Interview With a Web Designer
Igor,
I'd love to answer your questions.
How would you define creativity? Please explain how you go about deciding that
something is creative.
Creativity means a lot of things to a lot of different people. I think in the
most general terms, creativity is the process of creating something unique and
inspired. I tend to think that the more creative websites I see use the medium
in a new and exciting way. They take the traditions of the web, and see them in
a slightly different light. The ability to embrace tradtition, and yet do things
differently and elegantly is what defines creativity.
How or why were you drawn to this career instead of to a job that might offer
more stability and security?
Well actually I do have day job. The reason I like web design in twofold. First
I love the powerful publishing platform, and the ease for anyone to create and
publish their views. Also, I think since I'm not so strong at tradtitional art (im
not a good illustrator, a decent photographer, etc...) design appeals to me. I
also like the depth that the design field has to offer. As long as I've been
designing web sites I'm always able to learn more and refine my skills, which
keeps things interesting.
At what age or time in your life did you realize that you were creative?
I don't know that at any point I ever realized I was creative, it was more the
overall atmosphere my parents gave me to grow up. They were very supportive of
all my endevours, and I never felt that I couldn't do something if I tried hard
enough.
Who is the most creative person that you have ever known?
I am constantly surprised at the creativity and imagination of many people.
However some of my favorite designers are Scott hansen (
http://www.iso50.com/), and Nick La (http://www.ndesign-studio.com)
How did you choose your creative outlet? What inspires you?
I think my creative outlet chose me. I was a child of the internet, and as a
teenager was able to watch it grow and evolve, so I feel like we sort of found
eachother. What inspires me? Music, sunsets, old rock and roll posters,
literature, and just about anything.
What kind of things do you do to get your "creative juices" flowing?
If i need to be inspired I usually put on some coffee, or I'll go out for a jog.
A lot of time I just start messing around with color and shape in photoshop till
something clicks.
What obstacles, if any, have you had to deal with in your life or career? What
are the biggest challenges you have had in the realm of your art?
One of the biggest obstacles I've had to overcome would be keeping up with all
the emerging technologies every year. Looking back it was a lot easier to design
a webpage 5 years ago than it is now. So keeping up with standards, and best
practices is probably my biggest challenge.
Do you create your works for yourself or to share with others?
Most of what I create I love to share with others. A few things I'll keep to
myself, but I'm more open than most designers (a little too open I'd say). I'm
always bugging my friends to look at my latest mock-up to get their views.
What is the ultimate message in your creative expressions?
I think the ultimate message (if there is one) has got to be harmony. I like all
my designs to have a sense of harmony, and it follows closely my personal
philosophy as well.
What advise could you give me?
Keep designing. One of the toughest parts of any creative craft is keeping it in
practice. As artists we sometimes go through dry periods, but the best thing to
get though these is persistance. Keep designing, drawing, whatever.