Rasmus Wängelin
Published on 26 Jun 2020
Do you use the Spotify app? Even if you don’t, odds are you have seen projects Ras has produced. As the Global Head of Brand Design for Spotify, Rasmus Wängelin knows what it takes to influence and inspire people world wide. Ras joined the Spotify team in 2014 when there was one designer. Fast forward to 2020 where they are now collaborating with over 20 in house designers. The hard work hasn't gone unnoticed as the team was awarded numerous major design awards at Cannes, The One Show and ADC - just to name drop a few!
However, Ras isn’t the only one living in this Williamsburg apartment that is working to appeal to our senses. Let us also introduce you to Ciello Tuazon, Director, Product Innovation + Development at Malin+Goetz and master of all things plants.
When entering their curated apartment both of their expertise quickly greeted us - great music playing in the background and an amazing smell coming from a Malin+Goetz candle that hasn’t hit the market yet (but we will be first in line when it does!). There’s no questioning why these two are self proclaimed homebodies!
It’s no secret that we are big fans of the color green so spending an afternoon in this corner was right up our ally. The Bianca chair nestled in the middle of their plant oasis only confirms that there is no such thing as too much green! Clearly their cat, Mango, agrees
Q:What kind of projects or products are you both working on at the moment ?
A: Ciello is always in the middle of launching new products. Working on new developments for 2021. I’ve had the opportunity to test all these new incredible products. It’s both fun and fascinating to see the process. Our bedroom has slowly turned into a mini-lab with an overflow of formula submissions and samples. I’m working on a range of things scaling from campaigns, playlist designs and branding
Q: What is your favorite thing about working for Spotify?
A: I love working with music and music culture. It’s something I have tremendous interest and passion for and it makes going to work not feeling like work. It’s rewarding to be able to work with a product that directly affects and impacts so many people.
Q: I saw that Spotify won best In house agency of the year ( amongst many other awards). Congratulations!
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in just a few years. When I started in 2014 we only had 1 designer, and now we’re 20+. Over the last couple of years we have accomplished so much and won every major design award (Cannes, One show, ADC, D&AD..) through a range of different projects. Even though awards aren't really that important, it’s still a nice confirmation that you’re doing something right and your peers appreciate your work.
Q: What has been your favourite project you have worked on for Spotify?
A: There’s so much but I love the work that directly impacts people's life and how they interact with Spotify. Our end-of-year Wrapped campaign always tend to be a joy in people's life around christmas and the re-design we’ve done for some of Spotify’s biggest playlists such as Rap Caviar, Viva Latino and New Music Friday is work that many of my non-designer friends has shown much appreciation for.
Q: What do the two of you get up to in your spare time (Pre-Covid)?
A: We both love working out and spend a lot of time trying to find new ways of staying active. Running, lifting, playing soccer, going for long walks. Even before covid we’ve always been homebodies so we're used to spending a lot of time at home watching movies and reading.
Q: What have you two learned or picked up as hobbies while quarantine at home?
A: Ciello has spent time really becoming an expert on all things plants/botanics and I’ve spent some time trying to learn and understand how the stock market works.
Q: You're working on a new house in Sweden! Are you designing the space yourself? If so, what has been your approach?
A: Yeah! I bought a little summer-house on an island in Sweden called Oland. The house was mainly for my mom to be able to spend time after retiring this year. I started off by putting in new oak floors and painting everything white to brighten the space. We’re now in the process of trying to furnish the place remotely, I’m instinctively looking for a minimal scandinavian feel but my mom loves adding colors so we balance each other out nicely. It’s been a fun and positive project to share with my mom during this crazy time we are all living in.
Q: Last but not least: Ras: what is your favorite Spotify playlist? Ciello: What is your favorite Malin+Goetz product that is currently on the market? We’re asking for a friend!
Ras A: I'm a fan of the LOREM playlist. It's not really genre based but hand curated by a really talented music editor over at Spotify. I enjoy the playlists that make me discover new artists I've never heard of.
Ciello A: My Favorite product right now is the resurfacing face serum. It's a super easy to use lightweight multitasking gel serum to smooth and clarify. Who has time for a 15 step routine?