Jan Capek is a designer from the Czech Republic. After high school he went to New York City and worked 2 years in the jewelry business cutting precious stones. At this time he was nineteen years old. After two years he then went back to the Czech Republic and attended Usti Nad Labem University which is a very prestige art and design school. Only 2 or 3 people out of at least 200 applicants get accepted. At Usti Nad Labem University he took design courses and stayed there for many years. At this design school he learned many important things. One of the first and most important things he learned was that from the very beginning you have to design something that is easy to manufacture in order to be successful. In this design class he got one big project each semester and many other smaller ones. He also got one-day projects, which was a way to prove if you can work efficiently. Jan also taught himself how to use 3D programs on the computer. I think everything that he has done from this point is very impressive and shows that he is very hardworking. For example, having a real decent job at 19 years old, getting accepted to Usti Nad Labem University.
Jan Capek has designed many things in his lifetime. One of his first projects was a wall light. He also designed a washing machine for men called “washman.” He designed this because be wanted to make something different from “white box.” The punch line for this product was “washing has never been easier.” This punch line definitely attracted men to the product because most men don’t like to do laundry. The washman eliminates the use of a laundry basket and washes and dries in the same machine. Jan Capek also designed experimental furniture that was a steal sheet with three pieces that screw together. He also designed another version with leather upholstery which will probably be appealing to the higher class.
Jan Capek had one project that made his career. He designed a sports bottle for Pininfarine which lead to his “dream job.” This sports bottle fit perfectly in your hand. Jan explained this as his dream job because after he designed this bottle he could walk into any store and see his work. Also this project got his name out and other designers wanted him to design other products for their company. After this job he also designed fridge shelves for AEG. These designs were simple and cheap to manufacture. He also designed wine holders and vases.
Overall, I think Jan Capek is a very talented designer. He seems very hard working and his journey to get where he is now was very long but very successful. I hope one day I will be as successful as he is now. |