A few questions with Brian Bernardino, designer for PSPrints.com

What is your philosophy?
As a visual communicator, we are expected to effectively communicate our message to the world. Graphic designers are the visual voice to our audience and we have to make sure we speak it (graphic design) clear enough for people to see. In other words design should visually communicate the experience clearly.

What do you value most in design?
The visual experience is everything. I value the visual experience in design because it can inspire a diverse set of people.

How did you get started out or into design as a career?
I actually got into Graphic design by accident. A Heald recruiter came by to discuss job options back when I was in high school. I looked through the list and saw “graphic design.” I did not know what graphic design was. I choose it because I thought, “hey, that sounds cool.”

It was about two months until I had to go to college that a friend of mine showed me the flyers he created in Photoshop. I thought his flyers were the greatest things ever. His designs inspired me to look more into Graphic Design as a career.

Over the years, who are some people who have influenced you greatly, whether directly or indirectly?
The people who have influenced me greatly over the years were my instructors at Sacramento State as well as my design cohort. Being around such a diverse cast of people can shape the way you design. You can learn from their experiences and gather knowledge about how people think towards a particular design. Let’s face it, not everyone is going to like what you designed. Don’t get too sour about it. By having your cohort and instructors there to break down why your design wasn’t as successful will make you a better designer.

What is your favorite accomplishment?
My favorite accomplishment is surviving the graphic design program at Sacramento State. Believe me, it is hard, but you have to keep in mind that your instructors are hard for a reason. They want you to have the best damn portfolio out there. You will design something in class and your instructors will say “it’s crap.” Good! Your instructors are going to pick at your brain until you uncover something new about yourself and how you go about designing whatever it is you designed. They will be there on your ass so that you do not design like other designers out there.

What makes you different or what things do you do that are different from others?
I guess what makes me different is that I try to think of more of what needs to be designed. Say you are working with a client. I’m not just going to have them settle with a business card. Why not give them the whole stationary. While we are at it, produce designs for shirts, signs, etc. It doesn’t stop there.

Where do you see the best opportunities for yourself in the future?
The best opportunities for myself are in the printing industry. I currently work at a printing company in Oakland and I see no signs of economic instability. We are actually growing every year. It’s really busy and to me that is a blessing.

How are you gearing up for the future?
I gear up for the future by keeping up with trends and constantly educating myself through books, websites, classes, seminars, and experiencing new things. Always keep yourself educated. That is what separates a good designer from the bad.

Do you have any tips or recommendations for students or new designers entering the field?
Yes. Don’t be shy. Be vocal. If you don’t then clients are going to trample all over you. Your clients will make you do stuff to your design that is not always the best suggestion. As a designer, vocalize why their suggestions may not be the best. Of course, in the end the client has the final say, but at least you told them.

Also, keep yourself educated. Experience the world. Stay inspired. Most importantly, don’t stretch type.

Brian Bernardino
PsPrint, LLC
www.psprint.com
Oakland.