Spicy Web Designer Interview with Jason Krenson

Jason Krenson is a multidimensional designer specializing in Flash development and print design based in Chesterton, Indiana right outside of Chicago from the United States. Even though he is fairly new to web design starting in as recently as a year ago he is a skilled print designer. Jason studied at O’more College of Design in Franklin, TN which taught him the core basics of great design which he applies to his design projects and allowed him to earn a BFA in Visual Communications.

1. How did you get started in web design?

I actually didn’t get started in web design until about a year ago. I’ve always been strictly a print designer, and just felt the need to try something different. I wanted to experiment through another medium and expand my knowledge to further my abilities as a designer. I’ve always been an artist from painting to music, and this was just another outlet for me to express myself through art.

2. When did you first learn about Flash and how long have you been using it?

I first learned about Flash when I took it as a class in school. I wasn’t really drawn to it at the time, more to print, but over the past year it has really become my favorite design tool and I’m constantly striving to become better. It’s really an amazing program and I want to master it.

3. When did you start designing websites?

I designed my first website as a portfolio project in my senior year flash & portfolio class in college. That was in 2003.

4. What are the biggest challenges that you face in web design currently?

I would say the biggest challenges I face are keeping up with the most current styles and trends as well as trying to do something that I haven’t seen anyone else do… To be as original as possible.

5. Do you code on any of your web design projects? And if so, do you consider yourself a “Front-End Coder”? Why or Why Not?

Yes I code 95% of my flash websites. I get help when I need it as I am always learning new things but I feel if you really want to expand yourself and become the best flash designer you can be, you need to take the time to learn Action Scripting and html coding in order to bring your designs to that next level.

6. How does the motion design related projects you work on differ from the print work that you do? Which do you prefer more?

There is a tremendous amount of difference between the two. When I work on a motion project it’s as detailed but more planned out and structured due to action scripting and coding. With print, you deal with pre-press and production which take a lot of the time. Also with print, I get a general idea of where I want to take the design and it usually evolves as I move forward in development. I really don’t prefer one over the other. I enjoy both. Print is fun because you get to see your final project printed and being used in the environment you designed it for. Motion is equally rewarding because the limitations are endless on what your capabilities are as far as artistic ability and creativity and your audience is on a greater scale.

7. Where did you go to school and has it helped you become a better web designer?

I attended O’more College of Design in Franklin, TN and had a wonderful education. I was taught the most important fundamentals of graphic design and was constantly pushed and challenged to perform to the highest quality with every project assigned to me. I still apply those expectations to my work today which makes me a more detailed and better designer.

8. Since you first started how has the web design industry changed? Has it changed for the better? If so, how? If not, please explain?

I believe the web design industry changes constantly and for the better. There are always new techniques and tools coming out which enhance your creativity and further your abilities to create better website designs.

9. What are your favorite tools to use when designing a website? Why are they your favorite tools?

I have to say the tools I enjoy the most designing a flash website are adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I love mixing photographs with vector illustration and these two programs give me the full spectrum of achieving that style and applying that to my website designs.