"DREAMING IS PRODUCTIVE"

Sabina Miller (Wachachowski) is an interior designer and travelling artist. Her love of nature and the universe led her into the world of space and helped shape her successful career as a brand designer for Space VIP, the first aerospace tour operator in the US. Life in America began at a young age. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Sabina's parents decided to move there from Azerbaijan, where she would later study design at the Florida International University. Sabina believes that endless travels, interaction with people from different walks of life and self-education, to which she has devoted most of her time, have played a major role in shaping her character. We found it interesting to talk to Sabina as a fellow compatriot who has achieved great success abroad. 

"Can you tell us about your entry to the world of design and aesthetics?"

"I've been a designer since birth. Since early childhood, I've been collecting endless ideas for building objects. I've always been interested in the essence of things around me: what material they are made of and what parts they are assembled from. I loved disassembling the objects trying to figure out how they were made. My parents didn't really understand my hobby, and they didn't always share my excitement about my discoveries. Over time, I began to seriously pursue design - creating interiors, websites, various products, and became interested in needlework, painting, and other forms of art."

"What is your of educational background?"

"I have studied at the Florida International University for six years. But my university education was preceded by many years of self-education, which was a strong foundation that influenced my development and establishment of my artistic taste. My father had a huge influence on my development. He used to be a painter too in his youth."

"Do you agree that a special education is not as important as having taste and a sense of proportion to become a designer?"

"Yes, I do. Sometimes I even think I could have done without higher education, as I have accumulated all my knowledge through practice, working with experienced craftsmen and a long process of self-education. The most important thing, I believe, is not to stand still, but to do something. This applies to any profession you want to master.

“On the other hand, the education system in each country is different, as is the perception and learning process. So if getting an education is not so necessary, the passion to live and breathe your profession should not leave you. A highly accomplished artist or designer should be in your blood. Creativity is what a true master devotes his or her life to.”

"Recently, we see how the concept of inspiration is fading away giving way to the availability of ideas. Which of these two concepts is more important to do creative work?"

"Both concepts are closely related in my works. It is also important for my clients—whether it's a client who knows exactly what they want and is able to outline the expected result, or someone who has no idea what they want in terms of interiors. In my professional work, all of these components like ready-made ideas, semi-finished products, imagination and fantasy, motivation and inspiration are one and the same."

"Martin Jong is a designer from the Silicon Valley, who listens to life stories of his clients to understand how to beautify their homes and interiors, taking into account their psychological characteristics. What do you do to determine your interior style?"

"First and foremost, I need to understand what is paramount, because all works are based upon the main, secondary and the last things to pay attention to. Is the main accent the furniture? Or how does the sun fall on your face when you're in bed? Or perhaps the overall size of the reception area? During the design process, the most important thing is to ask the client enough of the right questions to determine their aesthetic tastes and preferences. And the whole process should be in the form of a conversation. Then, I analyse my client's responses and  define the style and character of the interior. Another important point is a subtle mixture of different styles in a single interior. I love the synthesis of incompatibilities. That’s how we get elegant result, which reflects the client's inner world in the best possible way."

"I know that you are a traveller. What places, countries have you personally been impressed with and why?"

"Travelling has a special place in my life. I like Bali very much because of the natural materials they use in its architecture. The seascapes with a beautiful panorama of mountains give one  fabulous emotions.

“I really like Azerbaijan, its culture, cuisine, and architecture. The favourable combination of ancient and modern city is incredibly impressive. I can say that everything I have seen and experienced in Azerbaijan is part of me. It is as if everything was there forever and I only had to remember the names of places to make them stir up my memories and fill them with new colours.

“My third favourite city is Tulum in Mexico. It has a very interesting architecture with a lot of natural materials. As if you are in a forest and by the ocean at the same time. I think nature is the best designer in the world.”

"You have chosen to live in the US. What attracted you to the country?"

"To be honest, it was my parents' decision when the Soviet Union collapsed. Well, no one knows how my life would have turned out, but no doubt things would be completely different. Looking back, I am very grateful to my parents for providing me with unlimited opportunities to visit a large number of countries, communicate with people from all over the world and maintain close relations with relatives in different countries, including Azerbaijan."

"Let’s go back to the subject of space. How did you become part of the Space VIP team?"

"I received an offer from the Space VIP team to create a logo platform and build a website for them. It didn't take long for me to think about it. I have always been interested in how space works. As I said, nature is the best designer for me. My favourite films include motifs related to space."

"What is your job as a brand designer? What attracts you to the space?"

“To be honest, I just really wanted to be part of this unique project. I have experience of creating a brand for myself, but this is the first time I have done it for another company. I was interested in exploring the field on my own, a new emerging market and being involved in something ethereal. I think this project came to me on itself sensing my keen interest in it. It turns out that dreaming is not harmful and sometimes even effective.” (laughs)

"How much of your work on space is reflected in your professional life as an artist, in your works?"

"I often apply colours, shades and landscapes of outer space.

“The subject matter of my paintings exactly mimics the stages of the evolution of nature. Just like the process of maturity and perfection, my art depicts the stages of my own emotional and psychological transformation.” 

"According to the company's website, Space VIP is a space simulation. What is the purpose of this project? Is it educational or entertaining? What is the mission of Space for All?"

“We believe that if everyone could see our planet from space, the world would be a kinder place. Space VIP is the first space travel company, the first aerospace tour operator. It hosts space travel and organises space adventures for everyone. We cooperate with most of the space airbus companies and services.”

"It's hard not to notice the current interest in space and learning about life on individual planets. Scientists discovered that cyanobacteria can now be grown on Mars. The feeling is that once Earth becomes uninhabitable, everyone will move to other planets. Why do you think it is important to develop this industry? Can't we just channel these funds, ideas and opportunities to improve life on Earth?"

"The most important areas of scientific development, including space exploration and the restoration of the natural balance, environmental protection are currently a priority. One can draw a parallel between travelling around the world and travelling in space. After each of these trips, you return home refreshed and inspired.”

“Are you personally ready to leave your life on Earth and move to another planet once and for all?

"Yes, if I can take my husband and dog with me! Seriously though I would definitely enjoy travelling to space for some limited period of time."

"How can one become a customer of Space VIP and benefit from its corporate services?"

“You can contact us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and by email. Or you can dial +1-510 - 662-7500”

"How much does it cost to travel into space?"

"Available tickets range from $125,000 to $55 million. We have a wide variety of programs, so the price depends on the tour the customer chooses, as well as its duration. Our retail division recently sold the most expensive VIP ticket to the first space tourist, which, among other things, prompted the decision to create Space VIP. It now provides a wide range of spaceflight services and numerous other related services. While at Space VIP you will find commercial flight opportunities and services for elite clients, our charitable company SpacePrize.org, which is a significant and key division of Space VIP, provides extensive education and related literature completely free of charge.

“The 74th International Astronautical Congress is scheduled to take place in Baku in 2023. Our charity company intends to organise a challenge contest for young girls and select winners among them. This congress was held in Paris in 2022 and previously in New York and Portugal. I wholeheartedly hope that in Baku we will also be able to hold this congress at a high level.”