Today we welcome Mandy to Design Splat!

To get the readers started Mandy, tell us a bit about what you do:

Hello there, I work as a Designer at the lovely Lane Agency in Edinburgh. The clients we have are really varied and the work is mostly digital, print, advertising and branding.

How did you get into Graphic Design?

I used to be a youth worker in a young people’s drop in centre, but quite often I’d be working on the website or creating posters, promotional materials (really badly in MS Office) *shudder*

I’d also work with young people in arts centred activities, so the signs that I wanted to be in the creative industries were always there. After going back to university to try and finish a Psychology Degree (that I didn’t really want), I ended up being temping at Edinburgh’s Telford College. I saw that they ran an evening class in Graphic Design; I enrolled and then went on to full time study the year after. It was the best thing I ever did.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

Yes, I have an HND in Graphic Design. Creative directors I have talked to mainly say they believe the portfolio is the most important thing (closely followed by personality). I can’t imagine having a decent portfolio to show anyone, without having been to college. It’s fascinating to learn about design history and styles, and having tutors who have worked in the industry to learn from is invaluable. So yes I would say for most people it is important to have something – however that said there are always exceptions to the rule. I also think experience, drive and hard work will get you far. I absolutely loved being at college, not only for the learning aspect, but also the chance to be surrounded by like minded people, this really helps to develop the ability to talk about ideas and bounce ideas of each other.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years time, I would like to be a senior designer in an agency. I would also like to return to the college I went to as a mentor/visiting lecturer to the students there.

Own Business/Freelance or working for a company?

I have done both and I prefer working in an agency. It’s good to be surrounded by motivated, creative people to learn from and bounce ideas off/get direction from and it really separates work life and home life. Freelancing at home can be a bit lonely and sometimes I would find myself still working until 11pm (which is mental as my brain has had it by that time!)

If you could work for any client who would it be and why?

I would absolutely love to work for a malt whiskey client. I adore working with type and whiskey packaging often has lots of type with a luxurious finish, embossing, foil stamping, lovely stock, rich colours… there’s often some storytelling through illustration too which would be lovely to work on. Plus I also really like a nice single malt.

What makes a good graphic designer?

The ability to communicate is very important, to talk about ideas, to sell ideas. Also the ability to get under a client’s skin, extract what it is they want, empathise with them, really be able to create for them a solution that works. Design isn’t just about making things look great; it has to serve a purpose. I think it is also really important to stay culturally aware, be aware of what is going on in the world, in advertising, fashion, architecture, art – be aware of what is out there, and the context your work sits in and stay curious; be interested in as much as possible.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I think it can really help to get away from a brief to digest it. So going for a walk is usually a good idea. However this isn’t always possible when the brief is on your desk at 9am and something is expected by lunchtime. In this case, I would just launch into the design process – research, sketch, concepts, have a quick pick of my workmates brains and bounce ideas around. Visual bookmarking sites such as FFFFound and Pinterest can be really inspiring.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

I think it can be hard to have confidence and self belief sometimes. Making the move to study full time was quite a big step for me and I was totally terrified, but making this leap really developed my confidence and transformed my life (cheesy but true).

Do you think the Graphic Design Industry is difficult to get into? 

It’s a competitive industry to get into. There are lots and lots of graduates, so you need to stand out in some way and get your work under the noses of Creative Directors. As many as possible, you never know who might be thinking about hiring a designer, or knows someone who is. I think it’s also important to have an online presence – get a website, use twitter and linked in. This also demonstrates an understanding of the digital world and social media. Aside from a strong portfolio, you need a good work ethic, a positive attitude and the ability to communicate well. It doesn’t hurt to be one of the good guys either.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the Graphic Design industry?

Hard work, a love of what you do and a desire to never stop learning. When you see a design and you say ‘Of course, what else can it be!’ when design is made to look so effortless and obvious – though we all know that it probably took ages of agony – when something works and you can’t think of a single alternative. That’s what I aspire to. A great example of this is the badge set created by Effektive Studio to celebrate Lego’s birthday. Awesome.

Do you get bored with your job if yes how do you overcome this?

A friend once told me that only boring people get bored. This is of course mostly nonsense, but there is an element of truth there too. Things are what you make them, make it more interesting, adjust your mindset, remind yourself that there are at least a hundred graduates in the city who would willingly jump into your job! I have done some pretty tedious jobs in my time, so I know what it’s like to be properly, ‘I-want-to-scream’ bored!

Favourite Typeface?

Anything by Hoeffler-Frere-Jones pretty much. I had a huge crush on Gotham, but it is everywhere right now. I also have a thing for a fatface – Bella (by Face37) is beautiful. Also really liking the trend for hand drawn condensed sans such as Stranglove (by Facetype)

Software you couldn’t live without?

Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Dropbox.

Hobbies and Interests?

Being out on my bike, hanging out in the Malt Whisky Society, cooking big slap up meals, watching murder mysteries with my cat (she loves them) and beating my boyfriend at scrabble.

Favourite Designer?

Current favourites are Coralie Bickford-Smith, Magpie, Craig Oldham Effektive Studio and Graphical House.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Work hard and always do your best. Stay curious, be interested in as much as possible. Talk about your ideas enthusiastically, you have to effectively sell them! If you aren’t enthusiastic about them, who will be? Never apologise when presenting your work – be proud of it (that one is actually from a Creative Director). Develop a thick skin; seek criticism, so you can improve. Get your work out there, a website is a must, if you don’t do code, use one of the free platforms such as Behance ProSite, Cargo Collective or Carbon Made. Use social media to promote yourself and connect with people in the industry. Volunteer yourself for as many work experience placements as possible, this is invaluable to get experience on your CV, find out first hand about studio life and figure out what kind of place you would like to work in. It’s also great fun, and a real opportunity to get to know people in the industry and you also learn tons, really fast. You might even get some work for your folio or a reference. Stay playful, have fun, be brave; being a designer really is the best job in the world.

Where you can find Mandy on the internet:

Website:  http://www.mandyfleetwood.co.uk

Email:  hello@mandyfleetwood.co.uk   

Twitter:  @mandyfleetwood

Blog:  mandyfleetwood.tumblr.com

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Today we welcome Artist Oliver Proudlock and his super awesome brand Serge DeNimes to Design Splat!

To get the readers started Oliver, tell us a bit about what you do and how Serge DeNimes was born:

I am an artist and recently set up a t-shirt company called Serge DeNimes. Ever since my first art exhibition when I was 17, I have always printed my artwork on t-shirts to give my friends a chance to buy something, as well as promote my art. T-shirts are an amazing wearable tool to express your creativity.

I have always been into fashion, and Serge DeNimes has been a natural development of my movement into the fashion world.  Our first line is inspired by a series of photographs, taken in 1978 by prominent photographers Lena Proudlock & Douglas Villiers, which focused on the world’s largest and most renowned Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro.

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Oliver Proudlock:

I usually get into the office around 8am. My day is made up of designing, looking for features for the blog, doing photo shoots for the brand as well as shooting videos. We have recently done a Serge DeNimes Song, ft. rapper Cushman and Caggie Dunlop. It’s very exciting, a very catchy summer track and we are currently planning the music video to be ready for the start of the summer. This will be realesed alongside our new Collection!!

What is the vision for Serge DeNimes? Where do you see yourself and the brand in 5 years time?

To start I want to establish the brand by creating original urban t-shirts of the highest quality. As well as producing our own designs, Serge DeNimes also plans to collaborate with other artists in the future, acting as a platform for up and coming talent. We hope to create an artistic community that focuses on producing cutting edge clothes of the highest quality.  However t-shirts is just the beginning, I want to start experimenting with denim along with other fabrics, aspiring to be an ever-evolving brand. In 5 years time, I hope to have a wide range of products, from board shorts, sunglasses, knitwear and jeans!! And I hope that the brand will be stocked worldwide. The pressure is on, but I am so excited and passionate about the future of Serge DeNimes.

The first collection of Serge DeNimes t-shirts are of the Rio Carnival, what made you choose these photographs for the first collection?

My mum took the photos with her first husband, and they published the book Carnival In Rio in 1978. I have always loved the book, and thought the images were unreal. Since visiting Rio for the 1st time when I was 18 for the Carnival, I fell in love with the place and everything the festival represents. As a result I have always wanted to print these amazing images onto T-shirts, so for me they seemed like the perfect subject for the first collection.

Can you tell us anything about the next collection of t-shirts and what they will be like?!

We have a Serge Basic Line coming out, with emphasis on cut, and material. Alongside these we have some LOGO Tees, and we our currently designing a Serge Celeb. line. We are working on Samples at the moment, and they should be out for the summer!!

Who would you most like to see in a Serge DeNimes t-shirt?

Lil Wayne

Now, we know you’re an artist so tell us how did you get into creating art? Was there a defining point in your life? If so how did it shape you as an artist?

