TheFWA - Dale Humphries

The web is definitely getting out of the web, and I think that thinking purely in a digital way can be a hindrance. Usually the best way to start a new project is to pick up a pencil and pad and to start sketching.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

I grew up near London where I was always around computers and technology. I went through school designing sites for myself and friends and I always knew I wanted to do something in digital design as a career. At College and University I studied the more technical side of computers while focusing on design in my free time and at two part time jobs as a Junior Web Designer. After Uni I focused on freelance for the summer which was a great experience and something I'd love to get back to one day. Being at Createful I'm designing for the web and iOS every day and I 'm really enjoying what I do and the great atmosphere here.

What do you do for inspiration?

A lot of reading, watching a lot of movies, and a lot of listening to music. I find those three activities to be the most stimulating creatively. Reading can be anything from design blogs and magazines, to general fiction or non fiction books. I'm usually always listening to music while working, whether in the office or at home.

Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

ted.com, itsnicethat.com, dribbble.com

How do you relax or unwind?

Usually at home with my Xbox and some music. Or if i'm feeling social then I'll go out for a few drinks with friends.

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

Something with animals maybe, or something more scientific.

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

My favourite part would be when everything just comes together perfectly. Especially when I'm not expecting something to work very easily, or at all, and it just works, it's a great feeling. The hardest part is compromising on a design with a client, we'll go back and forth on design choices but we'll always find a common middle ground. When I get stuck I take a break from the computer for a few minutes, stretch my legs for a bit or get a cup of tea, and then get back into it.

What's the longest you've ever stayed up working on a project?

I think around 14/15 hours in one sitting.

If there are any pivotal experiences/decisions you could point to that helped shape your career, what would they be?

I think staying in Bournemouth after University was an important and pivotal decision in shaping my career. There is a very vibrant community of digital design agencies in the Bournemouth and Poole area and being a part of Createful and the community down here is a fantastic experience.

What software could you not live without?

Coda 2 (by Panic) is an incredible piece of software I've been using lately. I was always a big fan of the first version, so when the second version came I out I got my hands on it immediately and was pretty much blown away by how fantastic it is.

How many projects does your company juggle at any one time?

At least 2 or 3. Usually we have a big client project or two going on, and maybe a small in house project alongside the bigger work.

Who do you rate as being the top 3 design companies?

I could tell you three that I'm a big fan of. (Without mentioning Apple), I'd say Pixar, Bowers & Wilkins, and Muji.

Who is your target audience?

Personally I'd say my target audience would be similarly young people with a love for good design. But working for an agency like Createful means that we have to cater for whatever target audience the client is aiming for.

What area of web design lacks the most?

I think a clean way of writing code that is consistent between web browsers is a real lacking area when it comes to web design.

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

At the time I thought it was the best looking site I'd ever designed! But no it's not online anymore thankfully. Although I do still have it hidden away on a hard drive somewhere. It was horrendous, though.

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?

Socialise, listen to plenty of music, and get as much fresh air as possible.

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?

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

I definitely think somebody can get into the field without educational experience or schooling. I haven't studied design in a formal manner, but purely in my own free tie over the past 8 or 9 years. As long as you truly immerse yourself in your work, by networking with other designers, chasing down new clients and projects, and doing a lot of reading, then getting into the field won't be as hard as it seems.

How do you keep your finger on the pulse of the latest web trends?

By reading a large amount of design and development blogs, magazines, books etc. It's important to keep up to date with what's going on in such an ever-changing field of work.

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

Hopefully I'll be old and self employed freelancing in a far away exotic country.

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

My current challenge is to gain more experience in iOS design. I feel that there is a natural connection between design for the web and for iOS and that I can take a lot of what I've learned about UI design and apply it when designing for mobile applications.

It has been a privilege, thanks very much

No problem. Thanks a lot!

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