Galia Schnadower

Galia Schnadower

Designer / Artist/ Owner of Galia Design + Meeshooz

Los Angeles, CA

www.galiadesign.com
www.meeshooz.com
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WHAT DO YOU DO?

“I’m a designer and artist, owner of Galia Design, a design studio that specializes in industrial and product design, as well as in a variety of design fields such as interior design, character design, packaging design, graphic design, illustration & art.”

For me, communication and accomplishment are keywords. Understanding my client’s vision and needs from the very beginning is my highest priority. My main goal is providing unique and practical design solutions, using my expertise to bring the client's vision to life, from concept to production.
 

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Since I was a little girl I’ve known I would  be a creative of some kind. At the age of 19, after finishing my first year of Industrial Design BA studies in Mexico City, I decided to move to Israel to complete my studies in Jerusalem. During my studies, I was reached out to by an established and well-known design firm in Tel Aviv to work part-time for them, which actually became the first step in my professional career.

During my career, I've worked for different established product design companies as well as independently designing and developing functional products for a variety of clients, guiding the project from concept to production, while utilizing a range of materials and manufacturing methods. 

In 2006 I opened Galia Design in Israel, which provided me with the opportunity of creating, innovating, learning and solving challenges for a variety of clients from all around the world.

In 2014, my husband and I decided to move to Los Angeles. The first step I took here was to apply for  a full- time job as a product designer and later as a design manager in another company, in order to understand “how things work here” in California. With this experience in hand, I re-opened Galia Design in 2017 to continue to provide my unique services to my own clients.

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

I’ve encountered some designers that lack knowledge of design tools and specific CAD software needed for manufacturing such as SolidWorks, as well as a broader knowledge of manufacturing methods, which are needed for designing and manufacturing. 
 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

At the moment I’m working on growing my business- reaching out to companies and individuals here in the US, online marketing, etc. I’m also designing a high-end doormat for the non-profit organization Miry’s List and recently completed a long term project for a start-up company.
 

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS? 

I think I would describe my style as unique, fun, surprising, colorful, smart, detail-oriented and functional. I think much of my work reflects that. My taste is very similar to my style. For example, my home is filled with small details, art and dolls, which enrich my environment and make my life more interesting to live in. My perspective on design is: “Form follows function, but with a twist”. 
 

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

Although I love and am passionate about designing consumer products for manufacturing, my other big passion is designing and illustrating characters. I wish I had more projects involving character design, such as dolls, toys and collectibles. I would like to expand into the furniture field as well.
 

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

I am frustrated about the fact that most people I’ve talked to lately, here in LA, don’t know what Product/Industrial design is. People aren’t really aware of the fact that every object they interact with has been designed, including ergonomics, engineering, material selection, manufacturing and style of course. This also means that many people who need this kind of service aren’t even sure what they’re looking for.
 

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

Workwise, I would hire a marketing/salesperson that can boost up my presence and acquire new leads.

Lifewise, a housekeeper to deal with all daily tasks unrelated to work like cleaning, laundry and cooking :).
 

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

I’m a person that lives in the present without worrying too much about the future, which is a good thing in some cases, but I would have told myself to sometimes look forward as well and to better plan ahead.
 

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

I would seek a person that can help me learn more about marketing and sales for my business, as well as teach me the best ways to reach out to the right clients.
 

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

I am looking for any creative opportunities involving product/ industrial design, character illustration/ design, furniture design, interior design, packaging and graphic design. 
 

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.

My dream client would be a company that I would really connect with: to the people working there, to their vision and/or to their products; one that inspires me and can boost my creativity. Ideally, that company will have multiple consumer products to be designed and developed with a style related to character design, such as toys or dolls.
 

WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE? 

My rate varies depending on the type of project. After an initial meeting/call with the client and understanding the full scope of the project, I submit my proposal which always includes a cost estimate. For shorter term projects, I usually give a fixed price and for longer term projects I usually charge hourly.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me for specific details on your project cost.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

I can be reached by phone or email at galia@galiadesign.com. An ideal approach would be to include a project brief of the requirements and guidelines, as explained in my website, but I can help guide the client with this as well, so a phone call would be great!
 

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

Art exhibitions, needle-felting, woodworking, drawing, sewing, fixing stuff, gardening

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This member profile was originally published in December 2017.