Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Amanda Jones

Freelance Graphic Designer and Letterpress Artist

Primary design concentration:

Book and Editorial design

Most preferred tools for designing:

iMac and Adobe Creative Suite

How and why did you choose to become a designer?

My mother was a photographer, and I always knew I wanted to be involved in the arts. Design was the best fit.

What are some of the challenges you encounter as a designer and how do you deal with them?

Whenever I get a brain block on a project, my cure is usually a walk through the woods behind my home or an hour with a good stack of design books.

What is your definition of an “elegant solution,” that is, good design?

I’m still a young designer, so my definitions are always changing and evolving. I learn something new with each project I complete.

From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

I always say my motto is work hard, play hard.

How do you stay motivated and grow personally and professionally as a designer?

My husband and I have been married almost 4 years, and in that time, we’ve lived in 6 different places across 3 different continents (Philadelphia, PA; Provo, UT; Ann Arbor, MI; Sorsogon City, Philippines; Washington DC; Geneva, Switzerland). We are pretty transient, so my surroundings are always changing. It’s inspiring to get to know new cultures and meet new people in the process.

For those aspiring to become a designer, whatever the discipline, what is your advice?

Work hard and learn from others. I did a number of internships—each place very different from the next. It was an excellent way to get work experience and learn from great designers in the process.

What is your quest in design, from a professional practice, education or evolution standpoint?

I don’t know that I have a quest necessarily, but I do hope I always keep learning and growing. I once worked for a designer who was very stuck in his ways—always thought there were right and wrong ways to design. I think it’s important to explore the boundaries.

Return to the Index

Previous: Anne Ulku  |  Next: Laura Kalbag