I have been interested in art since a very young age. From the age of 8 I was obsessed with drawing, during class I always used to zone out and draw. It definitely didn’t help my grades! This passion then developed into my teens, and when I went to Eton, this is when I became serious. The facilities there were amazing, and they had an amazing Art block, where I would spend hours on end everyday after class. The head of art there was a big inspiration for me, and I was lucky enough to have parents who supported me when i decided to continue with art after finishing school. I realised at this point that art was my passion, and I could never see myself doing anything else so decided to specialize in art and applied for a foundation at St. Martins. After this I then applied for a 4 year Fine Art course at Newcastle University, this was an amazing course and was a great opportunity for me to get out of London and experience a completely different artistic environment. I loved it, it gave me an opportunity to live art in an environment very different from my own. I met some amazing creative people, and massively developed my style and understanding of conceptual art.

What does art mean to you?

For me art is an opportunity to express oneself freely. There are no boundaries, it is pure creativity free from rules and oppressions.

What do you go for inspiration for the pieces you create?

My artwork is conditioned by my immediate surroundings: the chaotic, culturally diverse and volatile urban atmosphere.

What media is your favourite to work in?

Within my work I explore a wide range of media from photography to painting, collage and printing.  But my favourite is probably painting, I find this the most exhilarating.

What drives you and gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

I constantly have a need to flourish and develop in anything I do, and in order to do this one has to live their passion and not stop in order to succeed. As soon as you stop or slow down, you miss a beat and spend your time catching up. You need to constantly be fighting to stay on trend, only then can you push yourself to achieve to the best of your ability.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

Of course to live as an artist is not easy, as one doesn’t have a steady income and it is hard to regularly sells artworks. When I left university, and came back to London it was very hard, as I had no money and no base to live or any studio to paint. It took my a while to become settled, I lived out of a bag moving from house to house for months and this made it hard for me to have a routine and as a result effected my production of artworks. This then lead me to where I am now, and inspired me to continue my art form but through a different media. Printing artworks on t-shirts, and hence Serge DeNimes was born!!

What do you think it takes to become successful in the art industry?

It takes a number of factors, first of all it goes without saying that you have to be extremely talented, you have to be extremely driven and not only produce art but live it every second of every day. Also i think there is an element of luck, I feel in todays very competitive world you have to know certain people in order to get your foot in the door. It could also be a fact of being in the right place at the right time.

Do you have qualifications in art? How important do you think qualifications are for artists?

Yes, I have a BA in Fine Art. However I do not think it is a necessity to have qualifications for an artist. I feel that your artistic talent is intrinsic; through teaching i feel it can of course develop and be finely tuned, but fundamentally i think you can achieve this through life and our experiences.

Can you recall the first piece of art that you created that made you go “Wow that’s pretty awesome I’m not bad!”?

Haha yes funnily enough I can. It was a piece called ‘Flaming 5′ which i did when i was 15, to this day I remember the last brush stroke i made and stepping back alongside my teacher. We both looked at it, and he said, “You’ve got yourself a painting there Ollie” I cannot let it go, and it currently hangs in my dads apartment.

What is the most memorable piece that you have done and why?

My most memorable piece has to be the one above ‘Flaming 5′ because of that reason. And to this date it is still my favourite piece, I think I peaked way too early!!

How do you rate yourself as an artist?

Right now I do not rate myself too highly, as I haven’t painted in a while because of my new t-shirt company Serge DeNimes, which takes up a lot of my time. I am a little rusty!!

What in your mind makes a good artist?

For me it is someone who is able to create artworks that stand out, and reflect a sense of originality. In todays art world it is so rare to find this, so much art is too similar.

Three words to describe yourself?

Driven, Creative & Eclectic

Hobbies and other interests?

Film, Fashion, Football, Tennis, Running.

Who is your favourite artist?

Robert Rauschenberg

And finally, is there any advice you can share with aspiring artists?

Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries, and create things that inspire you.

Thanks Oliver!

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Links of websites: www.oliverproudlock.com, t-shirt website is www.sergedenimes.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Serge-DeNimes/197436926939967

Twitter: @SDNIMES

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Some of the pieces created by Oliver:

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Some of the Serge DeNimes collection:

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Postcard designs by Louise Twizell. Original logo by Rosie Caitlin Mckie.

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Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Louise!

To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

I’m currently living away from home, studying graphic design at Nottingham Trent University. I love branding and the idea of packaging interests me. I wish I was good at publication design, that’s one thing I’d love to get my head around.

How did you get into Graphic Design?

It’s an interest I’ve always had and always wanted to develop. I started out teaching myself and learning by trial and error but am steadily improving with the help of being at University. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved to draw and be creative in one way or another. Plus, for as long as I’ve had a computer I’ve always been interested in playing around with software etc. so it wasn’t long before the two came together. I love figuring out new tricks so I always found little projects to do throughout school, which was great for experience and experimentation.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

I’m halfway through my degree now and two years prior to starting my course I completed my A-Levels which included graphic design. The 2 years in between college and university were a bit of a test for me, I tried freelancing in a number of different ways, some successful, some not so much. It all depends where you want to be. I think qualifications are extremely important for working your way up in a big (sometimes even small) organisation. I’ve had doors closed on me before I’ve had a chance to even show off my work, simply because I don’t have a piece of paper that says I am ‘qualified’. It seems like you can only get your foot so far in the door without having studied at higher education. At one point university wasn’t even a concern of mine, but I’m glad I got in there when I did.

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

I think both are equally important to some extent and you can’t have one without the other. Planning is so vital to me, it almost always has to make sense. I think content drives design, so for me to create a polished outcome I really have to understand where my idea came from. There’s a quote from a few years back that I like to remind myself of by Jeffrey Zeldman. He said “Content precedes design. Design in the absence of content is not design, it’s decoration.” I fully believe in that with most projects and I try to live by that with each brief I get. I guess that answer is in terms of fitting a brief because on the other hand, you can have something totally spontaneous be something absolutely beautiful.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well I will have graduated by then so hopefully I’ll be in a nice job, in a city I love, that pays well, challenges me and allows me to thank the family and friends that have helped me out along the way. I’d say I’ve got some pretty big favours to return.

Own Business/Freelance or working for a company?

It’d be great to experience a bit of everything really but I’m not so sure I want to be a lonely designer again in a hurry, so I think it’d be great to work my way up in a company. I do love handling a job on my own but I really enjoy throwing ideas around in a group too and I feel that would work best in a company environment.

If you could work for any client who would it be and why?

That’s a really tough question, one I’ve never properly thought about. At the moment it’s looking like I’m gearing my portfolio towards mostly branding, so I guess a big branding job of pretty much any description would be looking good right now.

Does fame attract you?

You could say so, I’d love to be known and respected for my work. That would be a great achievement. I’m striving for an enriched life, so as long as I enjoy what I do and am making a comfortable income, I’ll be happy.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

I’d say I’ve came a long way from aimlessly sitting at a computer trying to make things work but obviously there’s still a lot to learn. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning, at least I hope not. On the whole, things seem to be coming a lot more naturally as of late, I feel like I’ve introduced a real process to my work from start to finish.

What makes a good graphic designer?

Great ideas, and good communication of those ideas. As well as an understanding of each element of design – colour, typography, layout, etc. Consistency too, I guess – as far as work ethic goes.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Everywhere. It’s mostly within the research I do for a project that an idea comes out. Sometimes just a walk to clear my head is all I need for inspiration. I mostly check out design blogs and websites as well as books I own. A good sleep can be inspiring too, I think sometimes we over analyse the problems and force ourselves to find a solution when really it can surface at the strangest of times. Have a break, have a cat nap.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

Difficult clients. Creative block. Hardware failure. There’s been all sorts of hurdles but nothing that I couldn’t get around yet.

Do you think the Graphic Design Industry is difficult to get into?

Well I don’t think too fondly of those who think they can just jump straight into it as if it’s an easy job. But if someone has ideas and an eye for it, they can definitely be taught and even developed into a designer. You don’t just suddenly wake up one day and decide you’re a graphic designer though, you get as much out of it as you put in. I think it’s extremely competitive but it can be a friendly thing – and there’s always gonna be demand for design, so in that aspect, there’s a place for everyone.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the Graphic Design industry?

Probably good ideas, communication and the ability to compromise. Understanding that what you want and what the client wants may be two completely different things but being able to meet in the middle can be key.

Which design websites do you visit on a regular basis?

I’ve been known to check out Behance on an almost daily basis, it’s cool and really encouraging to check out who’s been viewing your work and to see what’s new around the globe. Off the top of my head, Friends of Type is always a fun visit, same with Designspiration. Even Flickr can be a good search, and I’m a sucker for scoping out Tumblr.

Do you get bored with your job if yes how do you overcome this?

