Spicy Web Designer Interview with Camille Del Rosario

Camille Del Rosario is a web and multimedia designer originally from Manila in the Philippines and currently working in Singapore. She started designing websites in 2004 while she was in school studying Multimedia Arts and eventually started to take on freelance projects. Before she studied Multimedia Arts at school she was studying Export Management and decided to make the change.

1. How did you get started in web design?

My humble beginnings aren’t really in web design; it’s an ongoing fascination with art. I’ve always loved creating things (doodling, painting, mixed media, etc.). I was also interested in all things multimedia – merging art with digital technology and creating design solutions for clients. So I shifted from my Export Management course to study Multimedia Arts.

It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Ever since then, I’ve been dabbling with video work and illustration, but I always had a soft spot for web design. I decided to commit myself to web design after landing some freelance projects and my first full time web design job.

2. When did you start designing websites?

I started designing websites, I guess around 2004? Around this time, I was starting out to do pro bono work and some freelance work as well (while in school). I used to do my own html and basic flash animations.

3. What are the biggest challenges that you face in web design currently?

One of the biggest challenges is the huge influx of competition. There are thousands of others out there, trying to carve out a name for themselves. As designers, we are not part of an elite few any longer; we are the norm. The key thing now is to find your own value proposition and differentiate yourself from the rest. What makes you so special? Why should they hire you instead of other folks?

Another challenge would be the fact that users and clients are now more tech savvy than ever; hence, there’s a premium on channeling your web design efforts in the right manner – to find the key strategies that would empower your client. It’s not simply about just being a web designer – it’s now a trade of understanding user experience, goals, understanding business objectives and how your design can meet these objectives. It’s about trying to be indispensable to your clients.

4. Why do you refer to yourself as a Front-end developer over calling yourself a web designer?  Is it a way to brand yourself to your clients?

Formally, my title would be “a web designer” or a “multimedia designer” – since I’ve designed for print, the web, applications, etc.

I’m not too fussy about titles though, I believe titles usually have little or nothing to do with your potential as a designer

I also don’t call myself a developer, as I primarily focus on user experience and design alone – I don’t code all my sites; I usually work on collaborative efforts with other freelance developers and studios as well.

I still feel a bit iffy about branding myself to clients.. hehe ( I’m thinking “hey, I’m Camille, I’m not a brand name…” ) lol

When I was freelancing, I believe it was reliability and a good thought process. I try my best to consult with the client and give him/her a design solution, not just a web design. We would compromise, I would prepare for my meetings, and I would try to ask the right questions.

5. Since you first started how has the web design industry changed? Has it changed for the better? If so, how? If not, please explain?

With regards to the web design industry, a lot has changed!   I’d say that design that stands out from the crowd is those that have been well-thought of. The web is now a multi-platform communication tool, wherein people engage and interact – it is no longer a monologue (as compared to the web’s early days.).

I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing; it just forces people to step up their game. People are forced to think better - in order for their website to stand out from the crowd. The web is saturated with so much clutter everyday; It is our job as designers to make our online spaces as beautiful and as user-friendly as possible.

6. What are your favorite tools to use when designing a website? Why are they your favorite tools?

Adobe Photoshop & illustrator, by far are the best. I find that they’re the most user friendly and versatile.

I also love taking inspiration from the offline world – textures, print media, and illustrations – anything that can help with the creative process.