1. Let’s start with a traditional question. Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Windsor, Canada and moved to Phoenix, Arizona after graduating from university. I majored in Philosophy, so any career prospects were better than general expectations. The climate change has been the biggest difference for me, moving from place to place, but I dig it.

2. Was there a moment in your life when you’ve felt that you’re an artist and took a decision of devoting yourself to art?

I'd be lying if I said I've ever chosen to devote myself to any given thing. I love what I do; I love working in a creative environment and expressing myself creatively. That said, my working life has so far manifested itself in a stream-of-consciousness sort of process. If I'm open to the possibility that I could wake up tomorrow disinterested in design as a medium, then I can hardly say that I've become devoted.

3. Art and Design… What’s the difference? Which concept encloses more freedom of self-expression?

I think of Art in three senses: Pop, Folk, and Fine; For Money, For the People, and For It's Own Sake, respectively. Design exists as a subset of Pop art. As far as freedom of self-expression goes, the nature of pop-art being financially motivated dictates that it's less free. The market might not rule all decisions, but it gets input.

4. When working on any particular project you are obliged to customer’s conditions of what he/she would like to see.Do you ever feel exhausted of being kept within these boundaries?

Certainly, but I've had the good fortune to be able to be selective with which clients I take on. I suppose it's a matter of learning early warning signs with clients. With the best ones, boundaries don't feel like boundaries at all.

5. Have you ever argued with your customers trying to explain what design should suit best to their web appearance?

Being principled about good design is a prerequisite for not losing your mind in this industry. If I wanted to be a yes-man, I'd have taken up tax-accounting and wearing matching socks.

6. There is an opinion that a managing link should exist between a web-designer and a customer - someone to establish negotiations and avoid misunderstandings. What’s your point of view?

I find it's helpful when budget is a concern (read: more or less all the time). If budget dictates design, or if design dictates budget, the project is doomed to failure. Finding a middle ground is key: "a good website" is neither what I think it is, or what the client thinks it is, but ultimately, what the users think it is.

7. What is the best way to understand customer’s needs?

Telepathy. Or open communication and honesty.

8. What’s your source of inspiration?Do you still need that inspiration when all the details are already discussed with the customer?

Concrete? Delicious.com is a great source. Abstract? I'm really into european travel posters from the 30s and 40s. A beautiful balance of pop and folk art.

9. How do you spend your job-free time? Do you spend it improving your level of experience or do you devote this time to your family, friends, etc. ?

Evolving all the time. I play more video games than I should, and I hang out with my dog plenty. Phoenix gets about 320 days of sunshine per year, so it's easy to spend time outside, too.

10. Have you got anything to say for the design newbies?

Wear a lot of hats. Learn something from everybody, even if that something is what not to do. Never settle for old coffee. Read fiction and don't watch prime-time television. Without sounding too cliche, go against the grain. Get your inspiration from graffiti or street signs in New England or infographics, but get it from someplace nobody else is looking.

Phil Renaud

Thank you very much Phil! It was truly exciting to hear your point of view as an artist and philosopher towards art, design and self-expression!

Arthur Johnson

archer@designinterviews.com

Get in touch with Arthur: archer@designinterviews.com