I don’t just know developers but also designers. So lets talk design, because every good website needs a good designer behind it. This is where my friend Tamar Nicole comes into play. She is big into working with non profits and philanthropy organizations. Which if you don’t know is a good thing. Well here is Tamar, helping me break it down for all you would be designers to help clear some things up and of course answer some burning questions about what goes into designing for both Print and Digital.

1. What made you want to become a designer?

I believe my interest in design started when I joined the yearbook committee in high school. I

really enjoyed taking collected information and making it coexist in visual harmony. I’m very

expressive, creative, and a natural problem-solver, so when I got to college it just seemed

like the right avenue for me.

2. What is your core focus in the design world? Digital or Print?

I design a pretty even amount of digital and print work. I have started to focus a little more

on print, mainly because I want to keep tangibility alive.

3. How do you prepare for getting into design mode?

– Put on classical music to fill the silence and also not to be distracted by song lyrics.

– Eat a Jolly Rancher (Cherry or Blue Raspberry)

– Review any applicable design references I have

– A tiny sketch session because I honestly don’t like sketching that much.

– Design

4. What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about designers that clients haven’t grasped yet.

It’s a super easy and quick job, like we’re playing in Window’s Paint. “Let’s just rearrange

this whole layout, that’s just a few mouse clicks right?” No. It’s a serious profession and

meaningful design takes time.

5. What do you do to help curb these misconceptions.

I always try to properly communicate the logistics with the client and develop some type of

time frame for deliverables.

6. What is your specialty in design.

I don’t have a specialty. I’m kind of all over the place in regards to what I design and I think

that’s what I like most about myself as a designer. I’m adaptable. I do have a preferred style

though. I like illustrative cartoonish design with lots of color. I’m a giant kid at heart and I was

always fascinated by cartoons because of the bright colors and graphics. Minimalism also

has a special place in my heart. I believe much can be said with less.

7. Where do you see yourself in a few years? What do you want to accomplish?

Married with kids. Oh, design wise? 🙂 I consider myself a natural advocate for pretty much

all things good. I think that’s why I enjoy graphic design so much, because it’s essentially

advocating a message or a feeling through visual communication. In a few years I hope I’m

utilizing my design skills in a way that helps the community, environment, education system,

and any other philanthropic effort. Eventually, I would love to start my own nonprofit

organization centered around art therapy. It’s such a powerful tool.

8. What are some design blogs you follow?

I don’t follow design blogs, mainly because I’m really bad with internet surfing routines. I

mainly draw inspiration from my surroundings. You would be surprised at how much graphic

design is all around you.

9. What would you say to people who are wanting to pick up design? What are some tips you want to tell people who are feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t loose your mind, soul, or creativity. There may come a time where you will find

yourself doing what I call “mindless design”. Some clients will challenge you, criticize you,

and make you second guess your career. In my opinion the most important thing to do is

always keep it 100 and make sure your designing work you are proud of. Also, graphic

design is mostly a subjective art form. What works for some, might not work for others, so

don’t let the haters and the naysayers get you down. At the end of the day, it’s just a design

and it doesn’t define who you are as a person. And always use a Mac. 🙂

10. What do you do to unplug cause we all need time to ourselves.

There’s nothing like reading a book and getting lost in a good story. Also, watching any

classic Disney movie is grounds for instant relaxation. Cheers!

In Closing…

Design isn’t easy, you gotta think about what how people will interactive with a website or what will grab someone when you make something for print. Or even business cards. I hope I have cleared a few things up and helped shed some light on what design is. If you all continue to like this series I will continue with it…but in the meantime if you wish to get a hold of Tamar and have her do some design work. Click on the links below

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See you space cowboy