I can get bored within a project if I feel it’s dragged out too long and I’ve had to keep revisiting old stuff but not if it’s steady paced and constantly improving. I think mostly I grin and bare it when it gets boring. I’d say I get creative block more than I get bored – in which case I research every tiny detail until I’m inspired.

If you weren’t a graphic designer, what would you be?

I honestly don’t know. This is the one thing I’ve ever been most certain of in my whole life. I always wonder what ‘talent’ I might have discovered if I wasn’t so wrapped up in making graphic design work. I guess I’ll never know… and that might just be for the best.

Favourite Typeface?

I really love tall, narrow sans-serif fonts. But I’ve also got a thing for quirky hand drawn type and script. A bit of everything but never anything too novelty-like.

Software you couldn’t live without?

Creative suite. iTunes. Wordpad.

Mac or PC?

I prefer Mac but up until a few months ago I’d been using the same PC for the past 10+ years. It’s all down to preference and circumstance really but if you’ve got the skills you’ll make it work no matter what tools you have. That’s a true designer.

Three words to describe yourself?

Indecisive. Ambiguous. Hopeful.

Hobbies and Interests?

My friends and family are my interests. I love gigs, movies, good food, having fun and laughing lots. Oh and is it cheesy to say designing is a hobby?

Favourite Designer?

I honestly couldn’t name one to settle on, it changes every week. There’s not one single designer that I idolise, I just know what I like when I see it. You could say I had a huge obsession with Jon Contino’s work last year. I love his lettering. I enjoy a wide range of styles but I never coin ‘favourites’.

Tools of the trade?

Whatever I need to get the job done. Most commonly involved in a project for me are an A6 journal, pens, squared paper, my computer and tablet/pen – I get major cramp with a mouse. I should probably explore different materials and such more often but that’s something I’ll get round to when it suits the brief. There’s a few things I’m working on right now that use new materials and exploration.

Best and worst piece of work?

I’m tempted to say the more recent stuff I’m working on right now is my better work. And my worst, well, I can think of a number of random pub posters and flyers that would put me to shame. Good job I’m not a fan of slapping my name on everything I do.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Don’t give up. Seriously, the sleepless nights will be worth it.

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Contact Details:

Website: http://www.louisetwizell.co.uk

Email: l.twizell@gmail.com

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Some pieces from Louise’s portfolio:

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Today we welcome Scott Nellis to Design Splat!

Hi Scott thanks for giving us a couple of minutes of your time! To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

Hi Amber and everyone reading, thank you for having me on Design Splat.  I am a freelance illustrator/artist based in Brighton.  I create imagery that is often highly detailed – some of it is a bit weird.

How did you get into Illustration?

Getting into illustration has been a natural progression for me as I have enjoyed drawing from a very young age.  As I grew up, along with drawing I loved to write short stories, mess around with computer graphics, animate, and in my teenage years I began to play music and write songs, mainly for guitar.  You could say creativity is deeply ingrained in me.

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

Definitely the implementation.  I often start with just a snap shot image in my mind or a crude thumbnail sketch. From there my work can be very organic and everything grows from a single element. I rarely know what the finished product will look like and my process often tends to veer towards the ad-libbed.

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

If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago I would have answered that all my work is exclusively hand drawn on paper using a black ink pen.  Now, I still draw on paper with a black ink pen but I also combine other pens, techniques and mediums such as; my own photography, found imagery, monoprinting, scanning, and then throw it all together to be coloured digitally.

Where do you get inspiration for your illustrative pieces?

Many, many sources.  Over the years my subconscious has been bombarded by imagery from computer games, movies, TV, and books and so the results probably tend to show through in my work.  General life experience, emotions, and things that basically pique my interest, all go into the soup.  I have always been curious about other worldy things and listening to music never fails to generate visions inside my head.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I couldn’t say for sure but hopefully not on the dole. Making a living from the creative industries would be very much acceptable.

What’s the dream ambition?

Combining work with travel, either moving about freelancing or taking work in other countries. At least to be in a situation where travel is part of my life.

Does fame attract you?

As an illustrator and probably typically, I am quite introverted and spend many hours at my desk, alone with long spaces between human contact. Fame for me as a person is very unappealing.  If on the other hand you are talking about my work, I wouldn’t go as far as to say I seek fame but if I am at a point where I am consistently producing work of a high standard, then some notoriety for my work would be pleasant. Credit where credit is due etcetera.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

Do you mean, do I think I am any good? I see myself as someone who is developing and improving as an artist and I am happy with the skills I have gained thus far. There still remains an unfathomable amount for me to learn. I need much more experience before I could answer that question properly.

What makes a good illustrator?

The text book answer would probably be someone who successfully communicates a message either visually or audibly with simple and concise conveyance.  Once again, I couldn’t answer accurately at this point.  Illustration is such a broad discipline, I don’t think there is a definite answer and I’m still regularly baffled by the industry.

My personal tastes lead me to enjoy drawings or paintings.  Work that retains a traditional feel and isn’t overly vectorised or pieces that express at least some craftsmanship.  This is what I consider good illustration.

Do you think the design Industry is difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?

Generally you’ve gotta put a vast amount of time into studying at college, then university, building up a decent portfolio, before you can even attempt to step foot into the industry.  Logically, the less competition there is, the easier it is to gain employment, but I think if you have the dedication to improve your skills and promote yourself, then the rewards will come to you (He says looking in the mirror, trying to convince himself).  Although, there are a lot of illustrators out there.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

I have a BA (Hons) in Illustration.  The letters after a person’s name aren’t important as a designer per say, but the skills and portfolio you gain whilst at University, in my opinion, are paramount to gaining work within the industry.  The qualification is perhaps something to fall back on if all else fails.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way and how do you overcome them?

Obstacles come along all the time.  It can be most difficult when you first graduate to either motivate or find ways to promote yourself, but mainly when grappling with the non-design side of things such as business acumen.  There are ways of finding some of this stuff out though, online or through certain governmental channels that offer advice regarding self-employment. Pricing jobs can be very tricky.  Some designers have written blog articles explaining different ways on how to calculate job pricing.  I guess most people discover how everything works through experience.

It can feel extremely cold once you take off that cap and gown, so if anyone is still at university I advise getting as much knowledge from your tutors as you can. Get your money’s worth!

What do you think it takes to become successful in the design industry?

I was hoping you could tell me! Umm, hard work? Talent? Extreme masochism??

Three words to describe yourself?

Creative. Determined. Puzzled.

Hobbies and Interests?

I love travel with a passion and have been fortunate enough to see various places in younger life – I am always hoping to do more.  I like the usual kind of things really;  Rock ‘n’ roll music, pubs, backgammon, football, film etc etc etc.

Favourite illustrator?

It’s tough to choose just one.  When I was growing up I enjoyed looking at horror, fantasy and sci-fi stuff. Then as a teen it was a mixture of album art, psychedelia, master painters and surrealism. Nowadays I look at the endless stream of contemporary illustration that is available to view on-line.  With so much information being taken onboard now I generally don’t remember artist names as much and because of this I’m going to give a bit of a stock answer. So to summarise and throw you a few names, I’ll go with the artists Roger Dean, Caravaggio and Vania Zouravliov.

Tools of the trade?

Pens, pencils, paper, camera, internet, scanner, Mac, Photoshop, printer.

Best and worst piece of work?

I did some really bad pieces of work when I was at uni. Work that makes me cringe when I think about it. I had some horrible critiques. I wouldn’t put any of that on my website. There was one where I was painting on a shoe box and pieces of wood – that was particularly bad. Also a mock cover I did for the Guardian’s G2 magazine was awful.  I occasionally come across it in my old computer files.

Whilst there are items on my site that are obviously not as good as some of the others, I am generally happy with everything I am displaying. A lot of my projects are my best pieces of work for various reasons.  I still love my older, highly detailed, pen drawings and I also love my newer colourful pieces. To answer the question I’ll give you the artwork I did not so long ago for Seattle band Holy Names’ album ‘Perpetual Beginner’ and an older pen drawing titled ‘Love Is…’.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

All the time I am learning how valuable it is to have an on-line presence.  Most of this will probably be obvious or old news to the readers but you should at least have a website or some kind of on-line portfolio.  There are numerous artristic community sites to upload work and get it seen by the world such as Art Review or Society 6.  Create a Facebook page and Twitter account to let people know what you are up to.  Sell prints and artworks via sites such as Etsy, Folksy, or Society 6.

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Contact Details:

Links of websites:   http://www.scottnellis.com

Email:  mail@scottnellis.com                   

Facebook Page Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Nellis-Illustration/240692099298512

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/scott_nellis

Other Links:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/scottnellis

http://scrollproject.blogspot.com

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Some of the fabulous work from Scott’s portfolio

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Tell us a bit about what you do:

In a nutshell I run a full service design studio called mettacreative. Our core capabilities include web design/development, print design, brand identity, and illustration. A variety of work as well as detail descriptions of our services may be found at http://mettacreative.com

How long have you been a designer for?

