Our April designer we were chatting with is among DesignContest TOP-15. She has a memorable portfolio full of great and modern designs.  Years of studying design at the high school and university have a strong impact on her philosophy: DESIGN IS EXPLORATION.
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What was the reason for you to become a designer?
I believe it is who I am. I simply feel the necessity for creating something, whether that is a product or graphic. It is how your mind works.
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Can you compare the process of design studying with something else?
Designing is world exploring. Except literature art, I can’t think of anything else that could go this wide. The process includes your applied skills, art, social and technical science knowledge or interests, ability to explore and perceive people, events and things around you.
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How long have you been working as designer?
I’ve been a professional graphic designer for 5 years now.
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Have you always been a freelancer or used to work in office?
I have always been a freelancer, although I wouldn’t mind to work with the team. But I must say, offices require, at least in my country, many other skills which I found not complementary with the creative profession, or they need more technical skilled than creative individuals. Â Often, office chiefs are self-proclaimed marketing experts with the actual experience and skills of a salesman, with the 0 creativity.
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I can see your portfolio is full of different designs including logo, label, poster, banner and infographics design. But logos appear more often? Is it the main category you work on? Can other categories (like website design) can be a challenge for you?
It is true! I am more oriented toward logo design… not completely sure why. I think it is more challenging for me and more unique work than the rest. It is the moment when you give business its visual identity. That is a big deal. However, I like to work with other categories too. Website design is challenging, but it requires too much time, and unless you are deeply into it I find not worth of simple trying… I am referring to website design contests on crowd sources sites.
 
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Do you track modern logo trends? (If yes, what logo trends do you like most and least of all and why?)
Every serious designer must track logo trends or any other trends… society and technology. I prefer and admire smart and simple logotypes & typography. I despite over-used logo elements such as for real estate, yoga, humanity, 3D spheres with swooshes and similar…
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Do you have some design examples that irritate you?
Oh yes! I get nauseous when I see the Satisfaction font as logo.
 
And among your own designs?
Not proud of, but yes I do! Â (laughing)
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Where do you usually find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around us, but it’s a tricky to find it. You need to be able to explore it. Perception is important too, as your mental state at the moment. I think my basics start with geometry and nature. It depends on the project’s theme, really.
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You are a DC member since 2010. That is a huge period of time! What can you say about being a member of DC?
I have said it many times – I feel like both at home and in the office. Sometimes I get irritated with fraud designers or clients not having a single second to provide you a feedback on invested work and time. But, most of the time I am having a fun time with my fellow designers and administration staff. DC is 100% friendly environment for designers and clients.
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Can you advise some useful design sources for designers?
No, I cannot. I do not remember their names. Â Any tip is valuable (smiling).
But hey, this could be a way to give appreciation to all those wonderful people who decided to share their designing experience and skills with the world. THANK YOU!!!
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What was your feeling when you won a DC contest at the first time?
Honestly, I thought I would get a heart attack.
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And finally… our traditional question … What would you like to advise to DC newbies?
Read the project’s briefs, explore, learn, let your imagination out … be original and DO NOT COPY!!!
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