Kate was a kind of youngsters who noticed her college notebooks as potential design initiatives, experimenting with colourful pens and arranging her headers and assignments in visually interesting layouts (we think about her pencil case was stuffed to the gills!). Now, she will get to try this for a dwelling as a graphic designer specializing in customized fonts. Recognized to us as Kate Visuals, her work is cool, elegant and fashionable. She’s additionally an excellent communicator and a professional on the contests course of. We spoke to Kate about her expertise on 99d, her love of typography and the way she protects herself from burnout.
Identify: Kate
99designs deal with: katevisuals
Location: North Finland
Specialty: Font design
Hello Kate! Inform us about your self.
Howdy, my identify is Kate. I’m from Ukraine however at present dwelling in North Finland. I specialise in creating minimal and stylish designs and have a ardour for customized font design.
What’s it like in North Finland? Does it encourage your work?
Dwelling in North Finland is kind of an expertise! It’s both actually chilly and darkish within the winter or tremendous vivid in the summertime, however nonetheless chilly. These excessive contrasts do encourage my work, although possibly not in the best way you’d count on. The lengthy winters imply we spend a variety of time indoors, which has given me the possibility to dive deep into my passions, like design. Others may get artistic with music, gaming, or binge-watching their favourite reveals.
Had been you at all times obsessed with creativity and design?
I used to be at all times the child doodling fonts and calligraphy. I’d make posters for college and spend hours crafting distinctive layouts.
Fonts had been my factor — at all times have been, at all times will probably be. Even organizing my college notebooks was a design venture for me. I cherished experimenting with totally different pens, creating visually interesting headings, and arranging content material in a means that was each practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Notebooks and writing had been probably the most thrilling elements of faculty for me
How did you flip that zeal right into a profession?
As I mentioned, I’ve at all times preferred calligraphy and fonts. Since I used to be additionally keen on computer systems, I noticed that graphic design was an ideal mix of those pursuits. I studied graphic design at college in Ukraine, however I largely realized via on-line programs and self-teaching. With good self-discipline, you possibly can be taught a lot by yourself!
Inform me about working as a contract graphic designer. What’s nice, and what’s not so nice? I get pleasure from main a model via artwork in a route that advantages them. I like the psychological facet of graphic design and fixing the puzzles of what design will profit a model. The least fulfilling half is that designers are generally not taken critically, though this has modified quite a bit. My mum used to suppose graphic design was only a poor artist’s pastime!
Oh no! Why do you suppose designers aren’t at all times taken critically?
Design isn’t your typical workplace job, and many individuals see it as extra of an artsy pastime than actual work. This notion implies that generally purchasers don’t take a designer’s time critically, which not often occurs in different industries. What number of instances have designers heard, “Simply play with the colours”? It’s probably not play — even when you get pleasure from it, all these adjustments take a variety of effort and time that folks don’t at all times perceive. We would like higher suggestions and for purchasers to belief our skilled choices, as we’re specialists in our area.
Moreover, many graphic designers begin out self-taught, which could contribute to the dearth {of professional} respect. There are additionally cases (fortunately not with me) the place purchasers request refunds after the job is completed or refuse to pay. You wouldn’t count on that at a hairstylist’s — when you don’t just like the haircut, you continue to must pay for it.
So, then, what introduced you to 99designs?
I used to be drawn to the simplicity of the idea. I like contests and determining precisely what purchasers are on the lookout for. The platform affords a incredible alternative to work with purchasers from everywhere in the world and repeatedly enhance my expertise by competing with different gifted designers. Plus, the aggressive facet is thrilling!
What’s the expertise been like?
Becoming a member of 99d has been an enriching and thrilling expertise. It’s considerably broadened my publicity to a various vary of purchasers and initiatives. The aggressive nature of the platform has pushed me to refine my expertise and keep up to date with design tendencies. I like taking part in industries I may not have explored in any other case — it’s extremely fascinating and retains me studying and enhancing. Moreover, 99d has helped me construct a powerful portfolio. It’s been a journey of progress and creativity.
How would you describe your design type?
Minimal, sensible (at the least, I hope so!) and stylish. I get pleasure from enjoying with fonts to create designs which are each visually interesting and practical.
What do you want about that type of labor?
