Mobile is taking over. I'd bet that only the websites that work well with mobile devices will command any traffic in 10 years.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

I'm Bryant Robertson. I'm 34. I studied graphic design at BYU and I'm a Creative Director at Rain. I've been here for about 6 years if you add it all up. This is actually my third time... they just keep taking me back. The down side is I still don't have the extra vacation time. 

What do you do for inspiration?

Excellence anywhere inspires me. Particularly nature, motorcycles, painting, good music, and snowsports. When someone else does something really well it motivates me to try harder. I'd hate to waste my life.

Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

1. Hipstamatic - It's not a website. It's an app for your iphone that takes holga-like photos without all the hassle.

2. deuscustoms.com - if you're into cafe racers.

3. FPSRussia - I may loose some credibility with that one...

What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Convincing my wife to marry me. Design-wise? I find the shelf life of my design work isn't very long. Most things on the web are only up for a short time and I've yet to get too attached to anything I've done. I guess I'm still building up for "the big one."

How do you relax or unwind?

I like to ride motorcycles. I have a nice commute through the canyon every day to unwind. Your brain kind of relaxes but your body has to stay alert. It is very therapeutic.

If you weren't working on the internet what would you be doing?

Something more physical and outdoors probably. Really I've always wanted to do some industrial design- like watches or furniture or something.

What's your favourite part of your job? What's the hardest part of your job? What do you do when you get stuck?

I think as designers a large part of why we do what we do is the impact we can have on others. Seeing people using my apps give me satisfaction in large amounts.

When I get stuck? I have a collection of clippings and screen-captures that I flip through to spark ideas. Of course sometimes you just have to walk away for a bit and come back later.

In terms of software, is there anything new you have been playing with lately or that has impressed you?

I'm in a love/hate relationship with cinema 4d right now.

Has winning FWA awards helped you in any way?

Sometimes I get an inferiority complex because I don't live in NYC and work at a big-name agency. These awards make me feel better. Thanks FWA!

What did your very first site look like? Is it still online?

It was a portfolio site back in like 1999. Flash 4 or something. It was pretty sweet, with a funk theme. I recorded my own disco sound effects for the rollovers, "Wikicha!" and "Bew bew." I'm afraid it isn't online anymore.

Have you written any books, if not do you plan to?

Not yet. I want to write a book before I die. You know... for kids. You're kind of immortal when you've written a book. 

Are there things you do OUTSIDE of work to ensure that you are in the right mindset to be creative and/or successful in whatever you are doing?

Call of Duty.

The web is getting out of the web. Do you find that thinking in digital solutions alone hinders you? Do you feel the urge to solve the problem using all mediums necessary?

Absolutely. I was talking to my mechanic the other day about all his scheduling problems and all I could think of was how to solve them with computers. He ended up getting a bluetooth headset so he could take calls while he worked. I was like, "duh."

I like taking the digital world and making it apply to real world problems, cool designs are... cool, but helping people live better is awesome.

Looking 10 years in to the future, how far can websites go?

Mobile is taking over. I'd bet that only the websites that work well with mobile devices will command any traffic in 10 years.

That is If the monkeys haven't taken over yet.

What are your views on design/graphic school. Do you think someone can get into the field without educational experience in a school environment?

For sure you can get into the field without a college degree or art school experience. If you're good and learn quickly. Which is why I'm glad I went to school.

What would be your ultimate vehicle to travel in?

Right now I have my eye on the Triumph Scrambler.

How have you learned so many Flash/design skills and techniques and can you offer any advice for newbies?

It's the same problem for people new to the industry as it is for people that are old to the industry. In order to stay current you can't be afraid to jump in and explore new techniques and technology. If I see something I like, but don't know how to do, I'll pick it apart and google tutorials until I can replicate it. It's fun to learn!

What does the future hold for your company, or you as a person?

Rain is a little different than your typical agency. We have have like 3 developers for every designer so we tend to get more technical projects - which I enjoy. We also have a UX and QA team to help cover our butts. I love the design side -  but it is nice to have that kind of power under the hood too.

What are you excited about learning next and is there a long term challenge you are considering tackling?

I just started oil painting. It's challenging yet fun. I'm preparing for retirement. When I retire I want to oil paint and fly fish.

It has been a privilege, thanks very much

Thanks for the interview... I'm flattered.

rain