Jackie Scala’s smart. A freelance graphic designer, Scala calls herself an artist and not without good cause. Her work screams intelligence. MandyLives!com caught up with the clever creative to talk simplicity, freedom, inspiration and the trends you’ll be seeing in 2010.
Creativity is about…
…Problem solving. Combining functionality and simplicity to get the message across.
…Inspiration. It is innate. I see things that inspire, I then get compelled to mix those ideas and build beautiful things, from illustrations through to motion graphics.
…Feeling. One needs a deep feeling inside to create. But you have to make mistakes to mould and evolve your talent.
The fundamentals of good design are…
… Simplicity , functionality and a great concept. Experimenting with new techniques and pushing a design beyond where it started
The designers that inspire me are…
… Stefan Sagmeister and Marian Bantjes. He is disciplined and acknowledges the importance of taking time out from the mainstream to research proactive work. Then Marian Bantjes is amazing – I am so inspired by her work. It has so much detail yet still the message is meaningful and well thought out with a somewhat simple idea behind it.
My top up and coming designers …
Louis Minnaar (Creative Visual Design)
Whimsy
Green Grass Design
My advice to budding graphic designers…
Take advantage of the freedom to develop your own style. If there is something inside you that gets excited at the idea or thought of design or creating, nurture it, take photos collect resources, experiment a LOT. It takes time to be able to decide to specialize in what you are deeply passionate about.
Before specialising be broad in your thinking and ideas. Try avoid linear thinking. Remember there is something to learn from each experience. These lessons are priceless and will shape you as a designer and build your confidence.
Design trends for 2010…
Minimalism, using grid based techniques is something I think will be taken to another interesting level. Bright colours borrowed from the 80’s with a style of combining photographic and illustrated elements.
I think for most designers, trying new styles or stepping out of your comfort zone would most likely always reveal something new and exciting and maybe become a new trend in years to come, which may be a step ahead of simply following an existing trend.
SHOWcase – Jackie Scala’s work:
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lots of 404’s when you try and follow the links..
Alan – thanks so much for pointing those out. My apologies for the frustration. Have sorted that out.