My name’s David Airey, and I’m a 29 year-old self-employed graphic designer, living in Northern Ireland. I started learning about graphic design in 1995, started my own business in 2005, and in 2009 I’m loving what I do.
Where do you look for sources of inspiration?
All around me. Nature, people, architecture. My blog readers are a fantastic source of inspiration, and I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
What is your favourite aspect of logo design?
Seeing the design come to life, be it on promotional material, websites or what have you.
What are your top 5 favourite websites?
I don’t have a specific ‘top 5′, but here are five I subscribe to:
Who do you look up to in your field?
So many people. Steff Geissbuhler, Miles Newlyn, Ivan Chermayeff. I gathered together this list of iconic logo designers. They’ve all produced some fantastic work.
How and why did you choose to go into logo design?
How? By changing my online sales copy so it targets identity clients. Why? I find designing logos more enjoyable than other projects.
Can you take us through your process from start to finish off a logo?
I’ve covered the steps I usually take here: My logo design process.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of running a blog?
The time involved. There are more than 15,000 comments on my two blogs, and if someone takes the time to leave their thoughts, it’s only right to acknowledge them. Sadly, as I become more busy, and as more people comment, I find it harder and harder to address everyone individually.
What sort of social media tools have you found most successful?
Twitter has proved of benefit, and I enjoy reading those little snippets of info that deepen relationships with my online friends. Here’s my Twitter profile.
What piece of work are you most proud of and why?
It would have to be my self-titled blog, because it’s been the major contributing factor to my current success in self-employment.
What would be your perfect dream project?
I don’t believe there’s ever a perfect project. I think there’s room for improvement in everything. What would I love to design most? Money is up there in the list, such as these recent coin designs created by 26 year-old, Matthew Dent. It’d be great to throw some coins on a table and say, “I designed those”.
What advice would you give to someone looking to specialize in logo design?
Do it because you love it.
Looking into a crystal ball, what do you think will be the next design trend?
Companies asking for 3D effects to be removed from their identities.
What can we expect from David Airey in the upcoming year?
Less client projects, so I can concentrate on writing my book, “Logo Design Love“. It won’t be easy, but the signs are good.
Thanks again for inviting me to your blog, Chad. I hope I’ve not put anyone to sleep.
Join the discussion
Nice interview David. Didn’t know Logo Design Love was going to be a book. Look forward to reading that!
Hi Lee,
Thanks for commenting.
I should probably keep the book on the ‘down-low’ for now, as I haven’t actually reached the official offer stage with the publisher. That said, I’ve put in enough planning to carry it out regardless, and some fantastic designers have agreed to contribute, which is quite humbling really.
Thanks for the interview David Airey and Chad . It was very helpful .
Great interview. I always enjoy hearing what David has to say.
http://twitter.com/Colorburned
I`m always happy to hear about succcessful freelancers. However, I just can get it, why he uses a free font in his logo ???
Shadi, Colorburned,
Thanks for reading a little of what I have to say.
Balta,
That’s something I think about sometimes, but for the time it takes to complete a personal identity project, I’m not sure it’s worth a change.
I could use a font that costs £500, but does that mean I’ll have a more effective logo? Not necessarily.
David,
Nice insight here, and congrats again on the book… if you ever need a contribution, would love to be apart also!
David I enjoyed reading and following you. Any reason why you don’t follow too many twitters?
Thanks again, Jacob.
Crazywabbit,
Glad you enjoyed reading my answers. Thanks for taking the time.
Regarding your Twitter question, the reason I follow tens of people, rather than hundreds, or thousands, is because I simply couldn’t keep up if it was much more. I can’t imagine those who follow thousands of others are able to keep track of what’s being tweeted, which to me, kind of defeats the purpose.
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awesome…work..and thanks for the inspiration..to all the other designers…I am a Graphic Designer myself currently living in California.
David I enjoyed reading and following you. Any reason why you don’t follow too many twitters?
Thank you very much for the information.
hi david. so proud of u. i like ur works!
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