Sharing his background, thoughts, and opinions with us this week is Dondeekenz! Get to know this talented Graphic Artist and how he honed his skills to become so successful.
Get to know a man who considers himself a 28-year-old-wannabe trapped in a 38-year-old male human being! We know him as Dondeekenz, an energizing guy who has a fun experience working through 48HoursLogo.com but serious enough not to make fun of his craft. Happily married to his wife, Tes, together they have one son named Pax. Currently living in Sorsogon City, Bicol, Philippines, he speaks Bicolano, Filipino, and English. Dondeekenz has over 150 contest wins to date. You’ll notice a lot of great and interesting layouts in his design work, demonstrating an excellent understanding from the viewers perspective.
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We all know a name can tell you a lot about a person, and yours is quite interesting! What can you tell us about where it comes from?
“Dondeekenz” is my superhero name! But my friends and family call me “Dondee.” And Dondeekenz is just to sound akin to the great Charles Dickens (no pun whatsoever intended with the handle).
Very cool, very creative, I like the meaning behind it. So if Dondeekenz is your superhero name, what superpower would you pick for yourself?
I’ll take one that reads other people’s minds (haha, now what were you thinking Contest Holders?!).
Haha, that would be helpful! So when you’re not being graphic designer, do you have any hobbies?
Before I got married and had my own family, I had a band. So aside from designing there was a passion for music. Also I love sports. I play hoops when there’s a chance. Right now my reason for staying up late is following the World Cup. I love to write as well, I also paint.
Can you share some of your favorite things in life?
Jenga and other wooden blocks (spending time with my son, and we always have a blast playing and creating stuffs). Movies and TV (sports programs. Also watching tv series like The Walking Dead (and Homeland) with my wife; we’re pretty much excited for the new season). Weekend dinner out with my family.
So from the opposite end of the spectrum, can you share one of your least favorite things?
Not doing anything at all. I don’t like being idle.
Getting back to design, how long have you been a graphic artist?
Maybe a decade or so? More concentration on the logos came in much later. My graphic work before involved much of publication and print (content and layout). But I think I love being attributed to as an “artist” and being one, my entire life so far.
Are you self taught, or do you have any formal training?
Never had a formal training, as the saying goes: Usus est magister optimus (Experience is the best teacher).
What would you describe as your artistic influences?
The Modern and Contemporary era has fascinated me much. But at the end of the day I think I am drawn to being “eclectic”. So everything or anything artistic and creative attracts me and lingers in the subconscious. The intersection of Art and function also makes a lot of sense for me.
Fonts: Name your top 3 and why you love them. Go!
- 1. Futura family: Very useful for a various situations. Also when tweaking and customizing font and typeface logos, this one gives me a very flexible starting point.
- 2. BigNoodleTitling: For squeezing in lengthy texts, I easily make a phone call to this font for help.
- 3. Trajan Pro: I needed to include a serif font in the list. And I think no matter how overused this font may seem. It has its own elegance and grace that sometimes you can’t deny utilizing its sheer beauty.
Are you drawn to any certain types of contests?
The “non-profit” category perhaps. I like the creative flow and process when doing stuffs for this category. But sometimes a “spur of the moment” draws you instantly the moment you see a contest. It may be the “business name” itself that makes a contest very inviting to designers. Or a required symbol that triggers designer’s interest.
Do you have any logos you’ve designed through 48HoursLogo.com that are special to you?
One of the earliest logos I did here is called “Sacramento March Against Slavery”. They say the first is the sweetest. Plus looking back, I was then a newbie to logos, I felt like I was able to pull off something in an instant. And was happy with my work.
I like that design, the symbolism in the paper airplanes is a great idea! When you begin working on something like that, are there any habits you go to, to set the mood?
Coffee and music, check! But sometimes I like the sound of silence surrounding me while doing creative work. Although I am partial to rock alternative, I listen to a variety of genre as well (am not plugging, but Spotify works well for me in providing the soundtrack of the moment). I maintain a tidy and organized desk as much as possible. Otherwise I won’t start working until I get stuffs in order.
What goes through your mind when you begin to work on a logo?
I’m not a fan of Math. But when I begin to do a logo, the experience becomes a “Designers’ Math”. Our creative and artistic algorithms are the “numbers” that start playing in our discerning mind. Until we find the solutions to the problem. And in the end we shout our own “Eureka” as soon as we come up with the design we are happy with.
If you could speak to someone that’s about to start a contest, what advice would you give them?
Better to be “hands on” with your contest. Take time to do the comments to the entries yourself. Communication with the designer, I think, is the key to helping us designers achieve the result they wanted.
Are there any popular/famous logos you think are due for an update or redesign?
Was driving the other day and I saw “Castrol” (automotive lubricant maker) on a bumper sticker. I think it’s time they update their logo, or at least the symbol. Also the Minnesota Timberwolves logo in the NBA.
What kind of work did you do before joining up with 48HoursLogo.com?
Used to run a print shop (t-shirts, corporate giveaway and stuffs). For years I also did publication/newsletter work for some companies and organizations on a consultancy basis.
How did you find us? and how long has it been?
When I settled down not so long ago, I felt I needed to spend more time at home. I wanted to live a “semi-retired” life . And I found out about work in the internet. And lots of productive stuffs you can do online. As I was looking around, I found this site by chance. I am on my third year and counting!
What advice would you give to other designers trying to find success like you have?
Just have fun! The best job in the world is the one you enjoy doing. When we enjoy work, it doesn’t become burdensome.
As a graphic artist, why do you choose to work through 48HoursLogo.com over other websites?
More fun and intimate! (I mean, it’s pretty much a homey atmosphere here, it’s like working in a compact ecosystem). Plus the contest turnaround (and did I say payment?) is FAST! The blind contests. The user interface (for designers) is simple. And the community is awesome!
How has your life changed since joining 48HoursLogo?
I got to achieve that “semi-retired” life I’ve been wanting at this stage of my life. Right now I am full time Dad and husband. And I love every inch of it! Work for me now is where me and family are. And it’s fun!
What is one improvement you would like to see at 48Hourslogo.com?
I see lots of improvement trickling in for the past couple of months here. I’m really grateful and happy for that. Just keep the contests and projects coming! Great job so far.
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What Clients are saying about Dondeekenz:
“What a creative guy, very happy, this man has talent!”
“He nailed it! Great work, I’d recommend him anytime.”
“Many thanks for your quick revisions and regular communication. Great to work with and I loved your interpretation of my requirements. ”
“Great job! Dondeekenz put a lot of effort from the beginning and brought creativity in our design, different things that were all nice in order to receive the best. Thanks a lot!”
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I want to thank you Dondeekenz for taking the time to chat with us about yourself! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, as I’m sure our readers have, and wish you the best in your contests. More of Dondeekenz’s work can be seen on his Portfolio page. He is also an “Elite Designer” (a top ranked winning designer based on the past 3 months), and his designs are also featured on Logo123.com.
Do you have anything in common with Dondee?
Which of his designs are your favorite?
I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
©All artwork shown is copyright of their respective owners.
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