Juliana Rojas in Argentina lays it all out about her first experiences designing for the web

Juliana Rojas is a web and graphic designer from La Plata in Argentina. She first started designing websites in 2004 as a break from graphic and print design learned the ins and outs of the web and designing for the web. Since then in the last five years she has really come into her own as a web designer and even with her background in graphic and print design she is producing innovative and highly creative web designs. Juliana originally studied a one of the most prestigious universities in Argentina called “UNLP” and became a graphic designer in 2003. Even though English is not her first language she writes very well and had this to say about her knowledge and background in web design, where she draws inspiration from and her approach to laying out a web project.

Luc @ SWD: Juliana, When did you start designing websites?

Juliana says: I started on 2004, when I decided to make a break with graphic design and printings and start developing the web area…at the beginning I had no idea of web at all! So I worked really hard to get in this new world and understand it.

Luc @ SWD: What and where did you study at university/college? Has it helped you to become a better web designer?

Juliana says: I studied at UNLP, one of the most prestigious universities of Argentina, which is located in La Plata city, 60km from Buenos Aires: there I became a Graphic Designer in 2003, and was very helpful to study there because this institution has a strong orientation in visual communication.

Luc @ SWD: Besides your experiences in web design how does your understanding of designing for identity and print help you on web design projects?

Juliana says: Knowing all the areas makes us handle projects with a complete security. A designer must be able to do a comprehensive job knowing what the limitations are…as designers; we should have an integral management of all the possibilities we can work with.

Luc @ SWD: What are some of your favorite tools to use currently?

Juliana says: I´m used to work with Adobe programs, especially Photoshop and Illustrator; I also use my own drawings, patterns, textures, photographs…

Luc @ SWD: What is your approach towards designing for the web when you are laying out the design portion of the project?

Juliana says: At the beginning of the project, I think it is very important to know what are the specific attributes that designers have to reflect on the site…

Only when you get to this point, you can start with the designing part.

Luc @ SWD: How do you stay up to date with the latest web design trends?

Juliana says: I dedicate a lot of my time looking at design and photography portals.