1.    Let's start with a traditional question. William, would you  please tell us a bit about your background?

My name is William Balanza, pseudo name bintek.  a Freelance Web and Graphic Designer based in Mapandan, Pangasinan, Philippines. I started 
my career as a graphic designer, and then shifted to web designing in 2005. I was first employed at iVant Technologies, a well known web development company in the Philippines then started my life as a freelancer in late 2008. Most of my clients are based in the United States and the United Kingdom.

2.    Were you fond of drawing when you were a kid?

That is correct. I enjoy scribbling and doodling on notebooks.  I 
remember when I was 8 my teacher got angry with me after discovering 
my exam notebook was full of sketches of Fido dido and rockets and 
stuff. :)

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3.    If there any software you had to learn on your own?

All of the software I'm using in my work are self taught. I spent a large amount of time practicing effects in  Photoshop via tutorials found on the interwebs. Coding css and html by viewing the source on web pages and learning to duplicate the effect on your own.

4.    Do you remember the very first design you created?

Yes. It was for a motorcycle website done in Microsoft FrontPage, that 
was around year 2002.

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5.    Was it a challenge to work with the customers for the first time?

Yes it was. One factor was on how to gain their trust. I only communicate with my clients thru email so you have to really understand how they want their website to look like, even just by reading the emailed project brief and try to incorporate their ideas into the design. My top priority is always the satisfaction of the clients.

6.    Being a freelancer gives you a lot of freedom, but what is the other side of the coin?

The thing about freelancing is that you have flexible working hours, 
and sometimes you tend to overwork yourself. Time management is vital for a  freelancer to maintain a sane life.

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7.    How do you start your workday?

On a typical day, I wake up at 6am. Check my email and browse the 
news on digg. Drop my kids to school in the morning, start working at 
1pm then have some quality time with my family until 7 then work 
again until 12 midnight. On some days I tend to spend my time with my wife going to different places and experiencing different cuisine.

8.    What is the best way to look for the customers?

Increasing your web presence is one of the best ways to find clients.
Most of the time, clients approach me after seeing my works in a 
forum, or after visiting my website and stumbling upon my flickr account.
Another way is from client referrals. Cold emails to prospective companies is also advisable.

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9.    Would you please tell us a little about your current projects?

I just finished a User Interface design for the Company known for its Image 
Editing Software and coding for a Promotions Company together with a famous TV Personality in the US. I'm currently working on the branding and identity of a Japanese Biodiesel Company.

10.  What is typography especially for you? Is it your hobby only?

Typography is a way to releases creativity and exercise the imagination. I specially like experimenting with retro and space designs. You could find some of my artworks showcased in popular design blogs.

11.  Do you have any advice for web-design beginners?

Practice always and never stop learning.

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Thank You very much William for your kind answers! We wish you further success in your future endeavors!

Arthur Johnson

archer@designinterviews.com

Get in touch with Arthur: archer@designinterviews.com