0. Can you describe the term ‘design’?

Problem-solving and aesthetic creativity.

1. How do you usually start out new project (creating sketches, surfing
around net, playing with design tools)?

It depends on what I’m supposed to do. Anything web-related has to be well thought through, a lot of research and structural planning.

Making artworks is the opposite, it’s aesthetic freedom. I experiment a lot.

2. How does your creative process work?

1. Idea

2. Gather resources and inspiration

3. Making a prototype on paper or in Adobe Photoshop

4. Start working

5. Make some small changes

6. One night of good sleep

7. If I still like what I see keep on working or go back to step 3

8. Finalize the work

3. What kind of computer and graphic programs do you use?

I work on a Apple iMac 24″, 2,8 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme, 3gb ram. I also work with a Wacom Intuos3 A5 Wide. The softwares are: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, Adobe Flexbuilder, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4d, 3d Studio Max.

4. What brought you to the design and what did you do before design?

James Widegren (http://www.jameswidegren.com) brought me to design. He inspired me to start doing websites which led to Adobe Photoshop and the rest is history.

I didn’t do anything before design, I was young when I started out, around 13 years old. I guess that I both listened/played a lot of music.

5. What and who influenced your design?

When I started out: James Widegren (http://www.jameswidegren.com), Jens Karlsson (http://www.chapter3.net), Nathan Flood.

Now all my friends at Depthcore (http://www.depthcore.com).

6. What are your projects?

Right now? I’m busy studying for the finals, so a lot of Adobe Flash & Actionscript 3.

I also work on the application for the school Hyper Island (http://www.hyperisland.se)

7. Tips for new designers?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we were all beginners when we started out. Work hard and try to take in constructive feedback.

8. What are the most common design mistakes that you see?

Bad typography.

9. If there wasn’t a design what think you’d be doing today?

Hmm, I probably would be working as a music producer or studio musician.

10. List some of your favourite design links?

http://www.depthcore.com

http://www.behance.net

http://reformrevolution.com/

http://designyoutrust.com/

http://www.etcetering.com/

http://www.typeneu.com/

0. Can you describe the term ‘design’?

Design to me is everything around us. Mother nature is the ultimate designer. Looking at the patterns of the leaves, snow, a single bland of grass keeps me thinking how great it is to be alive.

1. How do you usually start out new project (creating sketches, surfing
around net, playing with design tools)?

Definitely a mix of sketching, surfing the web and drinking some Yogi Tea.

2. How does your creative process work?

First I freak out and think oh man, time is ticking. Then I think I’ll wash the dishes and it hits me…clarity comes from doing chores and yoga poses.

3. What kind of computer and graphic programs do you use?

Powerbook (that needs a new battery!) + CS3 + Wacom Tablet

4. What brought you to the design and what did you do before design?

I’ve always been involved with computers since Oregon Trail was brought to my elementary school on the old school Apple computers. It’s hard to say what I did before design. I grew up with art but before adventuring into design as a full time gig, I was a Make-up Artist at Nordstrom. That taught me the art of selling and customer service. 2 tools you can’t live without in this field.

5. What and who influenced your design?

My brother Michael and yoga

6. What are your projects?

2 community network sites are on the horizon, as well as a special component of Hybrid Roots that will be launching mid-February. I’m also working on apparel lines for Hybrid Roots.

7. Tips for new designers?

Never give up. Don’t let others tell you what they think you should be doing or that you can’t make money doing this or that. If you envision something, go for it. Action is what matters most. It’s called the art of the hustle.

8. What are the most common design mistakes that you see?

Not proofreading ads before they go to print or are launched into the web. I have my mother to thank for that one.

9. If there wasn’t a design what think you’d be doing today?

It’s a toss up – I’d either be in the Peace Corps or living in Jamaica hanging out with the Juice Man.

10. List some of your favourite design links?

http://www.juxtapoz.com/
http://hybridroots.gaia.com/
http://www.siscottstudio.com/

Much respect!

~Marissa