Interview with Samadara Ginige

I am freelance logo/ graphics/ UI/UX designer and a web developer. I work from home while taking care of my two little sons. I have designed logos and developed websites for clients from around the world. My portfolio consists of projects including logo/ corporate identity/ graphics/ UI/UX designing, and web/ UX/ app/ theme development. My work has been featured in several design related blogs/articles and logo design galleries.

Design is everywhere. From the dress you’re wearing to the smartphone you’re holding, it's design. I can’t imagine what the world would be without design. It’s a part of life. It’s indescribable, you should feel it.

Logos and UI/UX

It’s not easy to pick one design. Every project is unique, and the client’s requirements differ.

It was a website for a Printing Press in Oman.

The Computer

Anytime during the day when I can’t stop ideas from flowing through my mind.

I’m fond of simplicity. I always try to keep things simple.

I feel excited whenever I work on a design. And when I know it’s coming out great I feel even more excited.

I feel happy.

When it’s in the simplest form which speaks for itself and symbolizes its purpose I call it a successful design.

The first aspect of a design is the purpose. If it doesn't serve the purpose then the aesthetics and other presentational beauty becomes invalid.

There’re many social issues that needs to be addressed. I think a designer through her/his designs can create awareness about these issues among the public.

I can’t talk about design in general, but sometimes I feel that logo designs are becoming more and more abstract. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe that’s the future.

I still haven’t had an exhibition. Anyway, all my designs are on online galleries.

I get inspiration from the real world. It’s the best source of inspiration. I usually work with music on.

My design style is minimalism. As you can see it applies to all the features in my designs such as the symbols, marks, typography, and even color palettes. I use a limited color palette which mostly consists of one or two colors which gives my designs a unique look. My approach to design is “Keep-It-Simple”. I strive to eliminate unnecessary complexities.

I live in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I don’t think my designs are influenced by my country’s culture and tradition. It could be because I’m constantly exposed to the global design community. Also majority of my clients are from around the world.

Companies and individuals are all the same to me. I work with them professionally and systematically.

I think a designer’s portfolio reflects his/her mind. So the best way to select a designer for a particular project is to go through many portfolios to decide which designer will best suit the requirement. Selecting the top listed in a magazine or a blog might not be the best approach because that designer’s style might not suit the purpose. Every designer has his/her own style.

I have my own design brief template which needs to be filled by the client. When I’m working on a project I first research and collect as much information possible for me to brainstorm. I select a few keywords from the brainstorming and create a mood board using those keywords. Then I start sketching. When I’m satisfied with my sketches I start designing them on Illustrator. I revise the design as many times as needed until I feel it’s good to be sent over to the client.

Architecture of my home, dining table, lights, stairway and grunge textures applied on a few walls.

As a freelancer I work from my home studio. First few hours in the morning is spent with my family carrying out my daily tasks. At around 9.30 am I start work by checking my emails. I take another half an hour to reply to emails/messages, flag the ones need research/information and send emails/documents. Then I start working. I take 15 mins breaks every 1 ½ - 2 hours. I work about 5-6 hours in the day time. And I hold my work for the day time around 5.00 in the evening. Again the next 4-5 hours I spend with my family carrying out my day to day work at home. And I resume my work at around 9.30 pm for the next 1 ½ -2 hours before sleep. That’s my usual day in very short paragraph.

I would say practice, follow your passion and keep experimenting. Master the tools you use, but remember that tools alone will not be enough. Frustrating moments are unavoidable but keep trying and don’t give up until you achieve what you want. The best designers today, have been where you are, some time ago. Sooner or later you’ll be recognized for your work.

Lastly I would like you to remember that, it is not about money, it is about satisfaction.

A designer gets to be creative while earning a great living which is fun. On the other hand a designer sometimes has to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Less is more.

Talent, technical expertise, interpersonal skills, project management and business savvy.

My sketch book (Pencil and paper), Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop

I accept projects based on my availability. Prior to beginning a project I keep a brief time frame with important milestones marked. It helps me to send necessary emails/documents/files and get approvals and complete the project on time.

An average time-frame for a logo design project is about 3-6 weeks.

“How much do you charge?”

I co-founded a software and web development company with my husband in 2005. Although it didn't succeed, the whole experience of starting the company, finding clients, delivering services and everything you have to do when you are running a company helped me to be where I am today.

Adam Kario, USA
Innokin, China
Daproq Solutions, Czech Republic
Wilard, USA
Paperplane Studios, India
Game Tease, Netherlands
Flat Tire Clothing, China
Tiger Walk, UK
Paiaa, Egypt
Different Strokes Communications, India
Manda Advertising, Armenia
Cairns Jukebox & Amusements, Australia

With a particular interest in identity design, I enjoy immersing myself throughout the project, from reading the project brief to handing over the source files.

I want to use my design skills to raise awareness about child abuse. I am hoping to start a social enterprise to help the children in need. Winning the A’ Design Award will help me to achieve my dreams.

I work with myself.

At any given time I’m working on several projects. So it’s hard to talk about only one.

Email: samadara.ginige@live.com
Personal website: http://samadaraginige.com
Portfolios: http://samadarag.deviatart.com, http://behance.com/samadara
Skype: samadarag.official
Twitter: samadarag

I’m extremely happy to win the Bronze A’ design award 2013-2014 in Graphics and Visual Communication Category. It’s a dream come true for a designer. I’m the first Sri Lankan to win this prestigious award. I’m sure this will bring me many more opportunities. I would like to thank the organizers of the A’ Design Award for recognizing designers from all around the world.