Kate was a type of youngsters who noticed her faculty notebooks as potential design tasks, experimenting with colourful pens and arranging her headers and assignments in visually interesting layouts (we think about her pencil case was stuffed to the gills!). Now, she will get to try this for a residing as a graphic designer specializing in customized fonts. Recognized to us as Kate Visuals, her work is cool, elegant and trendy. She’s additionally an amazing communicator and a professional on the contests course of. We spoke to Kate about her expertise on 99d, her love of typography and the way she protects herself from burnout.
Identify: Kate
99designs deal with: katevisuals
Location: North Finland
Specialty: Font design
Hello Kate! Inform us about your self.
Hey, my title is Kate. I’m from Ukraine however presently residing in North Finland. I concentrate on creating minimal and stylish designs and have a ardour for customized font design.
What’s it like in North Finland? Does it encourage your work?
Dwelling in North Finland is kind of an expertise! It’s both actually chilly and darkish within the winter or tremendous vibrant in the summertime, however nonetheless chilly. These excessive contrasts do encourage my work, although possibly not in the best way you’d count on. The lengthy winters imply we spend lots of time indoors, which has given me the possibility to dive deep into my passions, like design. Others would possibly get artistic with music, gaming, or binge-watching their favourite reveals.
Have been you all the time obsessed with creativity and design?
I used to be all the time the child doodling fonts and calligraphy. I’d make posters for college and spend hours crafting distinctive layouts.
Fonts have been my factor — all the time have been, all the time will likely be. Even organizing my faculty notebooks was a design venture for me. I cherished experimenting with totally different pens, creating visually interesting headings, and arranging content material in a approach that was each purposeful and aesthetically pleasing.
Notebooks and writing have been probably the most thrilling elements of college for me
How did you flip that keenness right into a profession?
As I mentioned, I’ve all the time preferred calligraphy and fonts. Since I used to be additionally focused on computer systems, I spotted that graphic design was an ideal mix of those pursuits. I studied graphic design at college in Ukraine, however I largely realized by way of on-line programs and self-teaching. With good self-discipline, you’ll be able to be taught a lot by yourself!
Inform me about working as a contract graphic designer. What’s nice, and what’s not so nice? I get pleasure from main a model by way of artwork in a path that advantages them. I like the psychological side of graphic design and fixing the puzzles of what design will profit a model. The least fulfilling half is that designers are typically not taken severely, though this has modified loads. My mum used to assume graphic design was only a poor artist’s passion!
Oh no! Why do you assume designers aren’t all the time taken severely?
Design isn’t your typical workplace job, and many individuals see it as extra of an artsy passion than actual work. This notion signifies that typically purchasers don’t take a designer’s time severely, which not often occurs in different industries. What number of occasions have designers heard, “Simply play with the colours”? It’s probably not play — even in the event you get pleasure from it, all these modifications take lots of effort and time that individuals don’t all the time perceive. We would like higher suggestions and for purchasers to belief our skilled selections, as we’re specialists in our subject.
Moreover, many graphic designers begin out self-taught, which could contribute to the dearth {of professional} respect. There are additionally situations (fortunately not with me) the place purchasers request refunds after the job is finished or refuse to pay. You wouldn’t count on that at a hairstylist’s — in the event you don’t just like the haircut, you continue to need to pay for it.
So, then, what introduced you to 99designs?
I used to be drawn to the simplicity of the idea. I like contests and determining precisely what purchasers are on the lookout for. The platform gives a unbelievable alternative to work with purchasers from all around the world and constantly enhance my abilities by competing with different gifted designers. Plus, the aggressive side is thrilling!
What’s the expertise been like?
Becoming a member of 99d has been an enriching and thrilling expertise. It’s considerably broadened my publicity to a various vary of purchasers and tasks. The aggressive nature of the platform has pushed me to refine my abilities and keep up to date with design developments. I like collaborating in industries I may not have explored in any other case — it’s extremely attention-grabbing and retains me studying and bettering. Moreover, 99d has helped me construct a robust portfolio. It’s been a journey of progress and creativity.
How would you describe your design model?
Minimal, sensible (a minimum of, I hope so!) and stylish. I get pleasure from enjoying with fonts to create designs which can be each visually interesting and purposeful.
