A clear vision helps you to find someone to work for and – even more important find out who you don't want to work for.

  Please give us a brief bio of yourself.

Heike Brockmann, born and living in Germany.

Studied Communication-Design with a focal point on new media in Mainz and Motion Picture/Video in San Francisco.

Started business life in the design agency Simon & Goetz and in the ad agency Michael Conrad & Leo Burnett, both in Frankfurt.

Since 2000 Creative Director at Scholz & Volkmer.

Member of ADC NY and ADC Germany.

  What do you do for inspiration?

See, feel, do.

  Please list 3 of your favourite sites.

.English/German translator

. FM4

. Scholz & Volkmer intranet

  What do you regard as being your biggest achievement?

Still being able to go on vacation for 3 or 4 weeks.

  What software couldn't you live without?

My browser, mail and ichat.

  What projects do you have in the pipeline?

We are planning a conference on "Information Visualization" in March 2006.

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

Sorry, there are more than 3 on my list.

  What effect on traffic do your new designs have?

It always depends on project and target audience.

  Who is your target audience?

It always depends on project and client.

  What area of web design lacks the most?

Design lacks to follow a good idea, most of the time it’s only decoration.

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

Yes, it’s still online, but you won´t see it :)

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

No, and no plans so far.

  Do you think Flash is here to stay?

Nothing and no one lives forever.

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

Yes, you can be a creative designer without education but still I definitely don't want to miss the time spent in university. The freedom of thoughts, without any client requirements, is priceless.

  When your company was just getting started, what did you find was most effective for getting new clients?

A clear vision helps you to find someone to work for and – even more important find out who you don’t want to work for.

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

Variety – do more than one layout and always invest in an animated prototype.

  What is the most expensive thing you've bought in the last week?

Last week? I have been at the gas station – twice.

  What type of overcoat do you wear when designing, basically are you a labels woman?

The colors need to match, labels are secondary.

  Any parting shots or pearls of wisdom?

Protect me from what I want. (Jenny Holzer)

  It's been a privilege, Heike, thanks very much.

My pleasure. Thanks. Take care.