Our Weekly Editor's Pick is a new feature to CSS {imagine} where we take the time to highlight a new site, as well as interview the creative mind behind it. Be sure to catch each week's designer focus, and also leave some comments to let them know how great their work is!
As part of our brand new series, it's my pleasure to welcome Karim Zurita. Thanks for taking the time to join us, Karim.
Glad to be here, thanks for having me.
So Karim, tell us a little about yourself. How did you get started in web design?
You know, I really had no interest in computers until a friend of mine who was a graphic designer showed me some of the things he was doing and I was really impressed with was he was doing. That was enough to get me interested in the graphic arts. But it was the web that finally got my attention with the interactivity, the exposure and the idea that it was available for anyone to see.
Right on. Okay, so I know this is not really a great question, but I have to ask it. How would you classify your design "style"?
I don't like to think of myself as having a specific "style," per se. I like to work in a wide range of styles, depending on the individual needs of my clients. I would describe my general design philosophy as clean, simple, detail oriented, professional, and intuitive.
So looking through your portfolio, it's clear that you've done a lot of work. What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of web design for you?
For me, web design is something I'm passionate about and really enjoy doing. I'm fortunate because my clients believe in my abilities and provide me with the creative freedom I need to come up with new and exciting concepts for them. I'm an artsy, creative type person and having that kind of freedom to experiment was one of the reasons I got into web design in the first place.
I think it's great that your clients provide you wide latitude of creativity--I know that's sometimes at a premium for a lot of designers!
So let's explore this a bit more--tell us about your approach to design. Where do you start? What is your process?
My approach is to gather as much information about my clients as possible. I like to know about their tastes, what they like or don't like, and who their target audience is. I also like to learn about the overall vision they have for their businesses. Once I have all the information that I need, I start to work in photoshop to develop the design. Initially, I operate through trial and error. I move things around and constantly change the layout until I see something I like and think will work for the client. I'm not the type that likes to conceptualize before beginning to work. I just jump right in and let it flow. I think it helps the creative process.
What sources of inspiration do you use when developing a concept for a site?
I think the most important thing is to try to capture what the client envisions. I like to take all that I've learned about a client, and build on that in order to express it visually. I think it's also important to see what others are doing. What works and what doesn't? What are the latest trends. Then I put my own spin on it.
And your "spin" is really great and creative! Ok, so let's switch gears a little bit. On your site, you note that you work for Einstein Industries as a Senior Web Designer. Obviously, a job like this assumes a lot of responsibilities, especially in terms of project management, employee management, etc. What have you learned in this position that has impacted you as a designer?
I think one of the major things for me was learning to manage multiple projects, my team and, of course, my clients. In the process, I've gained valuable experience. I've taken what I think works, excluded what I think doesn't, and applied this knowledge to my work as a freelancer.
Let's talk about the freelancnig--How do you manage the pressures of your day job and the responsibilities you have to your personal clients? Can you share any tips?
I try my best to keep the two separate and not let one get in the way of the other. I know my limits and try to keep a balance between the two. One thing is for sure; what I've learned at Einstein has helped me in my freelance career.
Well, Karim, we're just about out of questions, and here's the last: as you look at the direction that the web appears to be going, what emerging web technologies are you most interested in / see the most promise for?
I don't think I have anything in particular, but I am excited about overall growth and all the new innovations that are emerging. You cant help but notice how the web has changed in the last few years and I cant wait to see what comes out next.
Well said! Karim, it was a pleasure having you with us. Thanks for sharing your talents in our gallery, and for taking the time to share a little bit about your life as a web designer. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for having me!