Mentally since i was about 7, I used to walk around local video rental stores and study the movie covers, later I began doing that with comic book and album covers. Starting from a very young age up until high-school I also used to spend many hours a day drawing.  My first experience with graphic design began towards my late high school years creating flyers for various bands that I played in.

How did you get into Web & Graphic Design?

Before even owning a computer I would design flyers for my bands gigs by cutting out pictures from magazines with an x-acto knife, pasting them together as a collage and then xeroxing black and white copies, punk rock style. Once I bought my first iMac a friend of mine turned me onto photoshop and that’s when it all really started. I designed my first site around ‘96 , one of those cjb.net sites showcasing artwork by my friends and I.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

I never went to school for design, kind of just jumped right into it.  I started working for a local print company 7 years ago called metroink where I became well acquainted with different design styles, learned about typography and further developed my technical knowledge of photoshop and illustrator.  After a few years I went freelance and took my dedication to whole new level. I also began to study workflow and productivity techniques to sharpen up my business sense, which I still continue to work on.

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

They are both just as important.  When I consider to take on a new project the first step is always to guide prospects to fill out our project planner (http://mettacreative.com/project-planner).  This provides a foundation and pinpoints the specific goal(s) to ensure the best path to take depending on the clients requirements and budget.  Once we have established a solid plan the next step is to implement it.  

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the middle of the woods somewhere directing my business remotely and working on music for a multimedia live show.

If you could design a website for anyone who would it be?

Bill Murray.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

I think I’ve come a long way over many years of experience, I rate myself pretty high as a designer but would like to grow much more as an illustrator and combine more traditional forms of art with digital mediums as well as print and apparel.  

In your eyes what makes a good designer?

The ability to pinpoint a specific goal or problem and create a solution that is most appropriate to achieve that goal or fix that problem.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I like parks and hiking or just spending time with creative people and sharing ideas. My favorite websites for inspiration are abduzeedo.com, smashingmagazine.com, gomediazine.com, zenhabits.net. And of course good tunes always help.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

Hiring the right kind of people and making sure that you are all on the same level and working as a unit. One bad apple could really poison the entire batch if your not careful.

Do you think the design industry is difficult to break into as the industry is forever growing?

Its certainly a challenge especially in the beginning. To start off you may have to do some free work or at a very low rate, just to start getting some experience and building up your portfolio.  I would recommend inquiring at a local print shop or design firm even if your just sitting in to learn from more experienced designers. The most important thing is to get your foot in the door and once you grow as a designer you can gradually raise your rate. You can also try websites like 99 designs and use the mock designs you create for your portfolio even if they don’t choose your design. Just keep practicing and once your confident with your skill-set network endlessly, both online and in person.

What drives you/give you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

Positive company, reading about influential & successful individuals, exciting projects.

Does fame attract you?

Only if it helps achieve my goals.

Do you get bored with your job if yes how do you overcome this?

If a project begins to feel dull I find that the best solution is to take a break, switch gears to something else, maybe go for a walk, go to lunch etc.. Usually when you come back to it you will feel refreshed to attack properly again. Also the goal is to plan your time to work on appropriate tasks during certain parts of the day. For example I like to work on my most creative and important tasks early in the day when my mind is sharp and fresh, at that time there is much less of a chance that I will get bored.

Favorite typeface?

Steelfish!

Software you couldn’t live without?

Photoshop & Illustrator.

Three words to describe yourself?

Creative. Passionate. Persistent.

Hobbies and other interests?

I like to check out local bands and art exhibits. From time to time I still draw and paint, whenever I have the time and feel inspired. I’m very interested in future technology and the evolution of man-kind.

Tools of the trade?

iMac, iPhone, graph paper, pencil, pen.

Best and worst piece of work?

My favorite piece of work is a tie between the Bearfest Poster & Therina Bella Illustration for her T-Shirt. Worst Piece of work is a logo I designed bout 6 years ago for a company called Party People Promotions. It was a cd with a mic going through the hole,. Pretty cheezy, but they loved it.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Keep doing what you love. Work smart, take breaks and don’t burn out, maintain a steady flow of creative energy. Eat well, exercise and drink plenty of water.

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Contact Details:

Links of websites:

http://mettacreative.com
http://vitowolf.tumblr.com   

Email:

vito@mettacreative.com                  

Facebook Group Link:

facebook.com/mettacreative

Facebook Profile Link:

facebook.com/vitowolf

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/mettacreative
http://twitter.com/vitowolf

–

–

Enjoy!

Today we welcome Amy from Cakes with Faces to Design Splat!

Hi Amy thanks for giving us a couple of minutes of your time! To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

I create graphic art and illustration, mainly cute character designs influenced by Japanese kawaii. Recently I’ve opened an online shop featuring my artwork on t-shirts and prints.

How did you get into creating art and Illustration?

I taught myself Photoshop for my work as a graphic designer, then moved on to Illustrator and spent my spare time learning vector illustration, which made it possible to achieve the clean, graphic artwork I wanted, with bold, flat colour and chunky outlines.

When creating art/illustrations, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?

My drawings are often characters I’ve been thinking about, so any planning I do is in my head while doing other things. While that’s important, I concentrate much more on creating the artwork itself – that’s when I’ll sit down and put in the time.

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

I always sketch by hand first, to get the proportions right. Then I scan in and use my scribbles as a guide, working over them on the PC. I like the clean look of vectors, but it’s easier to be more creative and develop ideas when sketching by hand. Although all my Cakes with Faces artwork is digital, I do love painting and drawing- if I start drooling over art supplies in a shop I can be gone for several hours.

Where do you get inspiration for your art work?

A lot of my drawings are based on food – which shows what I think about all the time! I’m also inspired by everything ultra-modern, cute and quirky from Tokyo, including design, fashion and of course manga and anime.

Where did the idea for Cakes with Faces come from?

After I’d been working in my current style for a few years, my portfolio was mounting up on my hard drive and I wanted to do something with it. I decided to create a website as a collection of my artwork. I called it Cakes with Faces because at the time a lot of my drawings were cakes with faces. It’s only in the past few months that I’ve taken it a step further by starting to sell my artwork on t-shirts and prints – something I’d been thinking about for a long time!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope Cakes with Faces will become more established and well known, so I can expand my range of t-shirts and become a regular on the convention circuit. It would be great to put on a gallery show or have an art book, and I’d love to design a pair of trainers or a watch.

What’s the dream ambition?

I’d love to have a whole apparel empire, and a range of blindbox toys.

Does fame attract you?

When I was little I wanted to be a famous actress – that hasn’t happened but I think there’s room for one more superstar graphic artist!

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

I hope I’m always improving…  

What makes a good artist/illustrator?

You need to have an individual style that you enjoy – it’s better to create what inspires you than chase trends.

Do you think the design Industry is difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?

There’ll always be a lot of competition so you have to just go for it! Hopefully there are as many different styles of art and design as there are people of different tastes.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

I studied art at school, but my degree is in English literature. Both my parents went to art college, so I think it’s in the blood! Imagination and enthusiasm are more important than qualifications, as well as taking the time to practise.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way and how do you overcome them?

The hardest part for me is finding the time for my artwork, when working full time as well. You don’t always feel like looking at a computer screen after staring at one all day at work. But when you want to finish your projects, it’s not hard to find the motivation.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the design industry?

Working really really hard.

Three words to describe yourself?

Strawberry ribbon flash!

Hobbies and Interests?

Apart from artwork, I’ve always loved reading, and can’t help judging a book by its cover (I’m a sucker for coloured page edges). I’m teaching myself Japanese and hope to watch anime without the subtitles one day.

Favourite illustrator/artist?

My graphic artist idol is Tokidoki (Simone Legno). I love the style of his colourful, Japanese-influenced characters.

Tools of the trade?

I couldn’t work without my graphics tablet. It’s a fairly low-end model but does everything I need it to!

Best and worst piece of work?

My own favourite is Bakery Jealousy, which shows the hierarchy of the cakes from the tarts at the bottom to the fancy cupcake at the top. I’m also proud of my comic book stories, because they took ages! It must take so long to write a whole comic book – maybe one day…

My worst work doesn’t make it out of the sketchbook, and if it’s really bad it goes in the recycling bin.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Look at your work in the mirror for a fresh perspective – you can often see what’s wrong with it straight away.

————–
Contact Details:

Links of websites:    http://www.cakeswithfaces.co.uk

Email: amy@cakeswithfaces.co.uk

Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/cakeswithfaces

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cakeswithfaces

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Here is some of the Cakes with Faces collection:

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Hello Madi! Thanks for joining us for a couple of minutes today on Design Splat!

