Di4art - Say something for art

Here’s it Nelson Balaban just launched his new version of XTRABOLD for his happy birthday and he accords as an interview !

Hey Nelson, can you introduce yourself ?
A eighteen boy, living with his girlfriend in the third world, making a living without a degree.

Like living in Curitiba (Brazil) ? You was born there ?
Yea I was born here… well I like living in Curitiba, it’s a model city of architecture, style and development. But it’s Brazil… and I’m a bit sick of it to be honest. I wanna move out.

Why XTRABOLD ?
Really simple… it’s just like the extra-bold fonts, they stand out. I like the meaning of “bold”… it’s… so youth-related… it’s pretty much like me all the time. I took (and am still taking) risks that take guts, so I feel familiar with the word. It’s unique.

How long have you been in this field?
I started taking comissions in 2006. So it’s been 2 years freelancing… but I’ve been playing with softwares since 2003, when I first got my copy of Corel Draw and Photoshop.

What studies or training courses did you follow? A university or self-taught designer ?
Hmm… nothing. I attended some webdesign classes back in 2005, but I almost failed, haha… that was funny because they wanted to teach me things I already knew. But I stay true to everyone… I’m self-taught. And recently, taking advices from big boys in the business, I think I’m gonna study business rather than design. It’s just a vision that embraces a wider range of things, rather than just design, illustration, etc…

When design and graphics took a considerable place in your life ? How ?
Well, since I figured out I could get a job doing what I was doing. It was nothing but a “hobby” until someone knocked on my door… it was the first comission, then the first magazine feature…

Can you describe us your creative process ? An specific technique? How long do it take you?
My creative process depends on what and when the client needs the work for. If it’s type related, then I go and research… when it’s illustration, it’s basically the same, but with a slightly different approach to concept. I don’t have any specific technique… I once made a tutorial for a british mag on how to create surreal landscapes using your own photos, described the Magic Wand tool as my favorite but no secrets. I’m currently working on a rythm of 3 projects per month. Sometimes 2 projects hit on the same week… it’s been like that.

Do you practise only graphic design or you like drawing, have a passion for the photograph ? Question “style”, in your creations do you always keep the same composition / style or it is by the feeling?
I always try to get back to the old fashion, but it’s never really impactant as my digital work. I sure do use sketches during the creative process, but it’s just because I don’t have a tablet yet. To hell with the technology, I know… but it’s just the way it is. I don’t have a defined style yet… it’s about to be discovered. When I create, I aim to explore, to express, to impress.

Do you use a 3D soft for your digital art works ?
I used to work with 3ds max. But since I switched to Mac, I didn’t really use any 3d program anymore…

What is the new concept in your portfolio ?
I think that on the other versions I worked too much on the website itself. This time I just wanna focus on the work, and I want the user to focus on that too.

Do you use a graphics tablet ?
Nope. Willing to buy one sometime.

What kind of music do you listen to ?
It ranges from IDM, Dn’B to Progressive Rock.

What are you doing when you’re not behind your computer ?
Having fun with my girlfriend, cooking, cleaning the house, listening to music, going to school, brushing teeth, taking a bath, walking, running, drinking, whispering, yelling, screaming, sweating.

At home, How do you organise your days ?
Fridays tend to be chaotic. It’s the working day that we clean the flat… I mean it’s not really big, but it takes some time to get finished. The other working days I just study, work and go out at night. Weekends are dedicated to family, friends and tranquility.

You’re a MAC boy or a PC boy?
I was a PC boy until 2007. I switched in the beggining of that year… and am still amazed with the macs. You know that sticky song that is usually played in jewel boxes? I’m in love.

Do you have some projects for the future ?
Yes. A brazilian magazine featuring themes such as underground culture, design, fashion, business, etc. Me and a fellow KDU member are organising it… but it’s still on paper. Will take some time to get out.

You have certainly an advice to give to ” young graphic designers “?
It’s difficult… I never felt like giving someone an advice. But here are some words that might serve you: believe in your talent.

A last word ?
Muito obrigado!

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For the first interview on DI4ART it will be with Ee Venn Soh from Malaysia, a self-taught designer, very talented !

Why EIII ?
As my name includes “ee”, that’s why i am calling myself ‘eiii’. You will see a similar resemblance in them.

What studies or training courses did you follow? A university or self-taught designer?
Currently, i am studying Computer Science in University of Auckland, New
Zealand. I am now doing a international student exchange program with Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, Singapore. I do not have any formal trainings in all these but it just happens to be something that
he is good in.

When design and graphics took a considerable place in your life? How?
Ever since i was young, i love creating and drawing stuffs. It just comes and happens naturally. It is something i have passion and dedicated to. As time goes, the love for design keeps growing and nothing has changed much except the fact that i have changed from paper media to a new era approach - The digital world.

When you’re creating a new print, how do you approach it? An specific technique? How long do it take you?
I am drawn to people, arts and music surrounding me. I try to let those visual impressions from the periods of my life to reflect in my artworks.
I consistently review my styles and experiment with new colours, elements and concepts.

Normally, i will have an idea in my mind and a photo in my hand. I will have a rough idea for the colors and shapes i will perform. Then, i will just go playing around with the piece and often the end-result will differ from the initial plan. (:

It can takes me few days for a piece. It all depends how much details i want to add in.

Do you practise only graphic design, or you like drawing, have a passion for the photograph ? Question “style”, in your creations do you always keep the same composition / style or it is by the feeling?
My forte in graphic design is in print works as there is the area i truly enjoy. I have love for many things in my life. I love to take photos and draw too. But there are just so many things i would love to do in my life and i can only solely focus on few things.

I love to try on different styles and concepts in my work. I try to integrate different design genres and elements in a single art piece. Playing and toying around with shapes, colors and manipulation are what i done mostly. I am in love with retro and old school styles recently.

Are you influenced by an artist? If yes, which one?
There are many artists that come and gone in my life. But for sure there are few that truly amaze and inspire me to do my work to a new level. To name a few, there will be artists like Pete Harrison, Mike Harrison, Pete Jaworoski, Pawel Nolbert, Chuck Anderson, Theo Aartsma, Jerico Santander & Ronald Ashburn.

What is the life without art?
Everything will be black and white with zombies walking around the streets all the time. A designer will be batman or superman. The true life saver!

Like music ?
R&B, House, Jazz and old school music are my favourites.

What are you doing when you’re not behind your computer ?
Playing basketball, playing piano or studying. No TV for me (:

At home, How you spend your day ?
I wake up either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It depends on what time i have slept earlier. I am pretty random in terms of thoughts and actions. I will take a bath, check my emails, change to clean clothes, walk around the house, make myself a sandwich and start surfing around in the WWW.

You have certainly an advice to give to ” young graphic designers “?
As i am living in Malaysia, a country in the ASEAN. The country is still new and young in the industry. There are many local designers that work in the overseas because their designs are appreciated outside.

Creativity at this moment is new and cultural appreciation is newer. The education system and the quality of the education is limiting the people who have the ideas and passion for designing but don’t require the skills to carry out.

I must say if you are not passionate in what you are doing please don’t study any design courses. Many young people are drawn by the vague promises that they can earn big money or have a title as a designer. Don’t! It won’t work.

A last word ?
The sky bear no limit in the design world.
As long i hold my breath designing will always be part of my life, my inspiration playground.

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This site have really some nice tutorials and it’s free !

(The photograph was created by Parris and the graphic design was created by Justin Maller)

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