Just Bling in five years? With our consistent expansion of unique watches, I believe we're carving a niche in the marketplace for urban inspired diamond watches. The marketplace definitely has a demand for it, and it's working out well for the brand right now. We are in a growth phase and are just one or two designs away from being recognized as a true force in the luxury watch segment. Last I would say we will stay true to our roots and continue designing unique diamond watches that stand out from the rest.

Where can we buy Just Bling watches? Definitely check outwww.justblingwatch.com. If you're anywhere across the world, you can always find us onamazon.com -

POST COMMENT

Some Newbie Mistakes With Web Design Art and Designing Foundation Studies Advance Your Creative and Art Skills in Context to Studio Make A Style Statement With A Pair Of Diesel Jeans Try These Workable Banner Design Techniques Get Designer Cufflinks to Look More Impressive The Classical Designs Of Louis Vuitton Bags Three Style Celebrity High Heel Trends Highlight The Fine Style Hairstyles Make A Vast Difference In The Look Of An Individual Understanding How To Make Your Web Design A Success Beginning an Interior Style Project Basic Decorating Styles - Common Styles From Sleek To Fashionable The Best Interior Style Colleges