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My advice to any newbie would be to realise how committed you must be to succeed – if they want any easy ride, go flip burgers!
Hi, my name is Matjaz Valentar; I am 31 years old, born and living in Slovenia. I'm the co-founder of Webshocker a new media agency. I became interested in web design nine years ago, experimenting in Flash and html. Work at this time involved pizza delivery, working in gas stations and getting by anyway I could really. With a dream of one day becoming a successful website designer, spare time was dedicated to spending hour after hour in front of my PC or with my head in a 'how to' book. After a year or so, I gained enough skills and confidence and freelanced for five years. Then in 2003, (along with my 'like minded' friend Grega), I established Webshocker new media agency, three years on I am doing an interview for the FWA...wow!
Look and learn… Anyone can gain inspiration from their ordinary day-to-day life. Be aware of things happening around you, whether it's on TV, the Internet or just walking down the street!
I guess the FWA website is one of my favorites. It's definitely the most frequent one I visit, usually in the morning over a coffee. What were your favorite sites one week are not necessarily your favorites sites today. So 'today' I like: Ask me again tomorrow…the list may change :)
Hmm, I'll tell you that in 30 years… So far I'm really proud that Webshocker has become a known player in the web design industry and that my job is also my hobby.
Photoshop and of course Flash – Long may they live… I couldn't face another pizza delivery :)!
We're in the final stage of developing a innovative media-rich website for Fletcher Chicago. We also design and develop a number of projects for Elan Skis and have a number of exciting opportunities ahead working in conjunction with our UK partners – Cloud Nine Design.
A: I like the work of many design companies and individuals from around the globe. It's really hard to name just three but here goes:
If any of our work features on sites like this, our traffic increases a lot! – thank you for the exposure guys!
Very difficult to answer actually…Our clients tend to target us I guess. If they like what we do, they get in touch.
I must say it has to be audio. Something we will be addressing in the near future.
You want the truth? Ok, it was TERRIBLE! I believe it was produced using Flash 3. No, it's not still online, it was taken offline by the 'bad taste' Internet. I pleaded guilty and they let me off with a caution :).
No I haven't, but you never know, maybe I will someday when the days last 28 hours and not 24?
Hmm, I must say our latest project for Fletcher Chicago was very challenging and the toughest one to date. It'll be online very soon and when you see it, you'll know what I mean!
Definitely! People like me have spent too many sleepless nights trying to master it, so let’s hope it's here to stay.
I guess I can use my own career path to say that spending years studying at college or university is not compulsory to succeed in life. Dedication, patience and a passion for design are the most important factors in my opinion.
Our portfolio without doubt won (and still wins) the work. It also helps if you have good communication skills.
Lots and lots of sleepless nights behind the computer, experimenting and learning from mistakes. My advice to any newbie would be to realise how committed you must be to succeed – if they want any easy ride, go flip burgers!
A speeding ticket when I was running late for a meeting!
I'm afraid comfort comes before vanity in our office and we certainly were not born in the label stable. When you spend all-day sat in front of a PC you want to be wearing what you feel comfortable in.
Just follow your dream, work hard and of course have fun!
A: Thank you. It's an honor.  |
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