MY DESIGN JOURNEY & PHILOSOPHY

WHY DID I GO INTO GRAPHIC DESIGN?

Honestly, I applied to Visual Arts as my first choice and Graphic Design as my second. I got rejected from Visual Arts and accepted into Graphic Design. At the time, I wasn’t so thankful—I didn’t really know what graphic design was—but looking back, everything really does happen for a reason.
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How would I describe myself as a designer?

I’d say I like when things make sense. I value functionality a lot in design, without compromising on style. A balance between the two tends to be the sweet spot. Also, I love deep diving and learning as much as I can about the project I’m working on—sometimes maybe too much.
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What are my design values or philosophies?

User-friendly. Have meaning. Be timeless.
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If I wasn’t a designer, what would I be doing?

I’d be an ocularist with a dog rescue centre (the centre being my home). The second part is still the ultimate goal.
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CREATIVE PROCESS & PROBLEM-SOLVING

What is my design process?

My process ranges from very straightforward to a constant back-and-forth—which I’m sure I’m not alone in. I love researching everything I can about what I’ll be working on. Once it feels like this project is my life mission, I sketch and sketch until I land on a few ideas to develop. I always appreciate hearing critiques from both designers and non-designers.
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How do I approach problem-solving in design?

I go back to the basics. I go back through my process and see if I might get reinspired. If it’s more technical, I do some research whether thats online or ask people in person. I try not to panic, I usually do okay at that.
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Why DO I go through creative blockS?

If I haven’t slept. Or if I’ve been on the internet too long looking at what’s popular.
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How do I handle criticism on my work?

I welcome criticism. I try not to take it personally. I love hearing how others see my work and what I might have missed. It’s so important to listen without feeling attacked—everyone just wants to see good design. (It’s also important to know when to stand by your decisions.)
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INSPIRATION & STYLE

WHERE DO I GET INSPIRATION FROM?

Literally anywhere. I could walk the same path every day and still find something new. I love meeting people and learning about what they do. Learning other crafts pushes me out of my comfort zone and inspires me in ways just looking at graphic design wouldn’t.
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How would I describe my DEISNG STYLE?

That’s a hard one. I’ll have to come back to this. (I know—I could’ve just taken this question out.)
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DO I EVER NOT THINK OF DESIGN?

Honestly, no. And that’s not to sound cool or pretentious, but it really does kind of take over (unless I’m thinking about dogs).
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Self-imposed Q&A.

Because that’s NOT PRETENTIOUS.

MY DESIGN JOURNEY & PHILOSOPHY

CREATIVE PROCESS & PROBLEM-SOLVING

INSPIRATION & STYLE