Hello David , Thank you for joining us on Talking With The Pros, can you please gives us an introduction about yourself and how you got started in the design industry?
Hey thanks, no problem. I was born and raised in Switzerland and still remain there in the Basel. I started around 2004 with abstract 3d art. I always wanted to use my computer for work since we got our first computer back in 1989. An MSX with Basic on it from Microsoft. My Brother and I had this Game Maze of Galious and it basically got me where I am now. I did create my own assets with cardboard’s and paper once the MSX broke. Drawing little Monsters, Items and Characters etc. In my youth when we finally got a pc again I started to try out create my own game. I soon learned that I most love to create the graphics, so that’s where I got stuck.
Your work is quite spectacular and ha many different details & elements to look at, do you have a good vision of the piece and its details prior to working on the concept?
Thanks, it depends on the work. Sometimes I start with something and take it somewhere else then I intended. I am free to do whatever I want with my personal work so I kinda let myself go and don’t make too much thoughts about the details. If the main Concept stands then its okay. For client works its a bit different and mostly clear what they want in the Illustration with a deadline. It can be tricky sometimes to nail something down for a client. I think its the most challenging part for me.
Can you give us an overview of your “Subway Footlong Nation Appreciation” project? did the client approach you? what were their objectives and how did you accomplish them?
The work was done over an agency which approached me. I wasn’t sure to take the project since to me it was a very challenging task. It was Christmas time so I mainly worked over new year etc. They needed 12 or 13 Places to zoom in with 3 elements in each. I had help from the Art Director Mark Brooks who directed me. The work was made in about a month from the first sketches to the final Illustration. After we got a sketch approved for the positions of each place I was working day and night to finalize the whole piece.
When would you say was your breakthrough moment in your career?
I don’t really know. I’m happy I created some Illustration which seem to have spread over the Internet. Otherwise I hope my big breakthrough will still come one day.
How do you promote your individual pieces when you finish them?
I just upload them to Deviant and Behance and maybe post them on my Facebook and twitter nowadays. But otherwise I don’t really make any promotion. I wish I had more time or maybe could be less lazy and promote my work better.
What do you think is the most challenging part of your job?
Understanding what a client is looking for. Then coming up with ideas for clients. For personal work its not a problem since I work more subconscious on my personal work. Clients usually ask for a concept or message in the work which I feel hard to come up with something.
How often do you get approached for design work and what type of jobs do you generally get asked for? (web, print, advertisement?)
How often do you get approached for design work and what type of jobs do you generally get asked for? (web, print, advertisement?)
What would you say is your favorite illustration you have done to date, and why?
Its hard to say. I like the more surreal work I have made. But the audience favorite seems to be blue moon. its also my most known work i think. I don’t really have a favorite. Creating the works I watch them constantly and in the end I mostly cant see them anymore.
Who would be your dream client to do a project for?
Its hard to say. I like the more surreal work I have made. But the audience favorite seems to be blue moon. its also my most known work i think. I don’t really have a favorite. Creating the works I watch them constantly and in the end I mostly cant see them anymore.
How do you deal with design blocks? What advice would you give for designers to get past them?
Its hard to say. I like the more surreal work I have made. But the audience favorite seems to be blue moon. its also my most known work i think. I don’t really have a favorite. Creating the works I watch them constantly and in the end I mostly cant see them anymore.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Its hard to say. I like the more surreal work I have made. But the audience favorite seems to be blue moon. its also my most known work i think. I don’t really have a favorite. Creating the works I watch them constantly and in the end I mostly cant see them anymore.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you, do you have any final words for our readers?
Its hard to say. I like the more surreal work I have made. But the audience favorite seems to be blue moon. its also my most known work i think. I don’t really have a favorite. Creating the works I watch them constantly and in the end I mostly cant see them anymore.
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View more of David’s work at www.microbot.ch and connect with him on Twitter