Inspiration
My Design “Process”
October 1st, 2009
Written by: Juliana Gonzalez
I kind of cringe when I hear the word “process.” I am a creative—a true, free thinking, anti-math, right-brainer. The thought of anything that requires me to sit and follow any sort of predetermined course gives me flashbacks to my school days; my heart starts racing and I immediately get the feeling I forgot something really important, even though no one has asked me to remember anything yet.
In spite of all this, I was intrigued by the idea of a blog post that highlights my design “process” (ew) because I figured it would be insightful, or entertaining at the least. Of course, the way I create something varies depending on what it is, my mood, what I had to eat for breakfast, etc., but here is a basic overview for you.
I’ve always been taught to start with a pen and paper, so I begin with sketches, even if it’s just a few. Here’s a website comp I drew a few days ago.
This is a perfect example of why I prefer to go straight to the computer. As you can see, I haven’t lost my tendency to “doodle.” You can also see I was extremely excited about the upcoming Dierks Bentley concert. (I really do just love him.)
Once I’m at the computer, I get a few ideas out of my head and then I take a break, which could involve any number of things.
Lunch: (with my favorite fork)
A phone call, a Facebook comment, a chat with Adam, or hiding in the Santy Food Drive box until some unsuspecting coworker walks back in from the bathroom.
While April was practicing for Roller Derby tryouts she spent every day on skates, so I opted to learn how to rollerblade for the first time:
I also like to make sure everyone at work is enjoying themselves as much as I am. Or staying on their toes. Luckily, my hilarious cube-mate Jenny feels the same way, and she has the iPhone 3GS with video.
To compensate for this hyperactivity I’ve developed a meticulous method for keeping track of billing time, my projects, and to-do lists. At any given time I have at least three pens and two pads of Post-its in my purse, my phone alarm is reminding me of things all throughout the day, and my desk and house are both covered in lists and notes. (Think the guy from the movie Momento). It’s a flawless system, really, and I reap all the benefits of having an obsessive compulsive personality while maintaining my…“flair.”
