BEN MORSON – DESIGNER

Today being featured on Design Splat we have the talented and hardworking Ben Morson who is a multi disciplinary designer who specalises in 3D Design, Set Design, 2D Graphic Design & Photography!

- Interview

Hello and Welcome to the Design Splat Blog Ben!

Now to start tell us a bit about what you do:

I’m currently freelancing as a multi disciplinary designer. I specialise in 3D, designing for exhibitions and visualising for film and TV sets. Alongside this I’m mixing in photography and 2D graphic design.

How did you get into design?

I naturally gravitated towards Art at school because there was a freedom to be creative and make up your own rules. Design just felt like the right way to go and I went on to do an Art Foundation course, which I would love to do again – art every day for a year! It was an opportunity to try out Photography, 3D, Graphics, Fashion and so on but I surprised myself by specialising in fine art. Again, this was probably because I felt it was the area with most creative freedom.

Which aspect of Design do you feel is your strongest?

I like to think conceptually to start with but I enjoy the process of taming an idea into something practical. So I’d say design to me is mostly problem solving.

When designing, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?

If I’m physically making something then I’ll plan thoroughly but working in 3D I tend to constantly revise and test and experiment. The whole process is more organic, and that’s what I like about it. Often with photography I find the less direction I have to start with the more creative my shots turn out. If I go in with a clear concept for a photo it almost distracts me from seeing other opportunities during the shoot, so I try and keep it loose. To answer the question, I’m on the fence!

Do you create your pieces by hand or with the use of the computer? Or both?

3D is 99% computer but I make a conscious effort to try and step back into reality all the time. I look at things around me all the time and think how they would be modelled in 3D. If I’m out taking photos I’m studying the way light behaves and how buildings evolve and this feeds back into 3D. It all comes in useful but the downside is its hard switch off.

How do you feel the use of computer has helped the Design Industry move along?

With 3D I think it’s basically a communication thing. A set of 3D visuals can communicate very clearly what the final construction will look like. There’s less room for misunderstanding or assumption because everyone can see what the designer is thinking. Anyone can look at a 3D visual and understand the design, which is not always the case with technical drawings or a white card model.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

Absolutely everywhere. There’s very few things that don’t interest me in one way or another and it’s all design food!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m not sure, and I like that. I’ve got a few possible paths sketched out but I’m prepared for amazing things to happen.

What’s the dream ambition?

Well, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work creatively so my ambition is to keep on doing it and to be constantly learning.

Does fame attract you?

No. I think what it is to be famous is changing anyway, a better aspiration is just to be well respected for what you do.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

Hmmm, that makes me want to draw a pie chart! …Honestly? Eleven.

What makes a good designer?

I think just being productive and keeping it fresh by trying new things all the time.

Do you think the Design Industry will be difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?

Well as a freelancer doing my own thing I don’t feel like I’m trying to break into an industry as such. I’ve been fortunate enough to hit the ground running straight out of uni and even though I don’t know exactly what I’ll be working on next month something will come up. As far as competition goes, I see other designers as an inspiration rather than a threat.

Three words to describe yourself?

Neat. Considered. Lucky.

Hobbies and Interests?

Well aside from the usual (Film, Music, Reading), I’ve always had a fascination with magic tricks and illusions. It does make you look at things in a certain way. Also, Lego.

Favourite Photographer?

I follow a lot of people on flickr, the site is just overflowing with amazing talent. Cardiff based Maciej Dakowicz is incredible. I’ve also recently stumbled across 17yr old Colin Hill from Florida (http://www.flickr.com/photos/colinhill/) and instantly fell in love with his style.

Favourite Designer?

Well, very often if I’m flicking through design images I spot something I like and it turns out to be by Philippe Starck. I really like the way he talks too.

Tools of the trade?

I’m a sucker for gadgets…

For 3D&2D: A nice fast PC, Laptop, Space Pilot 3D mouse, Wacom Intuos 3 graphics tablet.

Photography gear: Canon 7D with 580EXII Speedlite, a 400D & an IXUS 100

Best and worst piece of work in your opinion?

I can’t think of specific pieces but the worst work to me is when it feels unfinished or rushed through at the end. The best work is when I look back at something from a few years ago and remember I can do something in 3D that I’d forgotten about!

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

I guess it’s important to find your own way but I’d say don’t be too precious about anything and challenge yourself every now and then.

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Contact Info:

Email: design@benmorson.com

Website: http://www.benmorson.com

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/Ben-Morson

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Some of Ben’s fantastic creations! 3D & Photography:

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