Stay Humble: Interview with Chris Masterson
Meet Chris Masterson, a young icon and interface designer from Minnesota. Chris gladly gave up some time to speak with us about himself and his design aspirations for our blog.
He talks about freelance, his inspirations, work opportunities and of course, himself. If you are a young designer Chris is proof, age is but a number.
Hey Chris, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a young icon and UI designer trying to make the world a prettier place. That might sound a bit cheesy, but I really love using beautiful things (I’m an avid Apple user) and I sincerely enjoy helping make awesome stuff. I freelance beside school and I really love it!
When did you first become interested in design?
Well, I first started noticing design sometime between 2007-08. The release of the iPhone was the beginning of a love affair between Apple and myself, and I really started understanding some basics of what’s beautiful. As I’m sure you’ll hear again and again, MacThemes was a great start for me. I started reading and learning about design and that really helped me get to where I am today. I made a few wallpapers and then started working on some iPhone icons for a 3rd party theme. I loved the feeling I got from making something beautiful and executing the ideas in my head, and from there it just fell into place. After that was Macristocracy, which to describe it as I would have when I first joined, was a much more beautiful MacThemes with icons that I actually loved. The community is really supportive and that’s what got me to decide that design was what I’m going to be doing the rest of my life.
What software do you typically use to get work done. Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4d, etc?
I use Photoshop for almost everything. Occasionally Illustrator for some vector work, but it’s pretty much 100% Photoshop. I’d love to learn how to use Cinema 4D!
Do you freelance at all; if so what are the main advantages you find when dealing with clients, work opportunities, etc?
Hmm, that’s a tough question. Yes, I freelance, but I’ve had no experience working full time for a design company to compare, and I’ve still got time until I can work at many places, age-wise. Advantages? I’d say variety of work. I love meeting with clients and getting to know them personally, but mostly what they really want to achieve and how to make it happen.
Freedom with working hours is also great and works well with school and other activities.
With that said would you be more interested in a full time job at a design agency or doing freelance work for the rest of your life?
Another tough question! I’m completely open to both. I see the advantages to full-time jobs but also freelancing. Let’s just say that if I had the opportunity, there are a few places I’d really love to work full-time.
What are some of your favorite websites you visit on almost a daily basis?
Twitter would definitely be first. I check it constantly, and I love getting to know everyone! Dribbble and Macristocracy are probably the two main design sites I visit after that, and then you’ve got the news sites like TUAW and Engadget. I should also mention Grooveshark, which is playing through about 90% of my day.
Do you have any inspirations or people you look up to that you would like our readers to know more about?
I really like a lot of designers in this community, but if I had to choose one person that I hope to be more like, It’d definitely be Natalie Nash (@pinkyvonpout). She’s been really helpful with my freelance career and helping me grow in my design. She’s got a great heart and I know I’m not the only person she helps out. I should also say that Everaldo Coelho is a great inspiration. I don’t see much of his design anymore, but he’s always got a positive spirit and that’s something I really value in a person.
Could you give any advice for young aspiring designers before they take the plunge into Photoshop?
Observe. Take a look around and fill your life with beautiful things and try to understand why they’re beautiful. Not everyone can use a Mac or afford the latest iPhone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t design. Keep your head up! That’s definitely something I would repeat. Everyone goes through tough times, but what matters is if you keep trying, and learn from your past mistakes. Refer to Apple’s icons and sites like Dribbble for the basics but really, just have fun and experiment! I think that’s something a lot of designers forget when they get farther in their career, but make sure that you’re having a good time, or it’s not worth it.
Thanks so much for your time Chris! Any final words or remarks you would like to give us on things your working on, etc?
Stay humble. You may think you’re the greatest designer out there, and you might be, but remember that that doesn’t mean you’re above anyone else. Keep touch with your beginnings and the people who helped get you to where you want to be.
Thanks so much for your time Chris! Believe it or not it really means a lot when we see such a young fellow like yourself contribute such a large amount to a small community.
http://www.twitter.com/chrismasterson
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