Browsing Tag

Print

Design

Print vs Digital vs the Universe

October 2, 2016
The Future of Design photo credit @Eiko Ojala

I remember taking my first interaction design course as part of a pilot program my college was experimenting with. The class itself was very inspirational, but not all that practically helpful when it came to real world experience for new designers. It’s scary how much has changed in just 5 years since I was sitting that classroom at the largest University in the state of Oregon.

Digital design, UI/UX design, graphic design, interaction design, web design are all relevant titles floating around in the design field today and its literally impossible to be an expert in every arena. So where to start? What’s important today and what will be important 10 years from now? It can be overwhelming to try and grasp where the future of design is going and how to stay relevant but, if you really break things down, the fundamentals have never changed.

Old school concepts like typography, eye for detail, organization, space, color theory, user interaction and experience, emotional responsiveness; these are all elements that aren’t going to become outdated but merely transformed in their representation in our visual world.

“The soul never thinks without an image.” – Aristotle

 

The Future of Design 2 photo credit @Eiko Ojala

It is important for designers to stay relevant with the world and to capitalize on interests and passions. Love typography? Possibilities are endless. From web design messaging and layout, app confirmations, 3D printed messages, hand drawn type illustration, signage etc. Challenge yourself, there’s absolutely no reason to be chained to your assigned title. Define your own path and be what your best at.

 

Interview

Guest Artist Interview – Chris Svoboda

March 31, 2016
Photo credit @Chris Svoboda

Time flies when your having…fun? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been trying to escape the blizzards of Denver. I’m so ready for warmer weather, breezy open windows, birds, open toe shoes, not having to scrap ice and snow off my car. You get the idea.

Tonight I’m so excited to present a very talented local artist who specializes in clean, creative design and raw ingenuity. Meet Chris Svoboda from Denver, CO and be sure to click the links below to see more of his work.

Behance  |  Instagram

 

Interview

1 Tell us a little about yourself and how did you get into design?

Becoming a collegiate athlete was once my biggest goal, followed closely by a desire to become a top chef. As I began my athletic career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while studying to become a nutritionist, I quickly found that I didn’t feel fulfilled in either path. I started a mission to dig into my interests and find out just what exactly made me tick. While filling general requirement courses for my major, I stumbled upon a course that focused solely on advertising. Throughout the course, I developed a passion for the creative side of advertising and the idea that I could have the power to create something from nothing. I changed my major to Advertising and began narrowing down where my passions fell in the creative zone. As the youngest in my family I spent a lot of time reworking hand-me-down toys to fit my interests and filling every inch of my room with drawings. It didn’t take long to find my niche in design and I haven’t looked back since. Through countless hours of tutorials, perhaps too many coffee breaks, and an endless fascination with the Adobe creative suite, I’ve landed in my place as a graphic designer.

 

Photo credit @Chris Svoboda

Photo credit @Chris Svoboda

 

2 Walk us through a typical day?

As I’m currently looking for my next opportunity as a graphic designer I’ve been keeping busy by expanding my skill set, freelancing, and sending out more emails than I’d like to count. When I’m not working on my trusty laptop, I’m doodling or working on DIY projects around the house.


Describe your style/aesthetic and where do you draw your inspiration from?

I do my best not to get comfortable and stick with one particular design style as there are so many to choose from and grow with. My work typically has a clean aesthetic but it truly comes down to what or whom I’m designing for.

My guilty pleasure is illustration. It makes me feel like I’m a kid again, watching old school Disney cartoons and creating my own characters. 

 

Photo credit @Chris Svoboda

Photo Credit: Chris Svoboda

Photo credit @Chris Svoboda

 

On your site, you reference sasquatch a few times, any backstory on your rare creature interactions?

The sasquatch is my way of saying that my style and background is different and that I don’t want to be put in a category as a designer with a single track of work. I chose the sasquatch because it follows its own path and still makes history.

 

Photo credit: Chris Svoboda

Photo credit: Chris Svoboda

 

What are some of your favorite pastimes?

I’ve always found the best way for me to unwind was through exploration. I’m always up for a hike, trying a food truck, or even a drive through the mountains. I like to live life a little off the map and off the wall.

Thanks again!

Photo credits: Chris Svoboda