I came across Dave on the Design Forums (previously featured). He has a great portfolio of Graphic Design work and thought it would be good to share with all you readers!
Enjoy!
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-Interview
Hello Dave and Welcome to Design Splat!
How did you get into Graphic Design?
Its been a gradual progression really, Ive always enjoyed art and design, but then at GCSE level my Art result was mixed up with another Dave Williams in my school, so they school thought id failed! that meant I couldn’t take Art A-Level so ended up doing graphic design instead. The mix up was sorted out in the end, but by then I was enjoying the graphics A level course. After school I went to uni to do a degree in product design, and after that I decided I needed to improve my graphic skills so I did a masters degree in graphic design.
When creating graphics, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?
Obviously all 3 are important, and you cant really have one without the others, but if I had to pick Id say design is always the most important. Planning is vital, and theres no point designing something that you cant implement, but the design is always key to the success of a project. We do what we do because we love to design, so if that is not your most important aspect of your work then maybe something is not quite right.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still designing, improving, working hard, trying out new things and progressing.
Own Business or working for a company?
Long term the idea of my own business really appeals to me because of the flexibility that would give but there are numerous benefits to working for someone else, less stress, guaranteed income and no worries once home time arrives, so for now Im happy doing what Im doing, but in the future, who knows.
Any specific company you would like to work for?
I do quite a lot of work in the sports industry, and I have already achieved one of my career aims by working on projects for Liverpool FC, but I would love to get involved with Nike someday, they do some awesome design related things so working with them would be very cool.
Does fame attract you?
The idea of my work being well known is very appealing, and Im sure every designer is no different. The idea of individual fame doesnt really appeal to me though, I like my lifestyle the way it is.
How do you rate yourself as a designer?
Ever improving I would hope. I still have a lot to learn, but it’s nice (and cringeworthy) to look back and see some of my work from a few years back and realise how much Ive improved and matured as a designer. Hopefully I’ll still be doing that in 30 years time.
What makes a good graphic designer?
Hard work, the ability to take criticism constructively, dedication, an eye for aesthetics and raw talent that is willing to be trained, moulded and constantly improved.
Do you think the Graphic Design Industry will be difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?
I know from my own experience it is a very difficult industry to get into. I had to work for nearly 6 months for free, on unpaid placements that I organised myself just to start getting interviews. Before then people said my work was good but I had no experience, so I was in a bit of a catch 22 situation. It was tough going to work everyday for nothing, but it paid off in the end, and it gave me an insight into what to expect in the real world.
What do you think it takes to become successful in the Graphic Design industry?
Probably the same qualities described in the earlier question; you need to be determined, take knocks but keep going, always strive to improve and keep up to date with an ever changing industry by reading blogs, books, magazines, websites and anything else you can get your hands on.
Three words to describe yourself?
Laid back, hard working, creative
Hobbies and Interests?
Playing and watching sports, especially football, anything iphone related, american TV shows (lost,24,entourage), going to the movies and spending time with my girlfriend, Amy.
Favourite Designer?
I’ve never really had a favourite designer, there are loads of pieces of work by a wide range of designers, artists and studios that I really like, but that list is constantly changing!
Tools of the trade?
Apple G4 iMac, 17inch screen, scanner, printer,black pens and paper, brain!
Best and worst piece of work?
I’ve been using Photoshop now for over 10 years, but some of my early efforts when I was getting to grips with the software ended up looking like a bit of a car crash, so anything from that era! As for my best piece of work, I don’t think Ive done it yet, you can always keep improving!
Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?
Just practice, practice & practice. Don’t give up and don’t take anything personally.
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Contact Details:
Email: davewilldesign@gmail.com
Website: http://davewilliamsdesigns.blogspot.com
Facebook Group Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=274324892169&ref=ts
Portfolio on 5oup: http://5oup.net/people/dave
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davewi11
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Examples of Dave’s work:
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