Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Rebecca Wilson

Designer and Founder of fivefourandahalf

Primary design concentration:

Web Designer, Identity Design and Design for Print

Most preferred tool for designing:

Assortment of pens, paper and Moleskine notebook, and the Adobe Creative Suite

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

Design was a passion of mine from an early age, and for the first twenty years of my life, I was adamant that I wanted to be an architect. After studying the subject and realising I was on the wrong path, I spent a good few years re-assessing where I was heading. The unconventional and organic process that led me to start up my own design practice has given me a different perspective on how I approach my projects. In some respects it might be considered a naivety, but this outlook provides me with a confidence and drive that I believe I might lack if I had followed the traditional study routes.

My driving force is the importance I place on design—from graphics to products to the environments we inhabit and explore—to enhance our experience of life. I approach my work in the hope that every project I complete will contribute in some small way to this improvement of our environment and experience.

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

Compromise and conviction.

The most important and difficult aspect of being a designer is understanding where your client is coming from, and translating this into a design concept. Getting this right is crucial, and convincing them that you have got this right is equally crucial. Compromise is a tricky part of the design process as it tends to show in the final solution, so I aim to convince a client before I compromise on what I believe is best for them. It is very satisfying for both parties, after plenty of disagreement along the way, to complete a project in the knowledge that you have not compromised, and the client is undeniably happier than if you had.

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

In terms of graphics, it does not jar the eyes. The viewer will appreciate the design of the page/book/package in its entirety and no single element will create a feeling of unease. It is about seamlessness and subtle emphasis in all the right places.

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

A good eye. A good hand. A good ear. Being patient. Communicating. Having confidence and conviction. And as with all things, hard work!

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

For me, motivation comes from working on a variety of projects and always searching for new clients. It is also essential to pull yourself away from your desk and computer. I see a lot of friends and family, and gain inspiration from them as well as exploring in and out of the city, and keeping a keen eye on design events and blogs. When you hit a creative blank don’t force it… go for a walk, send some administrative emails, and go find a book or piece of music to pull you away.

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

Immerse yourself in the work of other designers first, and be honest with yourself about your passion for the subject. Go to college if you think this environment and structure will benefit you, but don’t go into this lightly as you may gain more from throwing yourself into work or getting an internship somewhere… college is expensive and for some people entirely unnecessary, but school tutors will rarely be honest about this. In terms of work, the most important thing if you start up yourself is persistence. Get your work seen by as many people as possible and if you are truly passionate about what you are doing then you will put the hours in and the rewards will come. There is always work out there if you want it enough.

7. What is your quest in design?

My quest is simple and modest. I aim to be personally and professionally satisfied with every piece of work that I complete for my clients, and for them to be equally or more pleased. From this I hope to develop a core and growing client base and to be prouder of my output job by job and year by year. My social and personal life is as important as my work life, and if I can strike a balance between the two, whilst enjoying my work in the way that I do, I will be ultimately very happy and healthy.

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