• What’s the skinny on you? Tell us your story.
I'm a 28 year old print designer who is desperately trying to transition into web design living in Detroit Michigan.• What is it that drew you to a life of graphic design?
I was always artistic. It wasn't until the end of high school and beginning college that the term 'graphic design' started to be bounced around. I was decent at the fine arts...but I was more into computers and such. I was interested because I just didn't know much about it. I didn't know how the advertising business worked or how Photoshop worked...so I just wanted to find out.
• Where did you collect your design education?
I attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
• Are you a team player, or are you a solo creative?
I tend to be a solo creative. Its a habit that I'm trying to break. Working in a firm with other creatives helps with that, though.
• Are there any qualities you wish for in a project, or, describe your dream job?
If we're talking wishful thinking -- I'd love for EVERYTHING to be thought out and finalized before I start designing. ;) But even in the imperfect world, there are happy accidents that come from learning along with the client.
• What primes your creative pump? Where do you find your best inspiration?
I read a lot of design blogs and magazines. I think I am most inspired by articles that delve into the designer's thought process. I think that's the most important thing. We all get stuck in a similar thought pattern because it works (sometimes). Finding new ways to thinking about things makes designing a much more pleasurable experience.
• We have all had projects that didn’t go well or were quite the challenge. What have you learned from these scenarios?
Timing. Being accurate with my timing. And communicating to the client each step of the project and when I get hung up or stuck. It happens and instead of being dismissive about it - confront it yourself and keep your client in the know.
• If you happened upon enough cash flow to retire today, what would you do?
I would travel and draw nature. I recently began wanting to draw again. I might teach graphic design on a college level.
• Any advice you care to divulge to students who are currently in training?
Read. Read. Read. And sketch. Sketch. Sketch. Not only does it help you map out the design or narrow down choices -- it gives you a visual reference to look back on. Also, the creative director (a good one) hiring you for the graphic design job is more interested in your thinking than your ability to make a perfectly flightchecked brochure. Sketching helps them see where you mind goes.
• Last chance, is there anything we missed you’d like to impart? I sure I am...but I can't think of anything at the moment. Thank you for the chance to get these thoughts out of my head!
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