Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Susan Murphy

Designer

Primary design concentration:

Branding, Print, Web, Interactive

Most preferred tools for designing:

Moleskine and Muji Pen (preferably green)

How and why did you choose to become a designer?

The way it happened I don’t feel like it was a direct choice, rather a natural result. Since I was small, I always liked a bunch of things, however, I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. Now that I’m figuring out that thing is called design (!), you get paid for it (!!) and other people are like this too (!!!)—it’s still a delightful novelty.

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

Being harder on myself, more than anyone else could be. That (not-so) wonderful, debilitating, self-criticism. It’s a tough one to face, especially feeling other people agree with those thoughts. But I try to tell myself to shut up from time to time, or else nothing will get done.

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

A great idea.

From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

Loving what you do. It’s a fortunate achievement in itself.

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

A passion to learn, without a doubt. I also find ‘you are who you spend time with’, being around inspiring people certainly rubs off.

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

Be nice, be yourself.

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

To keep on learning and soak it all up, especially those details.

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