Now lets jump straight in, tell us a bit about what you do:

I’m an illustrator, currently based in Dorset. My illustrations are mainly created using a combination of collage and mixed media, incorporating a mix of found papers and fabric with hand-drawn elements and typography. I am especially interested in children’s book illustration – I love to create fun illustrations which captivate a child’s imagination – but my work also branches out into editorial illustration.

How did you get into art and Illustration?

I’ve been into art since I was little. It was my favourite subject at school and loved drawing in my spare time. Despite this, I didn’t decide to study illustration until my art foundation course. Fine Art was the only subject available to us at school, but the foundation course allowed me to experiment in lots of different areas, and I realised that the style of my work, and also how I work, were most suited to studying a degree in illustration.

When creating art/illustrations, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?

Since I left Uni, the planning stage has become less of a fundamental part of the creation of an illustration. I usually sketch out my rough ideas until I settle on a design that I’m happy with, but I get stuck into creating the final illustration very quickly. Implementation is the most important aspect for me, as I tend to experiment as I create the illustration – I’ll play around with ideas as I go, and although I often refer back to my initial sketches, I tend to play around with the composition until the illustration looks right.

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

The majority of my illustrations are created by hand, although the final illustrations are composed digitally. Each element of an illustration is created separately by hand, then scan each individual element, and use Photoshop to compose the final image. I love the cutting and sticking part of creating an illustration, but I also like the freedom that Photoshop gives me when composing an illustration – it allows me to play around with compositions and backgrounds until I find a solution I am happy with.

Where do you get inspiration for your art work?

I am inspired by everything; the everyday, the unusual, and the things in my head. Everything I hear, see or imagine can inspire me to create an illustration. Paper is also a massive inspiration – different colours or patterns or textures create images in my head, and this often inspires the illustrations I create.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’d like to think that in five years I’d have a bigger studio with my own desk and more space – it would be a step up from my current studio which is the floor of our spare room. I’d also like to have my cards and prints and other illustrated items stocked in shops and galleries.

What’s the dream ambition?

My ambitions are to have a children’s book published, and to be successful enough that my illustration career can support me financially so that I can work full-time in a career that I love.

Does fame attract you?

No. I’m far too shy, and I can’t imagine I’d ever enjoy the kind of fame where people recognise you. That said, I would like to get to a point where my illustrative style is recognisable, so people can tell it’s my work just by looking at it. I’d like to be successful, but I don’t think you don’t need to have your name in lights to be a successful illustrator.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

This varies on a daily basis, usually based on whether I’ve recently been looking at other illustrators’ work! Confidence in my own work is an issue I struggle with, so although on some days I think my work is okay, there are other days when I’m convinced my work just isn’t good enough and never will be. Although I think it’s important to believe in your own abilities, it’s more important that other people rate your work highly, because they’re the ones who are going to commission you or buy your work.

What makes a good artist/illustrator?

Someone whose work has its own distinctive style. Someone with a great deal of determination, and the ability to bounce back after countless rejections. Someone whose work you look at and just think “wow”.

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

The design industry is definitely difficult to get into – I have learnt this from experience. It’s far too easy to get caught up in worrying about the amount of competition, so I try not to think about it too much. It IS scary, but I think it’s a better use of time to focus on making your own work as good as it can be than worrying about the fact that you might never make it.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the design industry?

Confidence, talent, determination and a little bit of luck.

Three words to describe yourself?

Shy. Imaginative. Perfectionist.

Hobbies and Interests?

Books, music, films, picnics in the sunshine, my typewriter, baking cakes and playing in the snow.

Favourite Illustrator/artist?

Sara Fanelli, Lauren Child and Kate Slater are my ultimate favourite illustrators – I love illustrators who use collage and mixed media techniques in their work. I also love the incredible work of Rob Ryan, I am totally in awe of his papercuts.

Tools of the trade?

Scissors, glue, a pencil, fine black pens, my macbook and a lot of hot chocolate.

Best and worst piece of work?

My worst is probably all the work I did during the early years of my degree course – work that I was proud of at the time, but now I look back on and think “what was I doing?!” Nowadays I wouldn’t keep work I wasn’t happy with, because it would irritate me to have it around. It’s hard to pinpoint my best piece of work, but my children’s picture book I’m A Little Bit Scared Of… is the one I’m most proud of, because I put so much effort and time into completing it.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Definitely to have your own website; make it easy to navigate around, and also that only contains your very best work. Another important piece of advice would be to get your work out there. Enter competitions and open briefs etc because you never know who could see your work and where that might lead. Believe in yourself and your talent. I know that sounds cliche, but there it is.

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Contact Details:

Website: http://www.madiillustration.co.uk

Blog: http://madiillustration.blogspot.com  

Email: madi@madiillustration.co.uk                  

Facebook Group Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madi-Illustration/186469921384359

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/madiillustrates

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadiIllustration

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Some of Madi’s fabulous illustrations

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Enjoy!

-Interview

Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Jayne and thank you for giving us a couple of minutes of your time!

Hello DS!

To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

I’m a 21 year old self taught freelance photographer based in the valleys of north Wales. I specialise in portraiture and fashion photography although I do enjoy other fields of photography including landscape and commercial.

How did you get into Photography?

When I was 16 I came across inspiring images on the internet, I then found my dad’s 1970’s camera collection. I guess I started experimenting after that.

What aspect of Photography?

I love Portraiture and Fashion Photography.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Filthy rich, living and working in Las Vegas! Really, I hope to be an established, travelling photographer.

Freelance photographer/Own business or working for a company?

Freelance!

What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

Competition, wanting to achieve a better image every time the hope that one day I will be a crazy  filthy rich photographer, I joke.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

They are constant obstacles; just getting your name “out there” is a slow and tiring process. Getting work and receiving money is another you have to work really hard to build you’re credibility and to get attention before people even notice you exist and that you’re “doing you’re thing.”

Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?

Yes, my little sister when she was about 6 (the photo of the small girl in a pink dress). The dress was mine when I was younger. The photo was actually taken on the stairs and at that particular point I think she was walking away from me as she was tired and moody. She just happened to glance back and she had a beautiful expression and I was luckily enough to capture it.

If you could photograph/have a shoot with anyone who would it be?

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta! AKA Lady Gaga! Also Johnny Depp, Andy Hull, and Neil Strauss that’s all…..

Does fame attract you?

No. I enjoy my privacy too much. I get very freak like when anyone interferes with my privacy. I would like a few people to know about me and to like my work that would be nice.

How do you feel about photo manipulation?

I don’t have an opinion on photo manipulation as a whole sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes you NEED it, sometimes you don’t!

How do you rate yourself as a photographer?

10…Out of….10.

What makes a good photographer?

A good photographer is someone who has a good eye for a great photo. Someone who grows as a photographer

Do you think the Photography Industry is difficult to break into? Are you worried about the amount of competition with more and more people becoming photographers?

Yes it’s difficult but if it wasn’t difficult to break into there would be A LOT of photographers at the top. There’s nothing unhealthy about competition it encourages creativity.

Three words to describe yourself?

I’m Crazy, weird, and a loner!

Hobbies and other interests?

Music.Music I love Music, dancing & reading (I sound boring, I’m not)

Favourite photographer?

Yousuf Karsh – If anyone doesn’t know who this photographer is….He was a portrait photographer he combined psychology with photography to capture the personalities of his subject.

Any Tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring Photographers?

It’s difficult, but it’s a fun and risky path as long as you keep going!

Tools of the trade?

Canon & fast lenses

Best and worst photo you’ve taken?

Best photo I’ve taken so far is of Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra (live). Mostly because I’m obsessed with the band and I considered it to be a “big” thing when I managed to photograph him.
Worst? I think there are a few lurking on google images. I remember one in particular. It was a small local band and I had managed to get a decent portrait of all band members (despite the poor light) except for the poor drummer. I consider that particular photo to be the worse.

—————–

Email: Ljaynephotography@googlemail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LJayne-Photography/127222381547

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljaynephotography/

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Some of the photos from Jayne’s portfolio:

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Interview

Hello and thank you for joining us on Design Splat Felix!

Now lets jump right in, how did you get into Art?

I  have been drawing since I was a little kid. When I was younger I loved comics especially x-men and I used to aspire to being a comic artist.

How long have you been painting designs onto kicks and headphones?

I have been painting on shoes and headphones for around a year now.

Where did the idea come from?

A couple of years ago I fell off a ladder and broke my leg in 3 places, this meant I couldn’t walk for about 6months. For some reason I decided I should have some sweet kicks for when I could walk again! This is how it began, and not being able to walk I had a lot of time to practice (my first pairs were awful!)

What does art mean to you?

Without sounding cheesy, it really helps me relax and I cant imagine doing anything else which would make me as happy.

What is your inspiration for the designs you paint?

