Web Design Interview with Joni Korpi
4 May
Joni Korpi is a web designer from Finland. Over the past 6 years Joni has spent time teaching himself graphic and web design. He is in the process of graduating of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Media Technology which he plans to graduate in 2012.
In the interview that Joni did with me he talks about designing (mostly on a pro-bono basis) currently and takes pride in his work, where he finds inspiration for his design and his experiences since he started learning the ins and outs of graphic and web design.
Luc asks: How did you originally get started designing websites? And, how long have you been designing for professionally?
Joni says: I’ve been fascinated with websites ever since my teens and I suppose at some point just wanted to know how they’re made. I started throwing stuff at Macromedia Dreamweaver, saw what stuck on and what didn’t, and went from there.
I’ve spent the last six or so years self-learning graphic (and web-) design. I’m the sort of person who does things properly or not at all so I haven’t taken on many commercial projects yet. I did my first paid website design a year ago, but have been doing pro-bono work on and off for a couple of years.
Luc asks: When you are faced with a design problem where do you turn for inspiration?
Joni says: Never to design galleries. If I have a design problem I cannot solve, I stop trying and go do something else. The next time I come back to the problem, my subconscious will hopefully have solved it. If not, I hit reverse and try changing an element in the design that might be affecting the problem I’m having. That usually either solves the problem or causes a dozen new ones. But hey, it’s all part of the fun!
Luc asks: I see that you are currently studying Media Technology in University. How do you balance work and school and when you graduate what do you want to do next in your career?
Joni says: I focus on educating myself as much as possible while I still have the chance. The education in my country is free, so I don’t need to be working constantly. I live a flexible life that way.
When I graduate, I’d love to find some like-minded artists and developers, and see if we could make something magical happen. Failing that, I’ll be looking to get my career “kickstarted” at a design/media agency of some sort.
Luc asks: Do you think its important for a web designer to learn new technologies and standards that come out as soon as possible or do you feel that a general understanding is good enough to see you through most design issues?
Joni says: Absolutely. I think deep knowledge of the technologies and standards you’re working with is a huge part of digital design. After all, design is all about embracing limitations and making the best out of them. I don’t think anyone can design a good website without ever touching markup or CSS.
Luc asks: Is there a particular CMS system that you like working with above others?
Joni says: They all frustrate me equally much. The only CMS-like solutions I’ve liked lately are these new inline content editors, like Unify by Unit Interactive.
Luc asks: To date, how many (paid) projects have you personally been involved with and do you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate or advanced web designer?
Joni says: I’ve only ever been involved with a couple of paid projects, so I definitely consider myself a beginner in that regard. However, I’d like to think my knowledge in HTML, CSS and cross-platform design is pretty advanced.
