Ontwerperinterview
19 vragen
We are a Sydney-based content creation studio that works collaboratively with advertising agencies, designers and photographers to produce world-class visuals across all media types.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
We are a Sydney-based content creation studio that works collaboratively with advertising agencies, designers and photographers to produce world-class visuals across all media types.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I enjoy a brief that is fairly open, something that I can inject some of my personality into. I like to offer solutions and value to the client.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
A Christmas card for a hospital in the north east of England when I was 16.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love Zbrush. I love to digitally sculpt. I enjoy using Zbrush, Maya 3D, HDR Light Studio for lighting and V-Ray for materials and rendering.
When do you feel the most creative?
Unfortunately for me, it’s usually late at night. When the phones stop ringing and the emails have stopped, that’s when I’m most creative. Which means late nights.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
There are two parts, really. I focus on the initial design, so blocking things out and getting composition correct and then also finessing and during the end stages getting everything just right.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel joy and a sense of euphoria. I tend to keep looking back at things and sneak in to the studio and switch everything on and have a look at it and then sneak out again.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Whether it conveys a clear message, the way it looks and if it’s pleasing to the eye. I’ve got a designer’s eye so things like kerning and composition really jump out at me.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I find inspiration from other digital artists online. My sources of inspiration include Behance and Instagram.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My preferred design style is photo-real or hyperreal. I’ve learnt to match the style that the client asks for. And styles change so often and so quickly, you have to keep up with the trends.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
Growing up in the UK and going to university there, design and architecture was everywhere. Great design, some of the best designers in the world come from the UK. Same with advertising. I used to watch TV and I used to enjoy the commercials more than watching the programs.
How do you work with companies?
They normally come to me with a concept, whether that is written, verbal or drawn. I build on that concept. I work closely with art directors and photographers and we bounce ideas off each other.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positives are being creative every day, the lifestyle is pretty relaxed. The negatives are long hours; it’s not really a physical job so there is lots of sitting and staring at screens.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Keeping it loose to start with, don’t get too fixated on the details too early. Be aware that quite often things change so don’t get too attached to something too soon.
What skills are most important for a designer?
The ability and desire to improve or learn. Knowing where to look for tutorials on something you might not know how to do yet. The ability to research things, to Google, and also having a good eye for design.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Zbrush, Maya 3D, HDR Light Studio for lighting and V Ray for materials and rendering.
Who are some of your clients?
Advertising agencies, photographers and designers.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I mostly develop designs by myself but I also work with a small dedicated team of specialists.
How can people contact you?
Via my email address – studio@paulgawman.com – or on the usual social media channels.
