Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Julie Oya

Graphic and Web Designer

Primary design concentration:

Web

Most preferred tool for designing:

Photoshop

1. How and why did you choose to become a designer?

It was a natural progression that evolved with my creative interests. After graduating from college, I interned in London as a Web Designer for the Centres for Curiousity & Imagination, a project that promotes hands-on interactive children’s museums in the UK. It was eye-opening. Even though my major was in photography at school, I also designed installations, furniture, web sites, textiles and zines. From web design, I worked in visual effects for sci-fi television and am now interested in bridging the two with interaction design.

2. Challenges you encounter as a designer and how do you deal with them?

Trying to find that perfect balance of harmony between what the client or end user needs and what you, the designer, thinks is the best solution, functionally and design-wise. In other words, putting the project’s best interests before ego. My solutions: a lot of communication, sketches, feedback from outside parties, and most importantly, a good sense of humor.

3. Your definition of an “elegant solution,” that is, good design?

Simple sophistication, refined design without need of explanation. Although elegance is subjective, I think an “elegant solution” is one that is clean and functional, surprising in the enjoyment of its ease of use while managing to exist above trends.

4. From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

Not insulating oneself from the rest of the community by “giving back” through mentorship and communication. I find some of my favorite designers have brilliant blogs and open the discussion floor by keeping connected through regular newsletters and Twitter. Also curiousity, constantly searching for new things and people to learn from and become inspired by.

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

Continue to teach myself new things, learn new skills that aren’t necessarily design-related. For example, learning how to play guitar bends my brain (and fingers) in ways that stimulates my creativity—or taking up embroidery or setting up a screenprinting studio in my home. Traveling, meeting other designers locally and abroad through conferences, meet-ups and friends. I volunteer and teach others—something I find fun and fulfilling. Also it’s a wonderful way to meet new people which is always inspiring.

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

Network, discuss and make. Don’t be a snob.

7. What is your quest in design?

To make things that please me and others. And if it makes us laugh, then bonus.

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