A few questions with Will Rodriguez, local design professional

What is your philosophy?
My philosophy when it comes to design is that it [design] is ultimately about communication. I believe there is a fine line between art and design. To me, design is about following simple guidelines and conveying a message visually. Designs can become artistic and experimental, but they are still confined to some general fundamental rules.

What do you value most in design?
Having typed out my philosophy on the field, I value the individuals that constantly push the fine line between art and design. The creatives. The people the find new and innovative ways to communicate visually while still keeping things simple enough for the average individual to pick up on.

How did you get started out or into design as a career?
I got started in design through my love and passion for music. When I was in high school, I started DJing and performing at electronic music events. There was a huge demand for designers to design flyers and posters at the time. I got started there. As I got older, I began to look at design through a different eye. I started breaking things down and analyzing what made good designs. I got a grasp for the fundamentals way before ever taking a formal class or reading a book on design.

Over the years who are some people who have influenced you greatly, whether directly or indirectly?
I really couldn't tell you. A lot of the greatest designs I've seen over the years, I have no idea who did them. I guess you can say my inspiration are the countless of designers that contribute to the dozens of design books I have on my shelves. I learn a little bit every day. I constantly talk to other designers on projects and challenges that they encounter because it helps me find ways to open my mind to new ideas.

What is your favorite accomplishment?
So far my favorite accomplishments are some of the more recent designs. For many years I did work as a print and web designer. At that time it was nice to see your designs in distribution or on the web. Now my designs get fabricated and built for everyone to see. They're often overlooked, and no one ever asks who designed it, but I'm very proud of some of the monuments and signage projects I've worked in my most recent years. I've also had a chance to do some environmental design which has been a great experience for me.

What makes you different or what things do you do that are different from others?
I don't consider myself to be defined-style designer. My designs range from straight-edge corporate to experimental and grunge. I try to keep things fresh and consistent with a company's branding or identity.

Where do you see the best opportunities for yourself in the future?
As of right now I see myself moving more into the environmental design field. I think that with urban sprawl, the demand for creative environments is going to become a priority for many developers.

How are you gearing up for the future?
One of the things I'm doing is starting to take note and analyzing the environments I go to. Every time I'm out and about, I take note of the little things that make up an environment. Colors, furniture, textures, and anything else that may set the mood. I'm always networking a lot more with the designers that work in the field and even offering to collaborate for the mere experience of working on the project.

Do you have any tips or recommendations for students or new designers entering the field?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Break down designs whenever you can. Do they convey a message? Is the message clear? What do the colors mean? Is it a good typeface, and what does it do for you? Ask yourself those questions when you look at design. Another big thing that I highly recommend to all designers is to gain experience through freelance. If you're in college right now studying to be a graphic designer, you should be freelancing! Experience pays off a great deal when you enter the real world.

Will Rodriguez