How did you get into web design?

I first got into web design when I was about 18 years old and a freshman in college. I was very into traditional drawing and painting throughout high school, but I figured there weren?t any good jobs in the real world for artists, so I planned on majoring in a science since I have always had a fascination for it. Somewhere along the way I found out and became addicted to digital art - web design included. Although I like web design, I find myself as interested if not more so in graphic design and motion. I feel as a new media designer and a flash developer these days that despite the current trend to specialize it is important to stay well-rounded."

Do you remember the very first site you designed?

My first site was pretty awful. Big beveled, shiny Photoshop buttons were littered on it. Despite the horrible looking site, it had some great illustrations and paintings on it.

You mentioned that you actually do not specialize in one particular area.

I realize I am part of a minority of designers these days in saying that I do not feel the need to specialize in one specific medium in new media design. I get inspiration and enjoy doing many forms of digital art, web design is included on that list.

Where do you get your art for these webpages?

I try to be as creative as possible with my art, but I am always drawing inspiration from great designers out there much better than myself. I enjoy the learning process, both conceptual and technical. So all the work on my site is my own aside from a couple stock photos.

What will be the next big development in web design?

I agree with people that believe that the web is a broadcast medium and will only continue to grow as one much like television.

Have you ever worked with website templates.

No, I firmly believe in not using website templates. I enjoy the creative process from the ground up. The moment I start using website templates is the moment I will cease to do any kind web design.

What do you think about Flash technology?

Flash or something very similar is the future of the web.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Flash?

I like the ability to use motion with Flash as well as other mediums like video, audio, etc. Obviously when using Flash it means that I?m not making the website as accessible as it could be. However, that is a sacrifice that I?m usually will to make because of Flash's great ability to add so much interactivity as well broadcast so much more emotion to the user.

What are your sources of inspiration?

I enjoy being outdoors and playing lots of sports. There is a lot of inspiration that can be drawn from the simplicity of nature and observing simple physics for example. Most motion work is just duplicating what already surrounds us in our world - otherwise it would just look weird. I also get a lot of inspiration from music all types.

What are your favorite website designs that you did and did NOT design yourself?

There are too many inspirational sites to possibly list. My all time favorite is still the Phillips Body groom website - http://www.shaveeverywhere.com. I also find tons of great flash sites on http://www.thefwa.com.

What was the toughest project or customer situation you?ve encountered?

All projects that I work on have their moments where they have been tough. Some tougher than others, but that is just the nature of field; one must take the good with the bad. It still beats being a truck driver for a living - although they do make pretty good money.

What are your interests and dislikes in webpage design?

I think my interest in web design stems from my general interest in design and art in general. As far as web design goes, having to deal with cross platform and cross browsers is always a hassle.

Thank you, Ben. We are happy to hear your opinions and experiences.

Helen Walker

Helen Walker graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and Sociology. She worked as a newspaper journalist for two years after that. Having always been interested in cyberculture and its impact on society, Helen switched to online journalism and joined Design Interviews blog in July, 2007. Ever since she's been interviewing web designers and administrating the blog. Helen is a keen movie-goer and she is also a panda lover.


Look for me on:
- Twitter
- VIRB
- Facebook

Get in touch with Helen: helen.walker4@gmail.com