First of all I would like to thank you for the opportunity to interview you. Let’s start with the usual, how did you get into design? Could you say there was a something that defined your birth as a designer?
It was just a natural progression of only really being interested in creative subjects at school, such as Art, Graphic Design & Design & Technology. I always liked making things in woodwork class and messing around on the computers in an ancient program called Corel Photo-Paint. The computers were so slow back then so it kind of limited what I was able to do. I always loved to draw too, I probably don’t do enough of that as I should do now really. My parents have always been a bit creative too so I guess that was passed down to me.
Tell us about your work process. How do you find the ideas? Is it hard to generate a good idea?
I always maintain that it is easy to find a good idea that will work as long as you look in the right places. It’s probably easier to think of all the bad, over-used common ideas first, so you can filter out the boring stuff. My work process involves a lot of thinking rather than spending time at the computer. I think relying on machines stunts creativity so I like to let my mind do all the work and then simply use the computer as a means of transferring my ideas from paper onto screen.
Have you ever had a creative block? If yes, what do you do?
Of course, I think every creative individual experiences creative block from time to time, it’s only natural. You can’t expect the brain to continuously knock out fantastic concepts one after the other like a production line. It’s important to relax, not panic and let everything flow naturally. I always do something completely unrelated to work whenever I’m stuck for ideas, and feed my mind with new ideas, imagery and thoughts. It’s like brain fuel 
(rather than evil coffee).
Apart from the profits, what type of satisfaction do you get from your work?
The biggest satisfaction is hearing a client say that what you have created is wonderful and answers the brief in a way that they would have never expected. I love to go beyond expectations and really make people think.
Can you show us your workplace?
I’ve attached a picture for you. I like to work outside a lot in the summer as it can get claustrophobic being indoors as I work from home. I’ve just employed my brother as a web developer so I plan to get an office soon to help separate home and work life.
From where do you draw your inspiration? Recommend 5 favourite websites.
I only use websites for research purposes and to check that nobody has thought of my initial ideas before. Relying on websites or past work created by others is a dangerous process as you will find that at some point it will subconsciously influence your work. I think as an artist or designer it’s important to have the ability to draw from your own imagination. I predict that if you sat about 100 designers in an empty room and gave them each a pencil and paper, very few would be able to create something spectacular. For that reason alone my imagination is probably my most powerful tool in terms of inspiration, as it is limitless.
What font is your favorite?
ITC Kabel, because I know a majority of designers hate it, so that’s the font I picked for my logo
Tell us about your recent project? What was the biggest challenge in the project?
I can’t say too much really. I’m helping to develop the brand identity and website for a new collective of collaborators that I am going to be part of. I think the biggest challenge is trying to impress other designers within this group of creative people. As you know, design is subjective, and designers have their own opinions. It’s going really well though. I’m also designing my own website which has been in progress for 6 years! So that is a challenge in itself. I’ll probably want to redesign it again next week.
If you were not a designer, what other things would you have done?
When I was really young I wanted to be an Architect but then I found out you have to be brilliant in a lot of subjects that rely on theory. I’m not too good at remembering things and the fact you have to spend around 8 years at University to be a really good one put me off. I think I would have probably become a sculptor. My favourite time of year is Winter so that I can make really strange snow sculptures. I made a Home Simpson one a couple of years ago that I have attached for you. I respect sculpture as it is a very critical medium to use. You’re always taking away from one block of material, once you take some away, you can’t put it back, so I have a great respect for sculpture artists. This is also why I only work with snow at the moment as I can just start again if I mess up
What everyday thing you cannot live without?
That’s a good question. In terms of work, it’s probably my phone, but that’s a really boring and predictable answer. If I don’t get exercise for a day I get really grumpy so probably being able to go for a run is most essential to my state of mind.
Once again, thank you very much for the interview.
Thanks, good luck!
http://www.downwithdesign.com
http://www.behance.net/garethhardy
http://www.downwithdesign.com/blog
