Original Interview transcript from: http://graphicesense.com/?p=63

Graphic-Essense Inteviews Graphic Designer Roberto Blake

I interviewed Roberto Blake, he is one of the many graphic designers in the industry and he is a friend that I meet on DeviantArt.com.

1. What got you into the industry?

I chose Graphic Design because I’ve always felt that my strongest skill set was my ability to communicate my thoughts and ideas to others. Ultimately that is what a Graphic Designer does, mostly visually, but you also have to be able to communicate well verbally and on paper when working with a team, marketing departments, and clients. Graphic Design and Advertising is also utilized to some degree by everyone who operates or hopes to operate a business, promote a product, or event, so the job market is not only stable but growing.

2. How do you deal with bad/blacklist clients?

Thankful I haven’t had to deal with this issue much yet, but I would try to come to some type of mutual understanding.

3. What where you doing before you got into this line of work?

I’ve always been involved in artwork and media to some degree, even in grade school I was writing and illustrating my own comics and selling artwork to anyone who was interested.

4. Do you see this as a career or a job?

I would have to say a career, but its is also more than that. Art is so much a part of me that I can’t remember a time in my life where it wasn’t something I was actively pursuing. I’m fortunate that I have been able to mold and market that talent in away that allows me to do the things I love while making a living.

5. Who some of your inspirations?

I would have say some of my largest inspirations are Rob Shields, David and Sarah Cousens, Kyle Lambert, Karen McDade, Alena Lazareva, Adam Smith, and Christopher Ang.

6. What talents do you have other then graphic design?

Aside from graphic design I’ve always been an illustrator. My art style in that regard has always been cartoonish or following the trend of comic book art as that was my main inspiration and aspiration as a child. As I got older I became very interested in photography as well as video production and editing and even worked as a photographer for a time, both freelance as well as with a studio. Video production and editing is a hobby that I’ve used a job skill from time to time since I have nearly a decade of experience with it now.

7. Which do you like the best digital art or traditional art?

I would have to say digital at this point, though I try to incorporate both. Digital save a tremendous amount of time and allows you to preserve your artwork a lot more easily than you could through traditional media. Additionally my own personal range of skills with digital far surpasses my abilities in traditional media.

8. Where do you see this taking you in about 5 years?

I’d like to be with a very established Advertising firm at that point. If not then I would love to start my own creative studio producing work for various agencies while working with a team.

9. What is some advise that you could pass to young and old designers that would help them become better at what it is they do?

Always look for the next step in journey and find inspiration in the world around you. Aside from that, you can never do too much self promotion.

10. What are some of your favorite free tools that you use in your designs and other projects?

I would have to say that the free images from http://sxc.hu are a very large part of what I do.
11. What is your favorite piece of art and why does it represent you?

I would have to say that “Blazing Blue” is my favorite as it incorporates many various elements and it uses my own personal favorite color combination. I also love the energy of the piece and was able to communicate it better because I was the actual model for the image, which also makes the piece more of my own than it would be with a stock image.

12. Name Five things you love about your career.

Graphic Design and Digital Arts allow you to creative and expressive.
The industry is getting a lot more attention and Graphic Designers are being recognized for their talent.
The online Design community is a much friendlier and collaborative environment than it is in more cutthroat traditional professions.
There is always something new and exciting to learn about the craft.
It suits my interest and personality perfectly!