My name is Nick La. I’m the creator of N.Design Studio, Web Designer Wall, Design Jobs on the Wall, and Best Web Gallery. Ever since I was a kid, I alway liked art (such as drawing, painting, etc.) and design in general. I was introduced to Adobe Photoshop by my high school art teacher and I fell in love with it instantly. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer.

You’re mostly self-taught. Still you attended Humber College for a two year Advertising and Graphic Design program. What factors should students consider when choosing a school?

When choosing a school, I think it is very important to find a school that can provide a balance of technical and theoretical training — both are equally essential.

On a basic level, what skills does a job of a graphic/web designer demand?

Creative thinking plus good technical skills.

How does one create a good portfolio?

Select the best pieces that reflect your style and capabilities.

How did you come up with an idea of Web Designer Wall?

The idea of Web Designer Wall actually came from my room. I draw a lot of doodles and often tape them on my wall. This was how I got the idea for the name — a wall of ideas.

You talk about web design trends on your blog. Which ones you find most inspiring and long-standing now?

I find the grungy and collage style are the most inspiring and long-standing. Also, web design is getting very graphical — designers like to use large photographic and texturized background.

Is blogging helping your business? Are there any clients among your blog readers?

Yes, blogging does help my business. In fact, a few of my big clients are brought from Web Designer Wall.

What are the key principles you follow in your daily work?

Be yourself. Create original and quality work.

How do you usually get yourself in the productive state of mind? What are some of your productivity tips you could share?

Go out more. Don't lock yourself in your room or office.

How do you sharpen your skills?

I always read tutorials, magazines, and blogs to keep myself up-to-date. Managing Best Web Gallery enables me to recognize the current trends. On my free time, I do experimental work and write tutorials.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? What would you still like to accomplish in your career?

Now, I'm very happy that I can enjoy what I do and at the same time make a living out of it. Hopefully, in the future I can showcase my vector illustrations in my own exhibition.

What’s the typical day of yours like?

Being a freelancer, my working schedule is very flexible (somewhat unhealthy). I don't have a fixed schedule; some days I get up at 10am while other days I get up at 1pm. After breakfast, I usually go to Starbucks or book store and work on my laptop. I don't like to work at home because the outdoor environment often brings me fresh ideas (things that you can't find on the web). Then at late night, I continue to work on my laptop until 3 to 4am.

Where one can find you in your spare time? What are you usually doing?

On the weekends, you can find me spending time with family and friends in a restaurant or lounge.

Who are some of your artistic influences? What is it about their work that inspires you?

I don't have particular artists/designers that I like. But, Japanese/Chinese watercolor art and complex/abstract vector art inspires me the most.

What web design-related books and online resources would you recommend to a newbie?

I don't have particular books to recommend right now (I read mostly online), but here are some online resources: LogoPond, Smashing Magazine, A List Apart, ComputerLove, W3Schools, CSS Play, PSDTuts, and NetTuts.

What advice would you give to a beginning graphic designer?

Read more, do more experimental work, and check out what the big designers are doing.

Helen Walker