In my view, minimal and stylish design is the most effective as a result of it’s memorable and versatile for various purposes. You’ll be able to pair minimal design with non-minimal paintings, and it’ll at all times look nice. This makes it excellent for altering seasonal designs whereas conserving a constant emblem that at all times matches. I discover minimal design to be extra adaptable than busy designs, making it integral to my work. It’s like having a design chameleon that blends in completely, regardless of the context.
Inform us about customized font design. Why is it so integral to your work?
I imagine that the font is an important a part of a design as a result of it conveys probably the most vital data — model names, messages, and many others. Designing customized fonts has considerably contributed to my profession as a result of a lot of my work is font-based. It permits me to create distinctive, tailor-made designs that stand out and are timeless. Plus, there’s one thing extremely satisfying about seeing a font you created getting used and acknowledged. It’s like leaving a private mark on every venture, making the design actually one-of-a-kind.
The place do you flip for inspiration?
Consider it or not, 99designs is a incredible supply of inspiration. I love so many designers on the platform. However inspiration is all over the place. Typically it’s a fantastically crafted emblem, and different instances it’s seeing what to not do.
Even on a drive, I’m continuously analyzing logos and designs round me. It’s like a behavior that retains me interested by design on a regular basis. The world is filled with concepts when you listen.
What sort of purchasers do you usually work for?
I work with a variety of purchasers, from startups and small companies to bigger firms. However actually, I’ve a comfortable spot for small firms. There’s one thing particular in regards to the private connection and figuring out that my work could make a huge impact on their progress and success. It feels extra significant and rewarding while you see how a lot your designs assist a small enterprise thrive.
Do you will have a dream venture or model?
My dream initiatives can be with manufacturers that share my values and deal with making a constructive affect. I’d like to work with health-related firms, sustainable trend manufacturers utilizing pure supplies, and organizations that assist folks. I’m additionally obsessed with working with artisan manufacturers, handmade items, high-quality meals producers and inside design manufacturers that use eco-friendly supplies. Having the ability to contribute to those sorts of initiatives can be extremely fulfilling and thrilling, bringing a way of objective and pleasure to my work.
What are your suggestions for different designers on the platform?
Be taught to lose gracefully. Didn’t win? No worries, simply transfer on to the following problem with a smile! See your fellow designers as mates and by no means maintain grudges in opposition to them.
Worth your time and keep away from being accessible 24-7. Burnout stifles creativity, so make sure that to take breaks and recharge. Bear in mind, creativity prospers while you’re well-rested and balanced. Hold it enjoyable and keep constructive!
What’s the most effective design tip you’ve ever obtained?
At all times take a break. Contemporary eyes and a transparent thoughts can rework a superb design into an excellent one.
How are you feeling in regards to the growth of generative AI in your trade?
It absolutely will depend on the way it’s used. Personally, I discover it a bit problematic as a result of it looks like a step away from the human contact. Whereas AI is usually a useful software, I believe it’s essential to not lose the non-public, handcrafted high quality that makes design actually particular. Similar to how design modified with the appearance of computer systems and Photoshop, there’s one thing uniquely particular in regards to the period earlier than all that know-how. Take a look at outdated indicators and commercials — they had been hand-drawn and had an unimaginable attraction and artistry.
I believe it’s essential to not lose the non-public, handcrafted high quality that makes design actually particular. However, this shift may additionally lead folks to understand actual designers much more, as the standard and creativity of human-made designs are sometimes superior to what AI can produce. This might spotlight the irreplaceable worth of real artistry in design.
What helps you keep centered whereas working?
I wish to hearken to gradual, largely wordless music once I’m working. Genres like ketapop, piano, ambient, and darkish ambient actually assist put me right into a meditative state. This sort of music helps me keep centered and immerse myself deeply within the artistic course of.
What do you do while you’re not designing?
Once I’m not working, I like spending time in nature. Climbing and seaside visits are a part of my day by day routine. I additionally get pleasure from foraging and studying about pure treatments. In addition to that, I’ve a ardour for studying, particularly basic literature. It’s an exquisite method to unplug and calm down.
The place can we discover you or be taught extra about your work?
Individuals can discover me and be taught extra about my work on Pinterest, Instagram or 99designs.
Love Kate’s work?
Invite her to work in your subsequent venture now.
