Meet Erik Johansson; Professional Graphic Designer from Sweden

Sep 10, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Designer Interviews, Graphic Design Tips

Today we have Erik Johansson with us from Sweden, a professional print, graphic designer and re-toucher who has worked with brands like Microsoft, Google, IKEA and many more.

Continue reading below for detailed interview session and some remarkable design tips.

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

Erik Johansson – My name is Erik Johansson. I’m a professional photographer and designer (retoucher) from Sweden. I mostly work on personal and commercial projects. For me photography is just a way to collect material to realize the ideas in my mind. I get inspired by things around me in my daily life and all kinds of things I see, I always try to make sketches of the ideas I get. Every new project is a new challenge and my goal is to realize them as realistic as possible.

It all started out as a hobby, but after publishing some of my graphic design work online I started receiving requests for commissioned work as well.

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?”

Erik Johansson – I am mostly self-taught. I think that some people just have it in them. There are both good and bad things about not going to art school. I think I have learned the design tools on my own, perhaps not the fastest and best way always. But at least no one can tell me how it should be.

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

Erik Johansson – There are so many rules to follow, but I don’t really care to follow most of them. I do what I think looks good. I don’t know much about composition and rules, perhaps that is a good thing for me. Music has always been very important for my creativity and inspires me a lot, in every possible manner.

DesigningTips.com – What inspires you, and your designs?

Erik Johansson – I get inspired by all sorts of things. Things I see in my daily life or when I just think of something differently. I think I get more inspiration from drawings than photos, for example: Dali, Rob Gonsalves, Escher, Shaun Tan. But I also get inspiration from things in my daily life and I always make sure to take note or quick sketch each time an idea pops up.

DesigningTips.com – Is there any real difference between graphic designing (brochure/pamphlet/logo), interior designing (room in a home) and fashion designing (clothing for a beautiful woman)?

Erik Johansson – All designs are different. I think it depends more on the creative freedom given in each project. I prefer being involved as much as possible in the creative process even when it’s commissioned projects.

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

Erik Johansson – First I have to come up with an idea, which can take a lot of time. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months or sometimes years. To find the perfect spot is another hard thing and it has to take time. When I’ve found different locations and materials, I just need to photograph it and put it together. For my personal projects, I always want to shoot everything myself. I think I get more control that way but it also limits me somehow. I only use Photoshop CS5 to put my photos together.

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

Erik Johansson – Well, for commissioned projects I always try to keep the client involved, even when the design is far from over. I think that way I save a lot of time and changes.

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

Erik Johansson – I have only been freelancing for a few years but I have worked with some really interesting clients. Most of my clients are advertisement agencies in Sweden but I have also been working with Microsoft, Google, IKEA and I might have something coming up with a big artist or label in the near future.

Your readers can view my latest design project here: http://youtu.be/cTKU9_dqVUg

DesigningTips.com – Any graphic design tips you would like to share with fresher’s just starting out in the design industry?

Erik Johansson – Trying is the best way of learning. Try to find your own style and what you’re good at. When you’ve learned the design tools, it’s just your imagination that limits you.

You can find more about Erik Johansson from his website here.

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!