Spicy Web Designer Interview with David Henderson

David Henderson is a web designer from Belfast, Ireland. He was first introduced to web and graphic design when he went to University and found it very exciting and began to thrive in the industry. He has won design awards and has a passion for Motion Graphic Development.

1. How did you first start your career in web design?

I started my career in web design through applying for a course in University of Ulster Jordanstown, Belfast. When I was first accepted for the course, I didn’t exactly know what web design or graphic design was all about but knew I wanted to do something that was really creative. So throughout the four years of Uni, I found myself getting more and more engrossed in design, finding a real passion for it and realizing there is a huge, thriving and exciting industry around the world, which I believe is only really beginning to blossom. After Uni (June 2008) I had considered working for a few design houses in Belfast that had approached me, however after the summer I decided to go out on my own full time as I had a few clients already lined up. I haven’t looked back.

2. When did you first start designing websites?

I first started designing websites in Uni, so really September 2004. However, I would say that it was 2006 before I started using proper web standards and building Web 2.0 sites using CSS. As well as uni projects I did a few free side projects for friends to learn more about designing and building a website.

3. What inspires you to design websites the way that you do? And, ignites your creativity and pushes you to strive further?

With every website I come to design, I strive to look at it afresh, and to try and not be influenced by previous designs I have created. I think this is incredibly hard to do as designers, as we often want to take the easy road and save time by designing generic websites. However if we do this I think we are limiting ourselves and cheating our client. As designers we need to be continually creative and innovative, this is part of your job. Having said that I still maintain that we can be and should be inspired by great design in what we see around us, not only on the web but in architecture, music, culture and the natural world around us. I know that when I see such great design that is out there, especially within web design I am urged to become a better, more creative thinker and designer.

4. Where did you go to school?  Has it helped you to become a better web designer?

If I think about it, I would say that yes, it definitely has. In High school, I really enjoyed Art and Design, to me it wasn’t work, but a chance to do something I loved and could relax in that class and enjoy getting my ideas onto a canvas or notebook or whatever. I knew that when I left school I wanted to pursue a career where I could be creative. Then as I mentioned before, in Uni, I was pushed to become a better designer and began to see the bigger picture of the industry out there. I must say this had a lot to do with two very influential design lecturers who inspired me to become the best designer I could be. Also I was surrounded by great friends who were fantastic designers, whom I learnt a lot from.

5. Whereabouts are you based out of? (Country and City/Town) Do you find that you network with web designers in your area?

I am based in Northern Ireland, in a small town called Kilkeel. Although I would say that my network of designers is based in Belfast. I am usually in Belfast at least once a week and each time I go to meetings, or design events in Belfast I become even more aware of the large network of designers within Belfast, and Ireland as a whole. There was a great event at the start of November called Design Week, and it was good to meet other likeminded people in the area. I am also part of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and have found that there is a lot going on around Dublin as well. I think as a designer, especially as a freelancer, it is important to keep in touch and up to date with those around you. We can all learn and be encouraged from each other.

6. How do you usually price your web design projects for clients?

In a sense I am still in the learning process for this one, I have been out on my own now for just over three months. I have a fixed hourly rate that I apply to all my web design projects and graphic design projects, a higher rate for motion graphics and 3D. With my first couple of clients I found that they were happy to be invoiced for the hours I spent on it, whether it be a long or short project. This was the way I was planning on doing things until I began to realize that most people want to know how much a project will cost them from the start, understandably, especially if they have a budget to stick to. Learning to quote isn’t easy and inevitably you will under quote and over quote (never a bad thing to over quote!) a lot of projects at the start of your freelancing career. But even after a few months, I feel I have a good idea how long things will take and as I complete each project, I am getting more consistent and accurate in pricing jobs.

7. Do you find most of your web design projects through advertising, agencies, word of mouth or some other way?

My first few web design projects were with local businesses and people I knew who approached me once they knew I was set up. I found that after my first few projects I was getting referrals and people were recommending me, which I was delighted about. I was always told in Uni, ‘You are only as good as your last job!’ which is true when you come to think about referrals. One example is within two months of setting up I have had a line of three referrals which led to designing a website for a top quality Hair salon in Notting Hill, so you never know where a good completed project will lead you. Also I advertised online by getting my name out there on forums, blogs and css galleries, this was a great benefit and got me in touch with people from USA, South Africa, Canada and Malta for example. Always promote yourself and use every opportunity.