I am highly inspired by comic books and also anime art I love manga films!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I am currently in the process of producing a t-shirt and bag range and will be starting a market stall in Spital Fields London in the next few weeks. I am also in talks with an art collective about creating work together. So I hope to have expanded the range and be continually pushing myself.

What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

I have always wanted to do art for a living and being able to support myself via art drives me, I am also highly competitive so when I see art I love I get stressed and feel I have to get straight to work to become better!

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

I feel working for yourself there are constant obstacles and just trying to be creative and push myself forward is a constant obstacle, but one worth getting over.

Can you recall the first piece that you created that made you go WOW!?

I think when I first created my pair of shoes with the robot featured I thought I may have something here and it drove me to keep designing shoes everyday even before I had attempted to make any sales with them.

What is the most memorable piece that you have done and why?

I met a person in Nottingham who requested having his girlfriends pet dog put onto a shoe! He sent me a photo and I painted her pet onto the shoes for a present. I received really good feedback and I really enjoyed doing them, it is a bit different from the usual designs I do and was a real challenge.

Does fame attract you?

I am personally not intersted in fame, I would be happy for my work to be well recieved/famous

Do you cater for custom designs?

Yes, I love to do custom designs and bring customers ideas to life. Around 50% of my sales are custom orders.

Where can we buy your kicks and headphones?

They are available @ http://www.inkheart.co.uk

How do you rate yourself as an artist?

I find this one hard to answer, I suppose I set a goal which I feel I need to reach but when I get there I just change the goal so I never feel like I am there yet (as an artist.)

What makes a good artist?

I think someone who can take all their influences use the best parts and then add a totally original slant to it. (maybe)

Three words to describe yourself?

Driven, Hairy, Hungry.

Hobbies and other interests?

Movies, Indoor Climbing.

Favourite artist?

Shan Jiang (at the moment)

Favourite piece you have created?

It might just be beacuse I did them recently but I really like the R2D2 Custom shoes!

Tools of the trade?

Canvas Pumps, Acrylic paint, Varnish, Paint brushes, lots of Permanent Marker pens!

Any Tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring artists/designers?

I guess what always held me back was the fear of doing a bad peice of art so I suppose just keep going (it feels weird giving advice!)

——

Contact Info:

Email: Inkheart@hotmail.co.uk

Website: http://www.inkheart.co.uk

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/InkHeartKicks

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inkheart-Custom-Kicks-Caboodle/107147572708025

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/InkHeartKicks

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Take a look at some of Inkhearts custom kicks and caboodle!

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Enjoy!

-Interview:

Hello Scarlett! Get us started by telling us a bit about what you do:

I am a ‘fledgling’ illustrator – after leaving college a couple of years ago I have worked for galleries and run art workshops teaching print and textile techniques while doing some illustration when I had the time. I am now focusing on my illustration, mainly for editorial and portraiture, but I still do workshops when I can.

How did you get into Art and Illustration?

I’ve always been creative, it’s just the way my brain is wired. I’ve never really known what I wanted to do with it though. I used to want to be a tattoo artist until I did a couple weeks work experience in a studio and got scared off the idea! I studied fashion and textiles but decided to move into illustration because I mainly enjoyed drawing with the sewing machines.

When creating art/illustrations, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation and why?

I would say the design – if I have a clear design in my head then the whole process will run smoothly. That doesn’t always happen though! If I spent as much time thinking about the design/ procrastinating because I’m unsure about the design as I did actually producing the work then I’d be a much better illustrator. I suppose confidence comes with time.

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

I am a huge advocate of hand drawn work, I understand the benefits of computer programs like Photoshop and I use them quite often but you just can’t beat good old pencil and pens.  I work mainly with pen and ink and I adore all forms of print, especially lino print.

I also enjoy using fabric and stitch to create illustrations, i adore the texture and depth but I’m going through quite an impatient phase and I just don’t have the time for it! Drawing is much more immediate.

Where do you get inspiration for your art work?

Everyday things, people mainly, food, music, stories, my own thoughts and musings. Unless I am working on a brief I am rubbish at coming up with abstract ideas for my work so I end up drawing the everyday things I do – I’m currently working on a mini zine of my day job in a cafe.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully in a bigger studio with more space to print, in a position where I can give up the boring day job and focus on my illustration. Oh and selling prints, cards and things to galleries and shops.

What’s the dream ambition?

To be able to sit down and make an illustration without the hours of worry, procrastination and self doubt.. in a big studio with lots of shelf space and print tables… in a cottage..with a cat..

Does fame attract you?

Fame, no. Success yes, but success is such a subjective thing and I think my idea of it will change in time.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

Oh I’m alright really.

What makes a good artist/illustrator?

The ability to make people feel something. Left feeling nothing, unaffected or bored by artwork is the worst thing!

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

Oh I’m not worried, if I start thinking about my work in those scary terms then it takes the fun away. I draw because I enjoy it and I don’t want to pressure myself to the point where I don’t enjoy it anymore. 

What do you think it takes to become successful in the design industry?

Self discipline! The ability to keep going through the ups and downs without taking anything personally.

Three words to describe yourself?

Tea, Cake, Drawing

Hobbies and Interests?

I love rummaging through charity shops, thinking up wonderful ideas and attempting to play the ukulele. I also bake an awesome banana loaf.

Favourite Illustrator/Artist?

I have too many to mention! I love fellow illustrators who use hand drawing such as Gemma Correll, Laura Di Francesco, Julia Pott, Julie Verhoeven, James Mayhew, John Cuneo and of course the legendary Quentin Blake. I also love painting and textiles; Lucien Freud, David Hockney, Diedre Scherer, Jenny Hart. I could go on!

Tools of the trade?

A million pens, sharp pencils, watercolours and coffee.

Best and worst piece of work?

My favourite piece of work is a portrait I did of my boyfriends Grandad, I feel I really captured his character in it and I absolutely loved creating it.

I’m far too sensitive to keep bad work of mine, I’d just beat myself up over it so I focus on the good stuff!

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Stick at it, it’s tough but it’s worth it.

Don’t drink too much tea.

Eat well and get fresh air, you’d be surprised how much it can affect your mood/work.

Have an online presence.

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Contact Details:

Website: http:// scarlettrebecca.co.uk

Blog: http://blog.scarlettrebecca.co.uk

Email: contact@scarlettrebecca.co.uk          

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scarlettrebecca

Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarlettrebecca

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Enjoy!

-Interview

Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Liam, thank you for taking some time to chat with us!

To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

Well,  I’m not really too sure what my title would be actually. I think I can go with occasional freelance designer and full time student. I work on small projects now and again, mainly branding, print design and merchandise design but I’ve started to get more work in the web design field which is great.

How did you get into Graphic Design?

I think it was a few years back now where I got a hold of Adobe Photoshop and started to play around with photo manipulation and just doing it for fun. Then at the age of 15 I decided to enter some competitions for logo design on 99designs and won, and since then I decided that this is what I enjoy doing, and what I really wanted to be. Before getting Adobe Photoshop I had no real creative experience, I didn’t draw or anything and sucked at art, but now I’m sort of working backwards and forcing myself to improve my drawing techniques.

Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?

I don’t have any qualifications yet, I got an A* in Design & Technology for GCSE if that counts for anything and I’ve just finished the first year of A-Levels. After school I’m not really too sure if I will go into higher education and go to University or just try and find some small design studio to work with for a while and gain more experience. Because I don’t have the qualifications I’m not too sure how important they really are, I would imagine having a degree or something would look good but so would spending three years in a design studio getting a taste for the work so I’m really not too sure at the moment.

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

I’m going to go with implementation because most of the time I just jump straight into a project with little planning, I like to go with the trial and error method and eventually I’ll come up with something the client likes. I think I should probably spend more time planning though, I have started to use a sketchbook to get some initial ideas so I guess I am improving.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to have finished University (if I decide to go) or hold up a secure job in a design studio that I enjoy working in. If all goes well and if I keep improving my work I’m really hoping to start up my own design studio in partnership with two good friends and equally creative people.

Own Business/Freelance or working for a company?

At the moment its freelance, after school I’ll be looking to work for a company and then after a fair bit of experience I’m hoping for my own small design business. Each one has it’s perks, freelance at the moment allows me to work whatever projects I want and fit it around school and other commitments. Working for a company for a while will help gain experience and I’ll get to understand what it’s like to work in a studio and how everything works and then having my own business will just be awesome.

If you could work for any client who would it be and why?

Hmm, I’m not too sure actually, I think it would probably be working with one of my favourite bands to design their merchandise, websites, posters and all that stuff. Music is something I really love and combining both music and design would make for a perfect project.

Does fame attract you?

