Interview with a Designer of Brand Identities; Rich Scott

Oct 24, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Designer Interviews, Graphic Design Tips

Rich Scott is a full time graphic designer for his own company designabot.net, which has worked with global clients. Rich mostly works with smaller companies and/or startup businesses.

We got a chance to interview Rich, because he was generous enough to take out time to answer some important questions for DesigningTips.com readers. Continue reading below for graphic designer interview along with some valuable design tips.

DesigningTips.com - Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from and how did you end up being a designer?

Rich Scott - I am a thirty one year old designer originally from Australia who moved to the UK at the age of seven. After much travelling I have resettled back to the place of my birth.

I always loved to draw as a kid, deciding early on that I had to follow my passion and be creative in some way. Graphic design seemed like an interesting avenue to follow because it encompasses all forms of art. I had a short spell working for an animation company and stints with design firms but always liked the idea of time/life freedom and thus set up my own design business four years ago.

DesigningTips.com - Is it necessary to go to design school to learn how to be a good designer or is it enough to “attend the school of hard knocks?”

Rich Scott - Honestly I would say it is not necessary to attend design school. I studied graphic design and photography for two years at college then completed a three year degree specializing in graphic design. I think design school gave me a solid grounding and introductory insight into the design industry. Now, with the growth of the internet and design inspiration being so widely accessible, I believe anyone with passion, drive and skill can succeed no matter his or her background.

DesigningTips.com - What are the key elements of a good design? Is good design a function of creativity … of sound experience … or both?

Rich Scott - Concept is king when it comes to any form of design. The vision is what’s important whether you are designing a logo or a car. Being able to communicate your vision to the audience is vital I feel.

DesigningTips.com - Is there any real difference between designing a brochure/pamphlet/logo, room in a home and clothing for a beautiful woman?

Rich Scott - Not much difference really apart from the time taken to complete…from reading a brief/initial sketching to viewing the end product can vary dramatically depending on the scope of the project. Also how you go about tackling them may be different but the same design rules apply.

DesigningTips.com - How do you work on your design projects? I mean, what design software, applications and design tools do you use the most for your projects?

Rich Scott - My design process varies depending on the project. The majority will start with research, brain storming then sketching. However if an idea immediately pops into my head I will jump straight into Adobe Illustrator and begin creating with vectors. Currently I am using cs5 and would say 80-90% of my artwork is produced in Illustrator, with Adobe Photoshop being used mainly for presentation purposes.

DesigningTips.com - Are there ever times when design changes are radical?

Rich Scott - Yes, usually driven by the client. Sometimes a logo and branding system is almost complete then the client will do a complete backflip and desire something entirely different. This is rare and can be a little frustrating but at the end of the day the customer is always right… Ain’t that right? : )

DesigningTips.com - Can you tell us about your design portfolio and clientele (people you have worked with & for)?

Rich Scott - I have worked with a variety of great clients across the globe. I tend to design for smaller companies or business start-ups. Some of my clients include; Maria Andros (www.mariaandros.com), HydroTerra (www.hydroterra.com.au), Reputeer (www.reputeer.de), Ombros Consulting (www.ombros-consulting.com), Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (www.aacbt.org.au), Level Four (www.levelfour.com.au). I also collaborate regularly with Dan Johnson of Spin My Logo (www.spinmylogo.com) and Samuel Nilsson (www.envelope.se).

DesigningTips.com - Any design tips you would like to share with freshers just starting out in the design industry?

Rich Scott - The key for graphic designers starting out in the industry is to be creative and original. With such a vast array of talent ‘out there’, it can be quite over whelming trying to compete with established professionals. It’s up to freshers to believe in themselves, never give up and try to evolve their own design styles. I hope that helps!

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