"To reach these simple, remarkable ideas is sometimes also a bit of luck. In the process, you find something you can't really imagine." - Bjorn Kussofsky

In this episode, Radim Malinic interviews Bjorn Kussofsky, founder of Stockholm Design Lab. Bjorn shares his journey from aspiring pop star to renowned designer, including the pivotal moment when Andy Warhol designed a record sleeve for his band. This experience influenced his decision to pursue design instead of music. Established in 1998, Stockholm Design Lab was founded with the vision of creating a multidisciplinary design company that could handle holistic branding. The studio now employs about 25 people and works with international clients on design and branding projects. 

Throughout the conversation, Bjorn emphasizes their philosophy of creating "simple, remarkable ideas" by reducing clutter and focusing on context. He discusses how they strive to create designs that stand the test of time, acknowledging that reaching simplicity requires both process and luck. Bjorn reflects on Scandinavian simplicity, noting that when it's truly effective, it goes beyond style to reveal the essence of something, often born from necessity and resource constraints. 

Despite growing his company, Bjorn remains deeply involved in the creative work rather than focusing on business aspects. The conversation explores notable projects including Polestar and the recent Sigma rebrand, showcasing how Stockholm Design Lab's approach to simplicity creates distinctive brand identities that resonate in cluttered marketplaces.

Key takeaways:

• Staying relevant is crucial for design companies - creating impactful work in the present rather than relying on past achievements
• The philosophy of "simple, remarkable ideas" drives Stockholm Design Lab's approach to design
• Finding uniqueness in design is challenging - often it's the context that makes something feel new
• Great design comes from a combination of strategic process and serendipitous discovery
• Effective Scandinavian simplicity goes beyond aesthetics to truth - stripping away clutter to reveal essence
• Bjorn values finding and employing talented people as one of the most rewarding aspects of running a studio
• Logos should never be judged in isolation - they must be evaluated as part of a comprehensive brand system
• Physical artifacts like books serve as important time capsules for preserving design legacy
• Longevity is a measure of success in design - creating work that remains relevant for decades
• The Polestar project demonstrates how simplicity can create powerful differentiation in a cluttered marketplace

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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