Spicy Web Designer Interview with Sean Baker

Sean Baker is a print and web designer out of Raleigh, North Carolina. He works for OnWired during the day, making big-wig products sparkle with life, and pushes his popular edgy and trendy design work at night for his many freelance clients.

1. When did you design your first website?

Wow, 1997? I know I was in middle school – that I’m certain of. I remember “building” it on this old click-drag-drop-save design interface called GeoCities Pagebuilder. I was using Jasc Paintshop Pro 5, punching default filters and using as many drop shadows as I could possibly squeeze in. It’s hard telling what the topic of the website was… I wish I could remember. The web was a wide open world for a kid who loved drawing and sketching.

2. How long have you been designing websites professionally?

I started designing websites professionally in 2006, towards the end of my college tenure. A few of my old roommates and I wanted to try running a design site together, though, it never got off the ground. The opportunity, however, presented me my first exclusive web-only freelance job. Doing print design projects all the time to that point, I loved the challenge that web design presented. Currently I’m employed by OnWired, a leader in web design and development, as their Designer (of many trades), where I’ve been now professionally for about six months.

3. Where did you go to school? Has it helped you become a better web designer and has it helped your career?

Good question. I went to college at the Myers School of Art in Ohio, completing the core BFA program in Graphic Design. My program in school was very heavy in print design; there was a little Flash here, a little CSS there, but nothing of much relevance. With that said, I suppose it’s not fair to use my college background as a measuring stick to where I’m at in my professional web design career. Designing for the web is very different from print work, though it’s certainly a nice one-two punch to be able to execute both. College definitely helped push my creative abilities, no doubt, but it was my peers in that program who I credit for where I’m at today. Their achievements gave me a passion to strive for more while I was there, especially in my last year. I wasn’t the flashiest designer in my college and I certainly was not the best, but I had the most heart – something that can’t be taught in lecture.

4. When you take on freelance web design work do you usually like to work with agencies? Or independently and find your own clients?

90% of my freelance/contract clients find me through web galleries, but there’s nothing wrong with being selective. My clients all have really fun ideas and products, so I’m quite lucky in that regard. I like the intimacy of freelancing solo – it allows for me to build lasting, ongoing relationships. I’m not against contracting for agencies outside of my geographic location whatsoever; it’s just that the right opportunity has yet to present itself.

5. Where do you usually find the ideas behind the work you produce?

Well, I usually start first with concepts, a trade seemingly lost in today’s industry. I always loved drawing and concept sketching as a kid, but college helped sharpen my tools for the application process. I believe in good mood boards – they generate the best structure for every idea thereafter. As far as inspiration goes, I’m always keeping up with the latest trends online (my Blog Roll is impressive, let me tell you). The design world is like fashion in every sense; the style that is cool and hip today maybe won’t be so groundbreaking next year, so it’s imperative to build upon ideas and trends. I’m always recreating and competing with myself.

6. What is one of the biggest problems you’ve faced in design-related work in general?

Clients who give you a creative leash! I feel cheap taking work where I get no freedom to do what I’m good at, you know? I’m to the point now where I can be fairly picky, but before that I was pulling my hair out. Being limited in design is one of my biggest peeves, although it doesn’t just pertain to what I do – every artist in every medium faces this dilemma; it’s up to them to dictate who they deal with it. I can only speak for myself. I’m not the guy who takes contract work just because the money’s okay… I like clients who give me plenty of room to flex my muscles, both in my freelance and professional career.

7. What advice would you share with someone interested in web design as a career?

Be patient. Learn the ropes. If you have a background in print design than I suggest erasing every layout/usability technique you ever learned, because it won’t work a lick in the web world. Understand that web isn’t a piece of paper and that users have to navigate through websites differently than if they were holding a brochure or book. Designing for the web is no cakewalk and it takes time to get settled in, but that’s no reason for discouragement. The challenges of web design make the reward of a good finished piece that much sweeter.