Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Derilyn Chambers

Brand Identity & Communication Designer

Primary design concentration:

Visual Communication Design—mostly multi-page print work, whether it is for design or an artist’s book for an exhibition

Most preferred tools for designing:

The mind

How and why did you choose to become a designer?

I used to draw a lot as a child, but was advised not to major in art when I was about to go to college. Since I did well in English in middle and high school, that’s what I pursued in undergrad. I still thought about a career in art, but didn’t seriously entertain it until several years after graduation when I started to become more curious about art school. I read a description about graphic design that seemed to be written just for me. I was hooked. I tried to read everything about graphic design. Right after that, I applied to design school and I’ve been a designer ever since.

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

Fighting to make whatever I’m working on—better. Sometimes I have to remind myself that better is sometimes best.

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

An elegant solution is one that solves a problem or challenges the viewer to consider thoughts or beliefs that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise. They can also be suggestive, allowing viewers to use their own experiences. Sometimes the answers are in the shadows.

From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

Defining success on your own terms and not allowing others to define it for you. You create the boundaries of your success.

An important skill to have is to know when to be adaptable and when to remain focused.

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

Surrounding myself with people and things that inspire me, and taking notice of the little things. I think this is helpful professionally, as well as personally.

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

Design is a saturated field. There are many who are vying for the same position that you’re interested in pursuing. There will be positions for which you will be turned down, but they were likely not the best fit for you, and there will be positions that you will get that will help you define your direction. Take it all in stride.

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

In addition to my own contributions, my quest is to educate and help aspiring designers contribute towards design solutions that make the world a better place to live.

I believe design helps to shape culture, and right now, my fear is that our society is so focused on technological advancement, that we’re not putting enough resources in connecting to people—to authenticity. Everything’s so rushed and about the end result. We’re not paying attention to the journey.

I also believe that it’s absurd that arts and humanities programs are being taken out of primary and secondary schools. Minds are strengthened by studying how contrary forces, like science and art, are interconnected. Neglecting one side weakens the other. I don’t think we can help children by increasing science and decreasing art. The question that needs to be asked is: how can they be combined together?

I also want to contribute towards enhancing the efforts of cultural acceptance and tolerance for a better nation and a better world.

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