Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Jennifer Lucey-Brzoza

Creative Director

Primary design concentration:

Branding, Lettering, Illustration

Most preferred tools for designing:

Pencil, Pen, Paintbrush, Creative Suite

Bath House

How and why did you choose to become a designer?

I suppose it sort of chose me. I always knew I would be a creative of some kind. I became a designer almost by accident. I studied fine art with a focus on photography and drawing. A professor offered me some freelance web design work, and it sort of evolved from there.

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

Maintaining the vision for a project throughout the process with a fickle client can be really challenging. Producing quality work is paramount, and over the years, we have come up with a process that works for us. We have many checks and balances as we move through a project, so that the client feels part of the process and has a solid understanding of why decisions are being made.

Wigwam

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

An elegant solution is born out of good observation and listening. It is when the design, the idea, and the product all have symmetry, and convey their purpose clearly and concisely.

From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

Skills can be learned, but perspective and vision are unique to each designer. Understanding and staying true to one’s creative vision as much as possible allows a designer to add inspiration and value to the world.

Saloon

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

I’m easily bored and constantly curious about things. This keeps a steady flow of new information coming my way. I find looking outside of design is important. Finding things I love that are completely unrelated, and learning about them, creates endless ideas, and motivates me to explore them. I also make a lot of non-design related personal work. This informs my professional work and helps me stay inspired.

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

Make work that represents your style and the work you would like to be making in the future. This will allow you to base your creative career on your own terms. If you are making solid work, the right people will find you. Don’t conform to trends or clients’ wishes easily. Stay true to you.

Sinclair

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

I’m really driven by an internal desire to evolve creatively, and make work that feels authentic and relevant. Staying inspired is key for me, and that requires a lot of stimulation from my environment. Music, art, the city in general, and travel, are all essential to creating inspiration. Maintaining a desired lifestyle with the freedom of time and place is also a major factor.

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