Short Interview
Rico Zulwin
Creative Communication Director of Prspktf
Works by Rico
What made you choose graphic design? I chose Graphic Design in Advertising for my major, because there I see the collaboration between Visual Arts and Business. There I can learn to improve more on my artistic sense and in the same time learn to sell them.
What is your style as an artist or a graphic designer? I believe on what Bruce Lee's famous quote, 'Be water my friend'. Design should transform from time to time. If I can conclude in one phrase, maybe my style is 'Design that sells'
When did you start loving and deciding that this is your passion? I am fond of art since I was in kindergarten, starting from origami then drawing. I enjoy it, and it's one of the lesson I excelled during my school year.
Can you share your personal career journey? When did you start your first job? What is your first job? and How do you feel? First Job is Intern copywriter at Publicis Indonesia. At first, I was quite in a dillema, being either as an Art Director or Copywriter, but then the poetic side of me influenced myself to pursue copywriting. Thanks to Miss Tari Danawidjaja, my copywriter lecturer at UIC Design. She taught me the magical side of copywriting. Thankfully my copywriting career was in a fast track due to my graphic design background. I struggle quite a lot at first because of the deadlines, a lot of staying late in the office sessions, but i enjoyed it really well. One thing you have to always keep in mind, keep believing that you can get everything done.
How do you get inspirations? Sensitivity is important for us designers, especially in this digital era. Commute bymass transportation, go out of your comfortable zone and socialise with the last person you have in mind to talk to. It will open up your mind, and see the world through a different perspective. That's how i usually got my inspirations. The ideas won't be popping out instantly, but you'll find that moment where you need an idea and you remember the funny poster you saw in a bus station two weeks ago. That's how it works.
What type of projects do you like most? I love to build brands, help business owners to discover their true soul and convey it through visual communications.
Do you handle your own clients? If yes, can you share some experience in facing clients? Yes, I handle my own clients. One very good advice is to be prepared. It leads to confidence. When you have a confident mind, everyone will listen to what you have to say. After all, we're the consultant. If we're not confident about our work, why do they have to pay us? Oh yeah and also, always be aware that we can't put our clients in the same level, in term of visual arts. Sometimes we have to go the extra mile to explain what our artwork means. I always make a mood video when introducing a big idea to all my clients. Moving pictures + music will tell your ideas much better.
What do you think about the role of graphic designers in Jakarta, and in the world? Introduce people to how beautiful art can be. and we have to be sincere about it. Educate the people, because sharing knowledge is the best thing we can do as humans. Believe in it and money will follow by time.
Can you share some advice for students like me who will enter the professional creative world? Be passionate about everything you create. Don't let money affect how you do your design. Design by heart, always strive for the best creative solutions you can give. At first, some may abuse our skills as designer, but people will eventually appreciate what you do.
recap / conclusion Rico Zulwin is a good friend of my brother. I have known him since I was in Kindergarden. I remembered the first time I saw his drawings on his desk in our School, Pelangi Kasih. He is someone who inspired me, and my decision to enter UniSadhuGuna Interational College is because I saw his works and his passion in Graphic Design. I hope in time I will be as good as him and I could inspire others just like he inspired me.
for more info www.ricozulwin.com
Gary Gunarsa
Creative Director of Allegria
Works by Gary
Why do you choose Packaging or Graphic Design? I have been in creative world since 2007 and the journey was very long. First i started on a magazine company and i stayed for 3 years. After editorial, i decided to try advertising agency, "trying". Everything should begin with trying, because they say you should look for passion, not deciding your own passion and thats it. From three years in advertising, i found out i was not in the right place. So then i moved to allegria, specializing in branding and packaging. It was since 2012.
Did you decide to change your passion again, or have you found it? Turns out it was my passion, it was the right place. Its unique here, we can't match allegria with other branding company. It is a small company.
Do you handle your own clients? We only have 5 creative people and we handle our own presentation, execution and clients.
Do you have your own style in every design you make? In commercial, you cannot stick to your own style. The style of a soda drink to a coffee is way too much difference especially in target market, so you should adapt in the brand. It is not the work or an artist.
Can you share some experience on facing clients? There is actually no annoying clients. We as designers we assume clients as market. They're not annoying, but you can say it's like being in a relationship. So you must adapt with what your girlfriend wants and of course with the experience we know the do's and don'ts in branding. Which clients might not know yet and we have the right to tell. As soon as you and your client clicks, you understand everything.
How do you get inspirations? Inspiration comes from anywhere. We have this system called the brand triangle. Which is the competitor, target market and research datas.
What do you think about the influence of graphic design in Jakarta and in the world? Branding is like a shirt, an outfit that we'd wear when we're going out. When a company wanted to show what they are, they need new outfits to show people. They need the right outfit especially when their competitor is way above them.
recap / conclusion Gary Gunarsa is one of an inspiring person that i met from my senior, Jesslyn. He has experienced the creative world for more than 10 years, and his journey through out the creative world inspires me. I like the way he says that passion is not your choice, it is something you should find. And I will always remember to find my passion like him one day.
for more info
@garygunarsa on instagram