What do you want about that model of labor?
In my view, minimal and stylish design is the very best as a result of it’s memorable and versatile for various functions. You’ll be able to pair minimal design with non-minimal art work, and it’ll all the time look nice. This makes it good for altering seasonal designs whereas maintaining a constant brand that all the time matches. I discover minimal design to be extra adaptable than busy designs, making it integral to my work. It’s like having a design chameleon that blends in completely, regardless of the context.
Inform us about customized font design. Why is it so integral to your work?
I imagine that the font is an important a part of a design as a result of it conveys probably the most crucial data — model names, messages, and so on. Designing customized fonts has considerably contributed to my profession as a result of a lot of my work is font-based. It permits me to create distinctive, tailor-made designs that stand out and are timeless. Plus, there’s one thing extremely satisfying about seeing a font you created getting used and acknowledged. It’s like leaving a private mark on every venture, making the design really one-of-a-kind.
The place do you flip for inspiration?
Consider it or not, 99designs is a unbelievable supply of inspiration. I like so many designers on the platform. However inspiration is all over the place. Generally it’s a fantastically crafted brand, and different occasions it’s seeing what to not do.
Even on a drive, I’m consistently analyzing logos and designs round me. It’s like a behavior that retains me desirous about design on a regular basis. The world is stuffed with concepts in the event you concentrate.
What sort of purchasers do you usually work for?
I work with a variety of purchasers, from startups and small companies to bigger firms. However actually, I’ve a delicate spot for small corporations. There’s one thing particular in regards to the private connection and understanding that my work could make a huge impact on their progress and success. It feels extra significant and rewarding while you see how a lot your designs assist a small enterprise thrive.
Do you will have a dream venture or model?
My dream tasks can be with manufacturers that share my values and give attention to making a constructive influence. I’d like to work with health-related corporations, sustainable vogue manufacturers utilizing pure supplies, and organizations that assist folks. I’m additionally obsessed with working with artisan manufacturers, handmade items, high-quality meals producers and inside design manufacturers that use eco-friendly supplies. Having the ability to contribute to those sorts of tasks can be extremely fulfilling and thrilling, bringing a way of goal and pleasure to my work.
What are your ideas for different designers on the platform?
Be taught to lose gracefully. Didn’t win? No worries, simply transfer on to the subsequent problem with a smile! See your fellow designers as mates and by no means maintain grudges in opposition to them.
Worth your time and keep away from being obtainable 24-7. Burnout stifles creativity, so make sure that to take breaks and recharge. Keep in mind, creativity thrives while you’re well-rested and balanced. Hold it enjoyable and keep constructive!
What’s the very best design tip you’ve ever obtained?
At all times take a break. Recent eyes and a transparent thoughts can rework a very good design into an amazing one.
How are you feeling in regards to the improvement of generative AI in your business?
It totally depends upon the way it’s used. Personally, I discover it a bit problematic as a result of it appears like a step away from the human contact. Whereas AI could be a useful device, I believe it’s vital to not lose the non-public, handcrafted high quality that makes design really particular. Identical to how design modified with the appearance of computer systems and Photoshop, there’s one thing uniquely particular in regards to the period earlier than all that know-how. Have a look at outdated indicators and ads — they have been hand-drawn and had an unimaginable appeal and artistry.
I believe it’s vital to not lose the non-public, handcrafted high quality that makes design really particular. Then again, this shift may additionally lead folks to understand actual designers much more, as the standard and creativity of human-made designs are sometimes superior to what AI can produce. This might spotlight the irreplaceable worth of real artistry in design.
What helps you keep centered whereas working?
I wish to hearken to gradual, largely wordless music once I’m working. Genres like ketapop, piano, ambient, and darkish ambient actually assist put me right into a meditative state. This sort of music helps me keep centered and immerse myself deeply within the artistic course of.
What do you do while you’re not designing?
After I’m not working, I like spending time in nature. Climbing and seaside visits are a part of my each day routine. I additionally get pleasure from foraging and studying about pure cures. Moreover that, I’ve a ardour for studying, particularly traditional literature. It’s a beautiful option to unplug and chill out.
The place can we discover you or be taught extra about your work?
Individuals can discover me and be taught extra about my work on Pinterest, Instagram or 99designs.
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