Design is not just about expensive vases and glass sculptures. It’s about everyday things that make the world a better place. As a journalist and editor-in-chief of DesignNews magazine, Veronika Pařízková focuses on mapping Czech design and its impact on society. In this interview, she talks about her path to journalism, the challenges of building a media platform, and why design should not be seen as an exclusive affair. What are her visions for the future, and what does she consider truly important in the work of a journalist?
Welcome, Veronika. How did you get into design and journalism? Was it your dream to become a journalist, or did you come to it by chance?
Dream might be too strong a word. But I have always enjoyed writing since high school and later at the Faculty of Philosophy. I remember my first major interview was with Vojta Kotek for the now-defunct magazine Yellow, and I was so nervous. In any case, I quickly moved on to critical articles and reviews, and I have stuck to that ever since.
What do you think is the hardest part about building a media platform? Is it challenging to make an impact in the field of design?
I won’t say it’s easy. But it’s true that readers appreciate it when you’re trustworthy, unafraid of confrontation, and understand context and connections. It’s the same in any other media. The pressure from PR and the power of Instagram to create the illusion that everything is a perfect success is immense. A true journalist should mainly hold a mirror to this fiction and avoid blind adoration and trivial articles.
Design is often talked about as something exclusive. How do you perceive this prejudice? How can we dispel it?
We can’t really. Unfortunately, to some extent, it’s also the fault of the media, which has gotten used to writing about design as something elitist and inaccessible. Expensive vases, clothing, glass sculptures—none of these are essential for our lives. But design is an amazing tool to change the surrounding world, even with small things like well-shaped and functional door handles, orthopedic aids, or menstrual cups. In my opinion, a true designer is a blend of a craftsman with an aesthetic sense, who also has altruistic tendencies.
What are your goals for the future? Where would you like to take DesignNews magazine?
Chasing readership in today’s turbulent times, which are difficult for the media, might be a bit short-sighted. You never know how algorithms on networks or preferences in search engines will change. A well-written interview or article that highlights a problem—whether it’s the exploitation of design by the tobacco industry or the issue of funding for designers—is the main goal. Not being afraid to open sensitive topics, asking relevant personalities, and even asking them uncomfortable questions—that’s the right way in my opinion.
What career success or professional moment do you remember most fondly?
That’s a tricky question. I’m not very ambitious, and I also tend to relativize a lot of things. One day, something is considered a success, and the next, everything changes. However, I definitely value my editorial team, which I built when I took over the leadership of the Czechdesign magazine in 2017. Despite all the turbulence and changes, the team has remained almost the same. That’s a great honor for me.
What advice would you give to young people who share the same passion for design as you?
It’s not so much about a passion for design as it is about trying to do things both humanely and professionally, and not being afraid to openly express your opinion. Even if it’s not always received with enthusiasm, pointing out that something isn’t working as it should is perfectly normal.
What do you think is the value of the Best in Design competition and the entire Zlín Design Week?
It conscientiously and consistently shows that design really has many shades. And that’s not something small in the Czech context!
Veronika Pařízková
Veronika Pařízková is the editor-in-chief of the online design magazine DesignNews. She led the successful online magazine Czechdesign.cz for seven years, establishing it as a strong player in the media market. She regularly writes about design for magazines like Finmag, Vogue, and Designum. She also hosts a podcast on Czech design called Designnews. She curated the international exhibition Eco? on the issues of sustainable design for the Czech Centers.
