Spicy Web Designer Interview with Andre Petrini

Andre Petrini is a web designer from Curitiba, Brazil. His work is very interesting and he has a style that is animated, a bit over the top and reminds me of “Willy Wonka” but it’s an interesting approach towards web design. To better understand where his style comes from you need to know a little more about his background. Andre studied Advertising in school as compared to design which gives his work a “marketing” feel.

1. After looking at your website I can see that you have a unique style in the web design you produce.  How did you develop it?  Do you have a background in illustration?

Since my childhood, I was drawing all the time, and it was just for fun. When I grew up, I started to use the techniques from illustration into my works. However, my real inspiration comes from literature and movies. Illustration is just one way that I found to express this.

2. When did you first start building websites?

The first site I’ve built was in 2002 during the High School, in a social project to help poor children.

3. Is there a web technology that you couldn’t live without that helps you produce great work?

I don’t think so. Of course some fast software and hardware helps a lot in our work, but it’s not the principal. I can’t work without music, and I need a calm place to work and concentrate. The tools should be additions to the ideas, but not the crutches.

4. Do you have formal training in design either professional or from a university or college?

In design no, but I graduated from Advertising.

5. Do you work with agencies to generate business for your freelance web design business?

No. I usually freelance to the agencies I’ve already worked, but rarely with other agencies. Almost all my freelance clients came from indication of friends and other clients of mine.

6. How do you usually charge for the work that you produce?

It was a problem when I started, because I never knew if I was pricing right. I started charging by hour, but it’s not a very effective way. Nowadays I’ve a kind of list price, and usually charge by project.

7. Outside of designing websites what else interests you?

I really like the advertising for web, and this is my focus now. I always liked the traditional advertising, and think in this for interactive medias is really exciting.

Out of work, I enjoy reading, swimming, playing movies and series. Unlike the most part of Brazilians, I really don’t like playing soccer =D.