Not really, it’s not something I’ve thought about too much and as long as I have a source of steady income and am enjoying what I do I’ll be happy. Although being a designer that everyone knows would be pretty awesome and I wouldn’t turn it down of course.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

I don’t think it’s for me to say really, it’s impossible to rate something like design because everyone has different tastes. For example if somebody was a die hard fan of colourful, fun, rainbows and unicorn styled design then they probably would rate me a 1. However, if a person enjoys looking at more simple looking design then they might rate me higher. It’s all down to personal preferences so I can’t really say.

What makes a good graphic designer?

Someone who is always willing to learn, listen to advice and help give it back to others. Someone who has a great passion for what they do and enjoys designing. A good designer should be able to listen to the demands of a client and try to tick off each specific need and also offer alternative suggestions to some demands that just won’t work; for example if a client asks for a logo for a lawyer or something and is persistent on using comic sans in yellow then a good designer will try to explain why this might not be a suitable choice and offer more suitable alternatives.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Most of the time I will just look around the internet on some design sites but it’s always good to take a break and go out for a walk or something for inspiration. I’ll often ask others their opinions and thoughts which help get an outside perspective.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

Nothing too major, I get a few creative blocks every now and then and I have some patches were I get no work at all so I’m stuck doing nothing but I guess that happens to everyone. I’ve yet to accouter an awkward client either, I’ve been lucky this far so I’m looking forward to my first one!

Do you think the Graphic Design Industry is difficult to get into?

Not if you have the desire to push forward and work hard on improving your designs. I started out with no real experience in art or design but eventually got the hang of things and am trying to push myself to become a better designer. Of course there is a lot of competition these days though, with people starting at younger ages you tend to find that a 14 year old kid just made something more awesome than you did, so you have to keep improving.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the Graphic Design industry?

Dedication to the work and a passion for what you do. Over the last few years I see everything differently now because of design, I look at things I would have overlooked previously and gain inspiration from small details. To become successful I think building a solid foundation is needed and working from there, trying to get as much people to know about your work. Becoming familiar with the design community on various websites is also a good idea to have other designers recognise you.

Which design websites do you visit on a regular basis?

I visit a lot of typography inspiration websites like www.typographyserved.com and www.typetoken.net often, solid typography in my work is something I am always trying to improve and these websites are a great source of inspiration. I also use websites like dribbble.com and www.behance.net to keep up to date with new trends and to follow the work of my favourite designers.

Do you get bored with your job if yes how do you overcome this?

I actually don’t, maybe it’s because I don’t really do it full time and whenever I do get work I get all excited like a little kid. But I don’t think it is possible to get bored of design, each project is individual and I get the chance to try out different things all the time. The work is not repetitive and it’s something I enjoy.

If you weren’t a graphic designer, what would you be?

Umm, I have no idea. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Maybe something like architecture, but I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as graphic design for sure.

Favourite Typeface?

Everything losttype.com bring out, please don’t make me choose a favourite. There are a lot of fonts I like actually, and I like to play around with lots of different ones instead of relying on one all the time.

Software you couldn’t live without?

Adobe Photoshop, that’s pretty much all I need.

Mac or PC?

PC, my friend just got his iMac recently so I’ll be checking that out very soon. I’m quite happy with a PC but I wouldn’t say no to a Mac.

Three words to describe yourself?

Creative, Dedicated & Scruffy

Hobbies and Interests?

I’m a big fan of movies, I enjoy going to music gigs, I like just being with my friends and having a laugh. I used to enjoy sports but I’m far too lazy to take part anymore. Apart from that all I really do is design.

Favourite Designer?

There’s a lot of designers I look up to and one day hope to be as good as, each have individual characteristics in their work which make them so inspiring. I recently discovered the work of Chandler Van De Water which I really like - http://dribbble.com/chandlervdw

Tools of the trade?

Some basic laptop and my wireless mouse, Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator CS5 – does the job!

Best and worst piece of work?

I think the one I’m most proud of is the Rocket Skateboards website design project as it was my first big web design project - http://cargocollective.com/LiamAshurst#1408625/Rocket-Skateboards. I’m also liking the direction I’m going with a current project with a friend. The worst was probably my more earlier work when I was making really crappy logos, fortunately they have been deleted off the face of the earth.

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Well, I’m an aspiring designer myself so I guess to whoever is in the same sort of place as me…go away and give all your clients to me. Just kidding, keep it up and be sure to take part in the design community by giving and receiving feedback as much as possible.

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Contact Details:

Website: http://cargocollective.com/LiamAshurst

Email: mrliamashurst@gmail.com                

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liam-Ashurst/1009705585

Dribbble: http://dribbble.com/LiamAshurst

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LiamAshurst

DeviantArt: http://cheesygfx.deviantart.com/

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Enjoy!

Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Luke!

How did you get into Photography?

I always loved taking pictures, even as a child, but digital photography really got me hooked.  I got my first digital camera in 2003 and since then I have rarely been without a camera.  It started to get serious after I began taking my camera to more gigs and then to music festivals. Before too long I had to get my hands on a proper DSLR and then it was only a matter of time before I wanted to do it professionally.

What aspect of Photography? 

I’m interested in all kinds of portraiture and fashion photography, and also performance photography, be that bands on stage and in the studio as well or any kinds of theatrical production.  My main goal is to capture great moments, spontaneously.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I hope I’ll be taking great pictures of great bands and artist, and mixing that with fashion and portrait work.

Freelance photographer/Own business or working for a company? 

I’m a freelancer working as Luke Patrick Dixon Photography.

What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything? 

It has to be purely the love of taking pictures and the pleasure that I get when others enjoy them.   

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

The first is lack of money!  Establishing yourself seems to mean doing a lot of things for nothing; which nobody likes but appears to be hard to get around.  Once you get a bit more established, some clients begrudgingly admit they have to pay you. The second is getting yourself known; so much seems to depend on how you publicise yourself on the web that I think I spend more time doing that than out with my camera.

Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?

This goes all the way back to when I was seven or eight and I first took a camera on holiday to Corfu.  I took a picture of the sunset which, when I got it back from the developers definitely made me go WOW!?  I think my fascination with the cameras and photography started back then.

If you could photograph/have a shoot with anyone who would it be? 

I’d love to get some good shots of Radiohead, live or otherwise.  They put on a great live show, and I’m a big fan of their music, so it would be huge thrill.

Does fame attract you? 

The pitfalls of fame seem to far outweigh the benefits.  I’ll be happy if I’m recognized for taking good pictures, but I would rather leave fame to those that want it.

How do you feel about photo manipulation? 

Some processing is now necessary if you want to get the best out of your images and this kind of manipulation is no different to the various tricks that were available to film photographers in their traditional darkrooms.  If you’re a photo journalist and you manipulate images to mislead or tell lies, then that is not acceptable, because photography should be a medium that tells the truth; but if your goals are purely artistic then I reckon anything goes . . . provided your not just hiding poor camera skills!

How do you rate yourself as a photographer? 

I’m better than some, worse than others but I aspire to be up with the best.  I just have to keep learning all the time.  The time to worry will be if I ever think I have nothing new to learn.

What makes a good photographer? 

You must have a good eye, with the instinct to know when just the right elements are on your frame; and you have to have timing, particularly with music photography.  Passion for great images is also a must; and of course if your working with a good DSLR you must be a bit of a nerd; instruction manuals are getting thicker and more complicated all the time.

Do you think the Photography Industry is difficult to break into? Are you worried about the amount of competition with more and more people becoming photographers?

Yes and no, there is competition in any creative industry and you just have to be better and rise above.

Three words to describe yourself? 

Passionate, aspiring, driven.

Hobbies and other interests? 

I write and produce my own music, play the guitar, love to cook, love going to gigs and festivals; and I should include looking after my son as he’s very interesting.

Favourite photographer? 

Venetia Dearden, not just for her wonderful Glastonbury project which, for me, has captured the true spirit of the festival better than anyone else has managed, but also for her other portrait work which are warm, intimate and beautifully lit.

Any Tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring Photographers? 

Just one tip; keep at it.  The only way to be successful in this business is to keep going and going until the less enthusiastic and committed give up and go do something else instead, eventually you will be able to prove that your worth employing, and paying, but it’s going to take a long time.

Tools of the trade? 

I use a Nikon D300S along with either my 18-200mm or my 50mm lens.  I also use a Giotto AA1253 tripod, Nikon remote shutter release and a Sekonic L308S Flashmate.

Best and worst photo you’ve taken? 

I don’t know about best, but my favourite at the moment is a photograph of my friend Martin relaxing in the stone circle field at Glastonbury; the sun is shining, the stones are reflected in his mirror shades, and for me, the image embodies the spirit of the festival. The worst would be any of a band I photographed in Camden earlier this year; the lighting in the venue was so bad          that there was really nothing that I could do to get a good picture.

