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Jeremy - How long have you been designing?

Ian- I've drawn all my life, but I discovered graphic design in year 10 in high school, which would have been 2002.

J- What do you think of design contests?

I- From my perspective, sometimes it's enjoyable to take on something a bit different and throw an entry out there for fun.  It's also a great opportunity to get your name out and build a brand if you're still working primarily as a hobbyist.  It can be good for those running the contest too, as it allows them to avoid the pitfalls of accidentally hiring an unprofessional designer, as professional-standard work is almost guaranteed.

J- What inspires you as a designer?

I- Almost everything.  I think if you're not taking in information from a wide variety of sources and studying as much different media as you can find, you're limiting yourself in your productivity and creativity.  If I had to pick a favorite, I'd choose high quality illustration work.  There's so much creative freedom in illustration that a truly talented illustrator has to have the discipline to limit themselves in what elements they use, and to do that well is really admirable.

J- What type of designs are you interested?- logo etc.

I- I love good design, regardless of what medium it's in.  I've mostly worked in web, print, illustration and logo design before, so I guess that's where my main interests lie.

J- What is the design community in Australia like?

I- I wish I could tell you more, but being a freelancer I can't say I've had a huge amount to do with the local community as yet.  I'm starting to talk to local designers on Twitter and other social media now though, and everyone's very friendly and enthusiastic.  I think this carries over from the fact that Australians are friendly people on the whole.

J- Is it hard to break into international markets?

I- I think it's a lot easier with a good web presence.  If people can view your portfolio, a few client testimonials and see that you conduct yourself professionally, it's a lot easier for them to trust you with the direction of their business or product, even if you're in another country.

J- What do you think about designing for American Colleges?

I- It's a unique idea, and a great opportunity to reach a wide audience.

J- What is your favorite American university and Sports team? - we will try to make a contest with them?

I- I can't say I have a favorite American university sports team, but the Evergreen State athletics geoduck (http://www.evergreen.edu/athletics/geoduck.htm) is probably the best sports mascot I've ever seen.  If you could run a contest involving the geoduck somehow, I'd love to enter!