Graphic Designer Interview 8 – Didi Bjornerud

1. How long have you been a graphic designer?
I have always been interested in computers and graphics, but I originally moved to London from Norway to become a fashion designer. I did a foundation in Womens-Wear at London College of Fashion and realized it wasn’t for me..
So I did a bachelor degree in Textile Design Print at Central St Martins where I graduated in 2007. This is where I realized how much I loved creating imagery designs for different purposes, and I found my love for digital printing.
When I graduated I realized I didn’t particularly want to become a textile designer either so I moved onto just doing my own projects of graphic designs where I can mix all my favourite media. I managed to make a couple of contacts within the music and fashion industry and started doing work for them on a freelance basis.
2. What inspires your design work?
Music mainly.. I listen to a lot of dark underground Techno which probably reflects my artwork quite a bit. I love sitting on a train or coach somewhere listening to my music. I always get inspired by my own thoughts fused with the nature I see, it can be either a beautiful countryside landscape with sheep and cows or an urban industrial area outside an old fabric.
I also get lots of ideas from my dreams or in the few minutes just before I fall asleep – I usually keep a pen and paper by my bed.
3. What media do you work in and why?
I do some photography and I have a background from art so I love drawing and painting and all that.
I love mixing it all together like Im cooking up a dish with different ingredients – its all about getting the perfect balance of the best quality ingredients and flavors – and very important knowing when to stop. I use a lot of photoshop and Illustrator of course. I have my mac with me everywhere I go.
4. How would you describe your style of artwork?
Dreamy, surrealistic in a way, quite layered and lots of different styles mixed up. I think its very personal and it can seem quite symbolic sometimes all tho it might not necessarily be so.
I just create something I think is funky, edgy, weird and different and hopefully others will like it too.
5. Do you do any initial sketching or planning before starting a new piece?
Sometimes… Depending on if I work with a client they might have an image or an idea in their head I will work on. If I have a specific idea it can take a while for me to get it down on the paper though.
I’ve learnt to be more patient with things…  I usually like to have things done yesterday.
6. Which graphic designer most inspires you?
Difficult question.. I don’t really look a lot at other graphic designers. A good friend of mine Sam Chamberlain is a fantastic designer and I’ve always looked up to him. I look more to other designers I think, mostly fashion designers as this was my passion when I was younger.
I recently did an internship with Alexander McQueen in London which has always been one of my favourite designers – I adore his style.  I get very inspired by odd couture fashion shows. I love Victor & Rolf and Eiko Ishioka.
Certain films as well I might really love the style of or it can be just one scene – and suddenly an idea can just pop into my head.
7. How do you deal with the business inside of being a graphic designer?
I want to do it all..I am still in the early beginnings so its hard for me to make a comfortable living of this at this stage. With a bit more experience behind me I want to have my own business – my own shop somewhere, but I don’t know if this is something I am going to be able to do on my own.
8. What words of advice would you give to any aspiring graphic designers out there?
Be professional!! online tutorials are great – whenever you have a question just google it.  Always ask for advice from people who will give you an honest answer not just what you want to hear.
Be a perfectionist and think whatever you do it can always be done better..  And never doubt yourself.
You can see more of Didi’s work at: www.didibjornerud.com