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Contact Details:

Email:  ld72@mac.com

Website: http://www.lukepatrickdixon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Luke-Patrick-Dixon-Photography/128727930531453

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldixon72

Deviant Art: http://duke-lixon.deviantart.com/

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62625052@N08/sets/

Other:  http://500px.com/LukeDixon

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A selection of images from Luke’s portfolio:

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-Interview

Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Rosie!

Hi!

To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:

I’m 19 years old and from Hull, East Yorkshire. I’ve just finished a 2 year national diploma in Photography and I’m moving to Manchester at the end of summer to start my degree.

How did you get into Photography?

Throughout school I was always quite academic and although I’ve always been creative, I’m pretty awful at painting, drawing and using a sewing machine which crossed off any type of art subject I could of studied at school! At the age of 16, choosing which four A Levels I was going to study in college, photography crept in there with the other 3 more academic courses. Within two months of starting collegeI was so wrapped in everything to do with photography, I knew that this was something I had to fully immerse myself into, so I dropped all my subjects, moved to an art college, and put everything into becoming the photographer I want to be.

What aspect of Photography?

Fashion and Portraiture.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m hoping to have successfully finished my degree and be shooting lots of beautiful things for equally beautiful magazines. I want to be living in either Manchester or London with sights of moving to France and owning a cat.

Freelance photographer/Own business or working for a company?

Freelance is something I think gives me the amount of freedom I need but I would definitely consider being agency represented!

What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

I love the feeling of working extremely hard, and dedicating a lot of time and effort into one particular shoot and then looking back through the finished photos and knowing it was all worth it. Every shoot I do encourages me to push myself more and I think exceeding your own expectations is much more important than exceeding other peoples. I do have moments when I feel entirely rubbish about my work but I think that only makes me try even harder.

What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?

A huge thing I have struggled with is the area I live in – with it only being a quite small city with zero amount of culture, models and other creatives have been a struggle to get hold of. Luckily the small amount that are located locally are extremely talented people. I think moving to Manchester at the end of summer will give me a big boost of motivation & inspiration.

Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?

My first ever shoot was in an old derelict warehouse with the most amazing props, and a gorgeous model running around in sixties clothing. I remember beaming about them for absolute weeks afterwards and being
so incredibly happy that I had created something like it. When I look at them now it makes me cringe at how technically poor they are, but I’ll never delete them because it’s great to see how much I’ve grown in the
past 3 years.

If you could photograph/have a shoot with anyone who would it be?

Edie Sedgwick – she was so so beautiful, or maybe Elle Fanning.

Does fame attract you?

I’m far too shy to be able to crave the type of fame where people recognize you, but I would love to have a well established name in the industry.

How do you feel about photo manipulation?

I went through a stage a couple of years ago where I created a lot of (poorly) manipulated work, which was just dreadful! I think that put me personally off it, but there’s so many amazing photographers who use
it within their work and I give full credit to them.

How do you rate yourself as a photographer?

My view of myself as a photographer definatley differs on a daily basis!!

Do you prefer on location shoots or studio shoots?

It would have to be location.

What makes a good photographer?

Lots and lots of determination.

Do you think the Photography Industry is difficult to break into? Are you worried about the amount of competition with more and more people becoming photographers?

I think it’s a lot harder than it appears. There is so many young and amazing photographers out there which I could easily be seen as competition but I think photographys a big industry and aslong as everybody has their own individual style, there’s a place for everyone.

Three words to describe yourself?

Enthusiastic, Thoughtful, Determined.

Hobbies and other interests?

I like films, books and music. I like cats, astrology, travelling and france. I like different cities, the countryside, picnics and winter.

Favourite photographer?

Far too hard to say I have a specific favourite but Helmut Newton, Paolo Roversi, Patrick Demarchelier and Solve Sundsbo to name a few.

Any Tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring Photographers?

Letting your self be inspired is always a great start. Take inspiration from everything, films, books, people, places. And although this is really predictable – trial and error. You’ll never know what you like and what you don’t if you don’t get out there and try it. The more you shoot and the more you create, the sooner you’ll seem to find a direction which seems perfect for you. Learn how to take both criticism and compliments about your work and always strive to improve.

Tools of the trade?

Canon EOS 40D

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II Lens

Zenit E 35mm

Best and worst photo you’ve taken?

My worst photos have to be my earliest work, which I guess is a good thing. I most certainly don’t have a favourite, I’m too fickle when it comes to choosing my favourite work as I change my mind about it far too often!

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Contact Details:

Email: rosiewoods_photography@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.flickr.com/rosiewoods

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xrosiewoods

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/xrosiewoods

Blog: http://www.wilder-thanmoonlight.blogspot.com

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Some of the gorgeous photographs by Rosie:

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- Interview

Welcome to Design Splat La Belle Jewellery!

Tell us a bit about what you do:

Basically I handmade and customise jewellery for all occasions specialising mostly with rings, earrings, headwear, bangles, necklaces and body chains.

How did you get into hand-making jewellery?

I’d just left college and was sitting round for a month or two thinking of what i’d like to do next. I’ve always loved the idea of working for myself and designing and making things for other people. It just happened from there, i bought a few bits from a vintage jewellery shop and starting re-working metal pieces into something glamourous. Now I travel all over to find unique pieces I can work with.

What inspires you and influences your designs?

I love statement jewellery! I love jewellery that stands out, big statement rings etc, so when I first started out I asked local girls what type of jewellery they would buy. A lot of them said they like edgy statement pieces so I guess my customers inspire me as I’m always asking them what they would like to see from La Belle.

Which product is your personal favourite?

My personal favourite would have to be the large flower ring on my display picture on twitter, the link is below. I’ve had so many amazing comments on it and I’ve got a 5 week waiting list for it!! Very popular!

How long does it take to make one product?

It honestly all depends, I could sit at the table and make a large ring full with diamantes and it would take me an hour, but then I could make basic earrings with chains and it can take me twice as long. It all depends what mood I’m in to be honest, some days I can sit at my working table for 8 hours non stop, it’s tiring but I love it.

Do you see the market expanding for handmade jewellery products?

Definitely, I’ve only been on Twitter for just over a month and I’ve seen so many amazing designers doing so well and getting amazing feedback to. A lot of my customers say that they would rather buy from me than go to a high street shop e.g., Topshop because everything is unique and I can do one off pieces.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I would love my own shop! Im in the process of making a website to which should be ready this autumn. But I would love to have my own shop that would be so amazing. I definitely want to expand my business, not quite sure how yet but I don’t just want to sell online I want to be bigger than that. I love my job and want to make the best of it.

Any new exciting products being added to jewellery collection?

I’m actually in talks with someone (not mentioning names yet) on doing a Co-design range, all will be revealed once we’ve had a meeting. But that should be exciting, there would be a huge launch for that!!

What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?

My customers definitely, the feedback I get from them is amazing. I want to do better each time I make something so I can please them, there all so lovely!

Does fame attract you?

Business wise yes I suppose, I think La Belle deserved success, after all the hard work I put in I’d love for La Belle to be recognised. I’ve actually designed for a number of TOWIE and Hollyoaks girls, it’s amazing seeing them wearing my stuff!

How do you rate yourself as a jewellery designer/maker?

8 out of 10. No matter what there’s always room for improvement.  If I thought I was 10/10 there wouldn’t be anything to aim for.

What makes a good handmade product?

A LOT of time spent on it. I’d never rush anything! You should always spend as much time as you need on one piece, it’s very likely if you don’t it wont turn out the way you would have liked.

Do you cater for custom designs?

Yes! I do soooo many personal orders, I love doing them as its a one off piece and the customers can tell me exactly what they want. They’re basically the designer.

Where can we buy your products?

Right now I’m just selling from Twitter, Facebook and www.cocoamourclothing.co.uk. This month I’m also going to be stocking in various boutiques/salons around Liverpool. But my website should be ready in September.

Three words to describe yourself?

Hardworking, Loyal, Trustworthy.

Hobbies and other interests?

When I’m not making jewellery i’m just your average young girl. I love going out on a weekend with the girls and spending time with my family is a must! Oh and of course shopping! Im an actual shopaholic!!

Favourite jewellery company?

Cartier, their jewellery is so classy!!

Any tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring designers?

If anyone wants to start jewellery making, I say go for it, it’s hard at first depending on the type of jewellery you want to make. Definitely save up first for stock!! But go for it, find local shops that specialise in whatever type of jewellery you want to be making and go from there. If anybody gives you nasty comments about it let it motivate you! I always say ‘It’s funny how one nasty comment can make you 100 times more motivated’ and it does. Go for it guys!

Best and worst product you have made?

Best, the ring in my twitter picture, and worst has to be a corsage flower ring I made, it wasn’t my style at all.

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Contact Info

Email: contact@labellejewellery.co.uk

Website: http://www.labellejewellery.co.uk

Facebook Profile Link: http://www.facebook.com/labellejewellery

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaBelle_x

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Some of the gorgeous statement pieces from La Belle:

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