DuJuan Sylvester, Graphic Designer

An interview was conducted with Graphic Designer and writer DuJuan Sylvester. In it we are able to discover much about his personality and his commitment to excellence in his work.

1. Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Surprisingly, no. I did not have any formal art training early in life. As I developed creatively my interests turned to music. My dream then was a professional music career. After putting myself wholly into music my interests changed drastically. I began on the trek of creating a CD cover and website. I then got involved in online Photoshop and design contests as a hobby. After being exposed to the design world I dove in and never turned back.

2. Who is your favorite graphic designer/company?

Avinoam Noma Bar: Since I began my studies on the fundamentals of design I have been increasingly aware of the use of negative space. The visual tension that it's created often brings an added voice to a design. Competing figures ground relationships can convey contrasting ideas. As a contemporary I feel that bar's work excels at capitalizing on this principle. I will qualify that and say that I am still looking.

3. In your opinion what is the most important part of the design process?

While each part of the design process could be considered important (it is a process after all) I think the most crucial part is in the planning. Especially with the digital tools afforded today, it would be very easy for a designer to become wrapped up in the tools and software and not effectively approach the problem solving aspect. By laying out a path for the desired outcome we can more efficiently apply our creativity to the function of the design. The alternative often results in approaching a project the wrong way and devoting extra time to a solution that does not truly work.

4. Describe your biggest weakness as a designer.

I think that my biggest weakness is rooted in one of my strengths. I often have problems coming to a final decision on the revisions of a design. I spend a lot of time exploring different solutions so it can be brain-wracking for myself at least. I think if I take more time in the planning phase I can ferret out some of these creative ideas that may be best served on another project. Ultimately it is necessary that none of my weaknesses (because we all have them) will impact my clients or their image in a negative way. And I and doing good at that thus far.

5. How would you respond if a client wanted to edit your work?

It is important in the designer-client relationship to invoke trust on both sides. My purpose is to reach the clients goal and to communicate the intended message. Having been selected for this task, I would need to stress the fact that I am the one that is trained on accomplishing the goal. While a client's input is encouraged, and necessary given the investment the client has in the project's success , I would urge them to trust the design process. My artistic pride should not be a factor, but my desire to provide the best solution should be heard.

6. Give an example of a time you’ve gotten feedback you didn’t agree.

Having recently finished college, I am very accustomed to critique. I understand the need for feedback and embrace the process. I can recall a time recently where the critique did not line up with my intended vision. In this particular case I was the designer and client, being a self promotional piece. I accepted the feedback and applied it to my thinking process, but not the end result of the particular design. As a designer and artist, it becomes important at times to defend and express your vision so that others will understand it.

7. How would you feel about working on a project that was against your personal moral beliefs (such as work for a tobacco company)?

The key to overcoming this situation is understanding the customer relationship. While in practice the customer may not always be right, we as designers are still in a service position. I had the benefit of being prepared for such a situation. The logo design for the fictional "Church of Lucifer" was the epitome of being contrary to my moral beliefs. The end result was a set of functional and creative designs that would have effectively meet the clients needs, had the client existed. With such an extreme example, I might forgo including the design in my portfolio.

* Overtime * What piece are you the most proud of that you designed?

This is a hard question to answer. Since I make every effort to ensure that every single project gets my full creative potential it is hard to single out one piece. If I had to choose one I would say the creative design Phantom's Beauty". This is not because of the piece itself but because of the accomplishment of it. It was created as an entry to a Photoshop contest at istockphoto. It placed third in a pool of about 150 entries. Although I did not emerge as the overall winner I am still proud of that placement.