1°) Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?

My name is Tatiana, and I’m the founder and designer behind Pareidólia Design, a brand I created four years ago. My background is in architecture, where I specialized in building rehabilitation, but I soon realized that what truly inspired me was working in product design. My journey with ceramics actually began much earlier — back in high school, at an art-focused school, where I first discovered and fell in love with the material.

That early experience marked the beginning of my path in ceramics.

2°) Can you explain why you decided to work in Lisbon? How has it changed your approach to your project?

I moved to Lisbon to study architecture, so choosing to work here felt like a very natural decision. Over the years, the city has become not only the place where I live but also a constant source of inspiration.

The contrast between tradition and contemporary life all subtly influences the way I approach my work. Having a close network of friends and colleagues here also plays an important role in how I develop my projects. The exchange of ideas, mutual support, and shared creative energy are significant to me and continuously shape the way I create.

3°) Could you tell us about the project you are working on and what you would like to explore in the coming months?

At the moment, and until the end of the year, I’m working on a very special project, a ceramic mural that will be installed in a restaurant of a hotel in Palma de Mallorca. It’s been both a huge challenge and a delicate process, as the mural is composed of large-scale tiles. I’m truly excited about it; it’s pushing me to explore new scales, techniques, and ways of bringing my language in ceramics into a different kind of architectural context.

4°) Could you name one Portuguese artist you admire or who has inspired you?

It’s difficult to choose just one, but I deeply admire Paula Rego and Graça Morais. Both have a powerful and emotional approach to storytelling, exploring identity, memory, and the female experience in very distinct yet equally compelling ways. I find their work profoundly inspiring; it reminds me of the strength that can emerge from vulnerability and the importance of creating with honesty and emotion.

5°) Can you tell us about one spot in Lisbon that inspires you?

One place that always inspires me is the Gulbenkian Gardens. I love how nature and architecture coexist there in such harmony; it’s a space that invites you to observe and breathe. I often find that kind of quiet balance deeply inspiring; it reminds me of the importance of simplicity and reflection, both in life and in the creative process.

6°) How do you see the evolution of the Lisbon creative community?

I feel that Lisbon’s creative community has grown in such an exciting and dynamic way over the past few years. There’s a strong sense of openness and collaboration - people are curious, generous with ideas, and genuinely supportive of one another. I love being part of a city where creativity feels so alive and accessible.

7°) You participated in the Lisbon by Design Fair in 2024. How did your experience at the fair influence your work and personal growth ?

My experience at the Lisbon by Design Fair 2024 was honestly, incredible on so many levels. For me and for my brand, it represented a huge step forward.

When you participate in an event like this for the first time, you never really know what to expect, whether it will be worth it in terms of sales or connections, but it truly was. Even today, I still receive messages from clients who discovered my work through the Lisbon by Design website.

It was also incredibly meaningful to share the space with so many other brands, some more established, others more emerging. There was a real sense of community and exchange, and I loved being able to share experiences and build friendships that, with some of them, continue today.

On a personal level, it also pushed me out of my comfort zone. Speaking with such a diverse audience, clients, collectors, and press helped me grow and gave me more confidence in how I present and communicate my work.