Jana Trundová is a designer and co-founder of mimokolektiv, an architecture and design studio based in Olomouc. Her work focuses on original interiors with atypical elements or exhibition design. Together with her sister Barbora Trundová, she runs a design shop in Olomouc, which presents contemporary Czech and Slovak design, thus connecting the mimokolektiv studio with the public. Jana Trundová, together with visual artist Filip Kůrka and Vojtěch Janoušek from Graphic Papers, will be guests at Promotion in Creative Industries #4 on Tuesday, October 11 at 6 pm. In a presentation combined with discussion, we will reflect on the question of whether artists can also be good marketers.
You studied design in Brno and spent a year in Finland. Did you feel the difference in the height of your education?
The year in Finland was crucial for me and changed my perspective on teaching and design. I am very glad for the opportunity to make such a comparison and I recommend similar foreign experiences to everyone. Apart from my year in Finland, I also lived in Copenhagen for half a year, but I was always happy to come back, with motivation and new impulses to turn things around here as well.
In your diploma work you designed the chair. Why this particular piece of furniture?
I wanted to focus on a product that is basic to life, universal and needed by everyone. But the result of the work was more of a formal product.
Together with Ondrej Kučera and Barbora Trundová you founded an atelier in Olomouc. What led you to do this?
We were looking for a space where we could create together. Also, each of us is involved in a discipline that when you merge together, we offer a full range of architectural services from architecture and interiors to gardens.
How were your first commissions?
The first thing I was told in college was, "Don't work for your family and friends." So our first jobs were for family and friends or set up by family and friends. But soon clients started contacting us because they noticed our studio on the street or saw our work.
What kind of response have you been getting?
With investors, we have had a positive response. Anyone who passes by the studio in Ztracena can stop by, we are happy to show how we work and what we have already created. That way, when the collaboration starts, the client at least has an idea of what to expect from our side.
On the construction site, the situation is often more complicated, but no less fun. But even that is improving as we gradually build up a network of craftsmen who do a fantastic job.
Do you have projects outside of Olomouc?
Yes, we have projects near Olomouc or in Prague. It is always good when these projects are within driving distance, close and frequent contact with the project leads to a better result.
You collaborate with creative people to organize workshops. Are you inspired by these people?
Yes, just seeing a studio full of people is inspiring, these people also keep us going and motivated. From the beginning we wanted to create an open creative platform in the centre of Olomouc.
By what do you choose artists to collaborate?
We focus on the selection of products from the Czech Republic or Slovakia. It's a small pond so it's not hard to come across creators. Aesthetics and functionality of the products are most important for our selection, but the products also have to sell.
What is your next project?
There are several projects, especially in the field of interior design. I want to continue to focus on what I've been doing and take it to the next level. I am also working on small series of original products.
At the Promotion in the Creative Industries 4 event you will discuss whether they can be good artists and marketers. What do you think is most essential for an artist to operate in this way?
The basics are a good product, talent, hard work, patience, communication, not expecting success right away and also it's important to be able to deal with failure and not get discouraged. It is important to believe in what you are doing and to persevere.
