Interview with Liam Martens
Liam is a young and passionate designer, developer and business owner. He is driven by learning new things and is always prepared to explore new fields even outside of his expertise.
Design Legend Interview
23 April 2017
My design interest grew naturally throughout the years. I don't have a finished academic background at this point.
I love creating things that are new, refreshing and most of all I can be proud of.
It was a decision that grew on me over the years.
I mostly design websites and applications, but I'd love to get more into drawings and digital art and maybe even some real life stuff.
One word. Persevere.
I don't think a designer's work signifies whether he is good or great. I believe it is his or her will to learn and explore new things or fields.
I think a design should not only consider aesthetics but it should also fit in it's picture.
Good design can reach millions.
As both a developer and a designer I'd love to create my own CMS.
I'm really bad with names. I get inspired by the world around me really.
I think The Screeners is my best work so far because of it's simple complexity.
Iterate and get feedback from your peers or colleagues.
I'd still be creating things as a developer and that is totally fine by me.
Design to me is anything that is crafted and is visible.
It's cliché but my parents and friends.
Iteration and self-criticism.
Design can be presented in an infinite number of ways. No wrong, no right, it depends on the work.
I'm thinking about doing more art and conceptual works.
Create something that reaches millions of people in a good way.
Design can bring the most uncommon things to man.
I am mostly excited about my recent venture in starting my own business.
Exceedingly digital and user-centric.
Depends on what you see as final. If going live is final, then usually from 1 week to a couple months. If you see perfect as final then never.
I start in my head. Think about what way to go and how best to go about it.
Don't wait for inspiration, become it.
It is always a bit of both.
Technology is fully intertwined with my work.
Software wise I use Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator and Gravit Designer. I also utilise a small wacom tablet to improve my workflow.
They are important for the first impression to set the tone and context.
It usually starts with a wow. Anything more needed?
I do believe it can result in a better end result, but I have yet to try it out.
I read about a book about UXD which was very intriguing.
Practise Practise Practise.
I would love to have a chat with Elon Musk. He is an amazing visionary, entrepreneur and tech head.
Favourite colours are black then red, favourite place I've been to is London, favourite food is fried or roasted chicken, favourite season is spring, favourite thing is my guitar, favourite brand is Microsoft.
I remember the first thing I made was ugly as all hell. It was light flashy green with blue buttons containing red icons. The absolute worst.
I have a passionate for learning and creating. The drive to create is what motivates me.
Either we are all dead or we have greatly improved the worlds infrastructure, maybe even reached a different planet in our neighbouring solar system.
Designer Interview
22 April 2017
When I was younger I always thought I would become either an architect or a mathematician, though at the age of 12 I took a digital turn. I started learning development and after a year or 2 I started doing web design. This is really how I got into design, pure coincidence.
My studio is actually quite young as it was established on April 1 2017. It is not just a design studio though since we do both design and development. So far we have had a few clients and we are passionate to grow further.
If it has been crafted and you can see it, it is design to me. From furniture to software.
I get mostly excited by web and application design.
I don't really have a most favourite design at this point in time, but I'm looking forward to finding it.
It was probably a website.
My favorite platform? Probably Mac OS because it works well for both development and design, but I do still like using both Windows and Linux.
Throughout the day, I am always thinking about the design. I can't help it.
I think the complete picture is the most important aspect of design. It all has to fit together and work as a whole.
I can't really say I feel any specific emotions while designing.
Excitement and fulfillment. Can't ask for more.
Aside from looking right it also has to work and be usable in it's context.
Whether everything works as a whole. I believe it is important that everything connects.
I think it is our responsibility to bring anything to the masses by using great and usable design.
In many ways design is evolving to the people's needs and our future is looking exceedingly digital.
I have never had an exhibition.
My most important sources of inspiration are the Awwwards and the CSSDesignAwards, but I draw inspiration from all over the web.
My style is extremely modern and minimalistic. I like using whitespace to make my design stronger.
I am lucky to live in Belgium as design is very much appreciated here.
I mostly work remotely so communication usually goes through online meetings or emails. A back and forth as you will.
A designer has to comply to a client's needs but should also not be afraid to speak up and give his/her professional advise.
A design always start with an idea, an entrypoint as you will. From there it's all about iterations.
I don't have a lot of things at home as I am still working on decorating.
My days are mostly ruled by my college schedule. I can tell you that my day usually consists of courses and work. Leisure times comes third.
Don't go mad about your work. You will always find something to nag about.
It does feel great to create new things, but as a designer I feel like I can always find something I don't like. No matter how long I work on something.
Context and consistency are key.
Communication, a keen eye and the ability to think further than the rest.
When it comes to software I mostly use Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity Designer and Gravit Designer. Talking about inspiration, I usually visit the Awwwards, the CSS Design Awards and other online galleries.
I work with deadlines and I work towards them not slacking in between. I usually just keep in my head, what I still need to do and when.
It really depends on the project but it can take from 1 week to a couple of months.
To be honest, I mostly get asked questions about IT. Such as, "do you know something about X" or "can you fix Y"
My first real client was, let's say, a good exercise.
Discover The Vibes youtube channel, Stereo Agency, Friends
Anything that is digital. I am excited by technology and this reflects in my design interest.
Expand the company and explore new things.
At the moment I work alone but I am planning on working with more people in the future.
Through my studio's website (freighter.studio) or my personal website (liammartens.com)