Designer Interview
40 Froen
I don’t have a design background. I’m a software developer by profession. After working with several companies, I started working as a freelance web developer in 2011.
Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I don’t have a design background. I’m a software developer by profession. After working with several companies, I started working as a freelance web developer in 2011. When I was asked by a client if I could also design their company logo while I was developing their website, I decided to give it a try. The client was very happy with my designs and selected one of them. That’s when I started experimenting on designing logos. I kept reading tutorials and books about graphics designing. Now I work as a logo/ UI/UX designer and developer. So I guess I’m a self-taught designer.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
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.
What is "design" for you?
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.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Logos and UI/UX
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
It’s not easy to pick one design. Every project is unique, and the client’s requirements differ.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It was a website for a Printing Press in Oman.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
The Computer
When do you feel the most creative?
Anytime during the day when I can’t stop ideas from flowing through my mind.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I’m fond of simplicity. I always try to keep things simple.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel excited whenever I work on a design. And when I know it’s coming out great I feel even more excited.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel happy.
What makes a design successful?
When it’s in the simplest form which speaks for itself and symbolizes its purpose I call it a successful design.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
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.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
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.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
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.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I still haven’t had an exhibition. Anyway, all my designs are on online galleries.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I get inspiration from the real world. It’s the best source of inspiration. I usually work with music on.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
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.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
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.
How do you work with companies?
Companies and individuals are all the same to me. I work with them professionally and systematically.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
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.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
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.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Architecture of my home, dining table, lights, stairway and grunge textures applied on a few walls.
Can you describe a day in your life?
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.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
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.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
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.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Less is more.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Talent, technical expertise, interpersonal skills, project management and business savvy.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
My sketch book (Pencil and paper), Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
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.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
An average time-frame for a logo design project is about 3-6 weeks.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
“How much do you charge?”
What was your most important job experience?
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.
Who are some of your clients?
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
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
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.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
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.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I work with myself.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
At any given time I’m working on several projects. So it’s hard to talk about only one.
How can people contact you?
Email: samadara.ginige@live.com
Personal website: http://samadaraginige.com
Portfolios: http://samadarag.deviatart.com, http://behance.com/samadara
Skype: samadarag.official
Twitter: samadarag
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
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.
