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Today I had the chance to interview AJ Troxell, a professional freelance web designer and blogger from the United States. Me and AJ chated together about his career, thoughts and philosphy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Hello AJ, thanks for giving Querier.net the chance to interview you, Please tell our readers a bit about yourself and your experience as a graphic designer.

Well, I have been a "graphic design" hobbyist for a little over 8 years now, but not until the last 4 years have considered myself an actual "graphic designer/web developer". I built my first, terrible, website about Dragonball Z when I was in Junior High, and ever since then, it has been a love that I just could not get out of my system.
Web development is my primary focus, but my love of print has grown tremendously.



2. What is the best part about being a freelancer?

I would have to say that it is the time. The time that I can devote to my family, especially my daughter, and get work done at the same time. I can decide when I take a break, when I eat my lunch, when I take a nap, and most of all, how long and worth how much, a client project is. Before going freelance, I worked at a print shop as an in-house designer, and one of my major problems was that sometimes a client would come in with an extremely complex design that would take hours upon hours, and often times I would exceed the time allotted for the project, which would disgruntle my employer. But pushing out less than perfect design was and is not OK with me.




3. What does your typical day look like?

Answering this question as a list would be the easiest way to do it.
1. Wake up, get some coffee, take a shower.
2. Make my daughter breakfast and check/answer emails.
3. Work on client projects while chatting on Twitter.
4. Feed my daughter lunch and lay her down for a nap, and then I will do some cleaning around the house.
5. Take a short nap for myself or get on the Xbox 360.
6. Wake my daughter up and work in client project some more.
7. Eat supper with my wife and daughter.
8. Head off to bed.

4. Where do you go for design inspiration?

Much of my inspiration comes from the web and my surroundings. Color palettes that I see randomly throughout the day, nature, and books/magazines are a large part of my inspiration. Most of the time, I try to brainstorm an idea on my own before I actively look for inspiration.



5. What is your design philosophy?

I will have fun. I will not take myself and/or my work too seriously. I will create relationships with my clients. I will provide my clients with the best work that I possibly can, while trying to expand their creativity and eye for design.



6. What would you consider to be your dream project?

One thing that I have always wanted to design/print is a yearbook for a High School. I guess it roots to my experience with having lived in many places and the different year books that I have had.



7. What is the truth you know now that you wish you'd known years ago?

That although it is time consuming and takes a ton of effort, going freelance and starting your own company is much easier than one might think. Being diligent and loving what you do is a must.

 

 

8. Mac or PC? why?

Currently I use a PC (desktop and laptop), but more so because of the affordability than anything. I will agree with anyone that argues a Mac's stability and support, but I currently get by just fine with a PC and don't think I will ever completely turn to Mac's for everyday use. Yet my next computer purchase, is planned to be Mac Book Pro.



9. Anything else you would like to say to the readers?

I don't feel that I am in any place to give advice to anyone. I am just someone that loves design, loves my job, and loves interacting with people. I would encourage anyone to do what they love, and do it well, and somehow, someday you will be able to make a living doing it. Life is about the relationships you have and the ideas your create.

 

Thanks again AJ for taking time to do this interview, really appreciate it !

Thank you for interviewing me and if there is anything I can do for Querier.net then please let me know. Thanks again!