Interview With the Intern: Asal Zorriasatein
Spring has sprung and we here at Generator are excited for the warmer weather, long-lasting sunshine and colours that aren’t monochromatic. Spring is also a time for new beginnings and that’s especially true for the recent graduates of St. Clair College’s graphic design program.
We’re talking about the fabled internship, where each graduate goes on a 6-week journey to gain some real-world experience in an office or studio. This year, we’re happy to welcome Asal to the Generator team.
Hi Asal, welcome to Generator. How are you settling in so far?
I’m great, thanks for asking! I’m learning so much and working with a great team who are helping me to improve my design skills. The feedback I get helps me enhance my skills and I’m excited to continue to grow.
We’re excited to have you aboard. What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I’ve always loved being creative and making things look interesting. I enjoy turning ideas into something that people can see and connect with. Design allows me to express my creativity while solving problems. It keeps me motivated to learn and improve.
Speaking of motivation, what do you do to stay inspired?
I look at the work of other designers. I try new ideas and keep up with design trends. I also challenge myself with new projects and find inspiration in everything around me. Staying curious helps me keep my passion for my design strong.
Are there any artists and/or designers that you look up to?
I really admire, Vratislav Pecka, who goes by the name Posterlad on Instagram. I absolutely love his style, especially how he creates unique posters with illustration and plays with shapes and type. His work is always fresh and creative. I really enjoy the way he brings design to life in such a dynamic way.
Having great sources of inspiration is so important both inside the classroom and outside. Now that you’re out of the classroom and working in a real-scenario environment, what are you hoping to learn and experience here at Generator?
I’m excited to learn how to work with clients and understand what they need. I want to improve my design skills and meet the goals and deadlines of the clients. I’m looking forward to learning from the designers, copywriters, and web developers and seeing how things work in the real world.
Deadlines are one of the things you’re going to have to get used to. What do you do when you find yourself in a creative rut?
I take a step back and give myself a little break. I do something completely different or just relax; it helps clear my mind. I also find that looking for inspiration from other people, nature, or art can help me get out of the slump and spark new ideas.
As a design student, you’re obviously well-versed in the Adobe Creative Suite. What’s your favourite design software to work with?
Definitely Illustrator because it’s easy to use and great for making clean, sharp design work. I enjoy creating logos and illustrations that are always polished. Illustrator gives me the freedom to work on both simple and detailed projects. I also like using InDesign, especially for making magazine layouts.
Vectors are limitless, just like the possibilities of design. What area of graphic design do you currently feel you specialize in or want to specialize in?
I want to specialize in creating artwork and design for both digital and print. Through Illustrator, I can create logos, icons, and illustrations that look sharp at any size. With InDesign, I can design layouts for flyers, books, and magazines. I can make sure everything is well organized and visually-appealing. Combining these tools allow me to create designs that are both creative and functional.
Outside of graphic design, what are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?
I like to stay relaxed and inspired. I love watching movies, especially those with great stories and beautiful visuals. It’s a fun way to take a break and get new ideas. I love Photography; taking pictures and playing with different angles and lighting to make each shot unique. I also like spending time with my family and friends and exploring new cafes.
How are you warming up to Mando, the office dog? Has he tried to steal your lunch yet?
I’m am warming up to Mando; he’s such a sweet and adorable dog! I love spending time with him, petting him, and becoming his friend. Today, he actually sniffed my bag, but luckily he didn’t steal my lunch… not yet anyway. It’s been fun getting to know him and I’m enjoying our time together.
BONUS QUESTION
If you were a Pantone, what colour would you be and why?
I love this question! I’d be Pantone 2735U – a shade of purple; it’s a mix of calmness and creativity, with both energy and peace. Purple also stands for being unique, which I connect with because it’s bold and different but still relaxing.
Stay tuned for weekly journal entries direct from Asal during her internship at Generator Design! Follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages for updates.
