Spicy Web Designer Interview with Emma Dobrescu

Emma Dobrescu is a web designer and UI Engineer from New York City (Originally from Romania). Even though she studied Italian and English Literature she has learned to design and code some “breathe taking” websites.  She currently runs Think Pink Studios which is focused on hope, a positive attitude and a fresh view on things which produces overall solid web design.

1. When did you first start designing websites?

I think I designed my first website when I was in the university. Mind you, it was a horrible website and I’m sure the design was atrocious. But seriously speaking, I started designing professionally about 6 years ago.

2. What did you study in university and has it helped you in your career as a web designer?

Actually my Bachelor Degree is in Italian and English literature, so no relation whatsoever with web design. However university helped me in developing my taste for research and one course in particular (American literature) helped me in starting to think “out of the box”.

3. I see that you design and that you script (code) which is rare among web designers.  Do you think that there is an added benefit towards hiring a web designer who codes?  And what are some of the benefits?

To be completely sincere, my latest jobs were mainly focused on coding. Design was scarcely involved, if at all. Of course there is a benefit if the designer is code aware. That means that he will also be aware of the challenges that a certain type of design or a feature could pose. Plus, if the coder is also the designer then he already had a certain structure in mind at the time when the design was done and the coding process will be smoother.

4. Every good web designer produces W3C Compliant websites and pages these days?  A: Do you think that clients know about compliant website building practices and is it important to educate them about these practices?

I think they should. If you love what you are doing then you ought to know the best practices in your field. And I don’t think you can be really good in your job if you don’t love what you’re doing. Most of my clients knew about the W3C standards, but when they don’t I try to mention it to them and to explain the benefits of adhering to those standards.

5. How big of a factor is pricing when clients pay for your services?

Hey, we all have to pay our bills. So I say it’s a pretty big factor, don’t you think? I mean, personal satisfaction can be a very good substitute, I could code/design even for free some times for a good cause or if the project itself holds a special interest to me. However, as long as the client will benefit financially from my services, why shouldn’t I? It is a job after all. A job that I love, but still a job.

6. Where did you get the idea to create ThinkPinkStudio?

The name came from a time in my life when I learnt that hope, a positive attitude and a fresh view on things is what I need to keep me going.

7. How do you approach user interface design and what considerations do you make for your clients when designing a user interface for them?

I believe good advice is on a case to case basis. Still, one good thing is to always put yourself in the user’s shoes. Forget the design, forget all the work you did, forget all the reasons that you put behind it. Look at the interface like you are seeing it for the first time and see if it’s really usable and intuitive to you.