Questions to a talented designer
Questions to a talented designer
Jannis Gerlinger (25) is a media designer specialized in graphic and web design but also print products. He got the basics of his knowledge through learning by doing. The intense desire to create high-quality graphics and web pages has pushed him further and further. Currently he lives in Berlin and works for Pixelpark Inc. We met him for an interview and talked about his work as a media designer, his website and drew a few tips from him.
Can you tell our readers a little bit more about your background and your career?
At the age of 17 I made an apprenticeship as electronic installer. I quickly realized that this isn’t the job I always dreamed of. After the apprenticeship I ventured a leap in the dark and turned my hobby into my profession. That was the best decision of my life. I am just spending my last term at the media agency Pixelpark in Berlin. At the same time I’ve been working as a freelancer in graphic and web design for two years. This summer I am completing my final exams. What will follow, is still open.
What criteria are important to you for your own website?
Nowadays there are so many freelancers and service providers in this area and each has its own portfolio or website. To me it isn’t important to look like the others but stand out from the crowd and integrate my personal style. It is also important that visitors know within the first three seconds what they can expect on a website and what the subject is.
You have already gained much experience in the corporate sector. What is important in creating a corporate design for businesses?
Mainly I pay attention to basic rules such as a semantic typeface. The design should be highly recognizable and have a clear path. Corporate design should make a „clean“ and „tidy“ impression. A modern look is as inevitable as my personal note. That is also what customers expect!
Where do you get inspiration for new projects?
My main inspirations are surely other artists and their works. I think the work of Nik Ainley and Alexander Lataille is amazing. I also visit websites like behance.net and abduzeedo.com which present great work by artists from all around the world. For me, music is another very important factor of success. No graphic, no website, no pixel is drawn or moved without listening to music and being inspired by it.
What tips do you have for those who are interested in self-study?
The most important thing is never to give up and let loose, even if you have the feeling that you are overwhelmed by the mass of information and material. You should set goals and write them down so that you don’t lose sight of them. Work hard every day and take criticism seriously. Even when things aren’t always easy, success will come eventually.
Let’s go a bit deeper: What is your work style and philosophy?
First I try to find out what my customers need and what they want to achieve. For me it’s important to meet my customer’s expectations and exceed them. If my client is satisfied then I am satisfied too. Furthermore, I offer my clients solutions from a single source. They can get matching flyers, business cards or posters to their website if needed. This saves time and money because my customers don’t need to look for additional service providers.
Every day a little bit better, that’s my motto. That’s why some of my earlier work seems „horrible“ to me now.
hich of your projects would you describe as the most demanding?
My final project for the „Backnanger Stuben“ was a real challenge. This is a restaurant and wine cellar, which serves its guests traditional Swabian cuisine. The challenge was to develop a logo and a complete website design in just three weeks. The deadline was set – even though there was no content or material for the new website available. In the end I met the deadline and the client was thrilled by his new appearance.
You mentioned music as an important source of inspiration: What inspires you most?
While working I get inspired by electronic beats especially trance and progressive. As soon as I put on my headphones and listen to music I’m up to 50 percent more efficient and my work is significantly influenced by it. I especially enjoy listening to podcasts by Aly & Fila, Ferry Corsten, Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren and Mennno de Jong.
On your homepage you mention that social commitment is very important to you: How does your support looks like?
I work for a non-profit association called Coreplex e.V. I design their websites, flyers, posters and much more. This association supports young musicians by organising workshops, working groups and events. In this way I can help young artists to their first public appearances. We shouldn’t forget our humanity in these economically difficult times when competition is tougher and standards are increasing by the minute. This is how I want to show my social commitment.
