Interview

Mr. Brain Archibald: What attracted you to the field of Graphic Design?

Unlike what most people think, the design world is neither glamorous nor a bed of roses. Rather, it is a hard work, yet full of excitement, adventure and challenge. For instance, the challenge to meet an extremely tight deadline and the opportunity to translate my creativity into ideas, are exciting and adventurous tasks. In addition being financially rewarding, it provides a sense of satisfaction when the creative work is recognized and enjoyed by people.

Mr. Brain Archibald: Oftentimes, clients may request work from a designer that may breech the designer ethics. Through a conditions question - where would your loyalties lie; with the client on with your ethics standpoint?

This is a hard question. There are a few possible answers for the question. First, as a professional designer under the employment of a company, I have no right to decline any jobs assigned. The only person who has the right to consider the mentioned issue is the head of the company. Second, if I were in the position of authority in the company, and I had the right to make the decision, I would consider the ethic standpoint from the angle of the company. The image and reputation of the company would be my main concern. Of course, if I were a freelancer, I would follow my own principles of designer ethics without considering the profit.

Mr. Brain Archibald: As a designer, you have been introduced to the inner workings of advertising, print and commercial design. How has your perception changed with regards to commercial entities (Ads, Commercial, Billboards)?

After a few years training in the industry, the most obvious changes of mine should be the sensibility and perspective towards art or commercial art. As a designer, I am learning to appreciate artworks, both fine arts and communication designs, through the process of creating. The betterment of observation skills and the more in depth insight towards daily life are other major improvements that I have learned at creative process. The skills have enhanced my ability to understand the latent meanings and ideas of pieces, and not simply to judge pieces by their appearances.

Mr. Brain Archibald: How do you feel your status as an international student helps you in the field of communication design?

I believe that with different cultural background, the personal value and way of seeing, thinking or creating would be different as well. As an international student, I am glad to have the chance to learn more about other people’s ambition. The impact on the difference customs, arts, social institutions would definitely effects my perspective in the field of communication design. Besides, the experience gained will help to broaden my horizons in term of range of interests, activities and knowledge.