• What’s the skinny on you? Tell us your story.
I learned the back-end, programming and database, side of websites first - mostly out of necessity as I took over the websites and applications at my day job. After diving in head first and getting to know the basics, I switched majors in college (I was pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree) and went into web programming and development. Since then I've been trying to focus and learn more of the front-end user experience and graphic design. It is still something I'm working on, but I'm pretty sure I always will be. I've been doing this for about 5 years now and in the last year or so doing more and more websites for clients in my spare time.• What is it that drew you to a life of graphic design? I've always loved beautifully designed products (vehicles and buildings especially). I grew up drawing pictures of anything and everything. I had a few friends that were designers for GM and Ford and I always loved seeing their work, but didn't think I had what it took. When I started college, I decided to go into Mechanical Engineering. That really didn't give me the creative "out" that I needed and when I came back into doing more graphic design, I found what I had been missing. I have a passion for making things unique and love design as a way to make my ideas come alive.
• Where did you collect your design education?
Mostly community college and experience through trial and error. I would love to go back and take more continuing education classes at some point, and I know I need to.
• Are you a team player, or are you a solo creative?
I enjoy both and believe both have their place, although I hate to be micro-managed if in a group or team. I recognize that there is a lot I don't know and in a team ideas and talents grow exponentially. For my own client work, I design solo... for now. I hope to someday have a few people with me on my team.
• Are there any qualities you wish for in a project, or, describe your dream job?
I love designing projects for myself, but find it the most difficult. I would love to design and create a project for myself other than a couple portfolio sites that I can be proud of. I would love to contribute more to the design community and provide tools for other creatives. Although I love design and visual arts, I am also meticulous and stronger in back-end development. My dream job would bring the 2 together in the ultimate package.
• What primes your creative pump? Where do you find your best inspiration?
Cars and Motorcycles. I can't get enough of them. It is probably strange, but the lines, curves, reflections, shadows, etc. give me inspiration. I also love to follow and interact with great designers on Twitter to spark creative ideas.
• We have all had projects that didn’t go well or were quite the challenge. What have you learned from these scenarios?
That I have a lot to learn. I don't think I'll ever know as much as I'd like to, but that is where the power of a great team or creative support group really makes the difference. Someone else to bounce ideas off (besides the client) can be invaluable to your work and save you a ton of time redoing things. Which brings up another challenge for me... time. I think we all want our designs to be perfect for any client, but we need to remember that we are bringing their ideas to life, and not our own.
• If you happened upon enough cash flow to retire today, what would you do?
I would build and design websites and applications from a tropical island. The beauty of the web is that you can live anywhere, and design from anywhere. If I didn't have to worry about the day-to-day financial challenges, I would definitely take my family someplace scenic and inspiring.
• Any advice you care to divulge to students who are currently in training?
Learn all you can, but be prepared for a whole new learning experience designing as a profession. The more you learn, the better off you'll be.
• Last chance, is there anything we missed you’d like to impart?
What a great project! I wish I had done this when I was in school - I wish I had Twitter when I was in school too. :)
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