Ion, please tell us a bit about your background. Did you get any design or development-related education? How did you get into web design?

I had always been a bit curious about how stuff works in the background. So I started to play with HTML in Notepad, also with Photoshop and Flash.

I didn't get any education related to design or programming. I started learning alone reading a lot of HTML, Photoshop and Flash tutorials, I also bought some books to facilitate my learning. Then I found developer jobs on sites that listed jobs currently needed in various areas of the web.

What was your first project?

The first project I sold was an online store for a small shop. But there was no shopping cart, just a gallery of products with filters for some specific searches.

Have you always designed primarily with Flash or did you start with HTML-based designs?

I started with HTML, but when I discovered Flash and its workflow for design and programming, I decided to stay with Flash.

What advantages does Flash give over HTML + CSS?

I don't think Flash has any advantages over HTML+CSS as well as HTML+CSS over Flash. Some things are best made with Flash and some things are not.

You've been designing for a few years only. How did you manage to build up such an impressive portfolio with so many projects?

Actually, in most of the projects my part was only the actionscript development. I work in a digital agency Tribo Interactive, so all design related issues are handled by the design team. I´m working as a Flash Developer, my design skills are just for personal small projects now.

Do you have a favorite project?

My favorite is always the last project.

You have a beautiful unique-looking portfolio. Did it take a lot of effort to create? Is this effort paying off?

Yes, it took me a little time to put everything together and then bring it to life, especially because it's personal. And yes, it is paying off. I've never worked as a fulltime freelancer, but sometimes "work" just knocks on my door because of the online portfolio. That´s why I made it. I freelance mostly for small Flash projects.

You live and work in Brazil. Are most of your clients Brazilian or do you work internationally?

Mostly Brazilian.

When clients come to you, do they always know what they need? How do you help them find out?

They know what they want, but not what they need. So I have to explain to them how things work, how a website is built from scratch. When some project needs a specific effect, I always make an experimental demo to show the client what it will look like.

What is your typical working day like?

I wake up around 8am, at 8:40am I leave for work. A half-hour walk gets me to the agency. I spend the rest of the day estimating projects, studying some new features for a future project or if I´m already in a project, the entire day will be spent on that project.

If you imagined yourself at the start of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

I really don't know =)

Ion, thank you for your time.

Lillian Wells

Lillian Wells has worked on the web for a while but has only recently discovered the joys of blogging. She combines her teaching career with what gives her the most satisfaction - following web trends and taking interviews from outstanding professionals. Her inbox is always open for comments and suggestions. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Get in touch with Lillian: designinterviews@gmail.com