Get to know one of our amazing logo designers, VonDrake! In this interview you’ll find out how his life has changed since joining us, where his cool name comes from, and what insightful advice he has for anyone starting new Logo Project!
Technically still a newlywed, VonDrake married his lovely wife Siti Sinatul Akma 13 months ago. Just last March they were blessed with “their greatest gift from God,” a delightful daughter named Dhiya Nur Qaleesya. At 32 years old, VonDrake has 146 contest wins to date. He was born in Temerloh in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Raised in various states due to studies, he now resides in Kuala Lumpur, the heart of Malaysia. Being in a multi-racial country has exposed him to many foods and cultures, and he speaks fluent Malay and English.
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Let start with what everyone knows about you – your name. I like it, but where does it come from?
My real name is Fazrul Nizram. I’ve been using “Von” because I used to like Von Dutch clothing apparel a lot. I love listening to Drake (the rapper), in fact all rap songs, LOL! So there it is – VonDrake 🙂
Very cool how that comes together! So what do you like to do when you’re not designing logos?
Hmm… I like football and to play video games. Although I’m not really good at playing football on the field, I love everything about it. As far as games when I’m not designing, I will spend my time playing football video games on my PlayStation, PC, laptop, even my phone! I think I knew how to play video games earlier than I learned how to tie my shoes, haha!
How long have you been a graphic designer, how did you learn about it?
I am an autodidact, self taught by watching tutorials online. It’s a passion, but sometimes it feels like an addiction to learn more each day, LOL. I’ve been designing ever since I discovered the existence of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator about 11 years ago. But I started professionally for the past 3 years. At first designing was more of a hobby for me. I involved myself in several art projects for my college, I never thought that I could actually be paid for my work! 🙂
Where do your artistic influences come from?
I read a lot of logo design blogs, keep watch on TV and surf other designers portfolios. Blogs I always follow are David Airey with his name blog & logodesignlove, plus imjustcreative by Graham Smith. I like their style and the way they design logos, which are not restricted to just designing a logo but to make it a brand as well. There are some great designers out there and in 48hourslogo.com who are really creative and come out with great designs.
What are three of your favorite fonts?
I love the Helvetica font family, it’s the greatest font ever invented. Century Gothic is simple and straightforward… and the Nexa Family, really clean and modern.
Tell us about one of your favorite logos you’ve created through 48HoursLogo.com.
I like all the logos that I design, but the most memorable one, and my favorite, is the Orangutravel logo. After reading the brief, the idea just popped into my head and there it was, LOL! I really like it as I tend to do this kind of logo, a logo that is creative and has a surprise element in it.
That’s an awesome design – excellent work on that by the way!
So do you have any habits for when you’re designing?
Nothing much, a cup of coffee (sometimes 3 or 5, haha) and pluck my ears with earphones listening to music, hip hop and R&B, I don’t like any disturbance when I’m designing so this helps. 🙂
If you had the change to speak to someone about to start a contest, what advice would you give them?
Know what you want, if you don’t, be prepared to get a lot of cliche logos, LOL. Come out with a detailed brief, it’s the only way that we designers will know your preferences and the specific nature of your business. This will help designers come out with a great design for you to choose from. Keep in mind that the logo you will choose will be used in various mediums for your business, so the perfect logo is not just a logo that’s easy on the eyes, but a logo that is timeless and can adapt to all media, either colored or black & white, big or small. It’s not just a logo, it is an identity for your business.
How did you find 48HoursLogo.com, what did you do before joining?
I found 48HL while searching for extra income to fund my marriage, LOL! I came across this site and it took me a while to sign up, thinking I’m good enough to compete with the other great designers here. But I gave it a try, and ever since then I’m glad I listened to my heart. I used to work 8 – 5 in an audit firm, in the banking sector, a government servant. None of it was design related, haha! After all these years I’m finally able to do what I really love, which is designing. I guess I’ve been around here since 2012. I wasn’t really active early on due to my day work, I only had the opportunity to design at night.
In your opinion, what makes 48HoursLogo.com so special?
Blind contests. It’s an advantage compared to other contest sites. Also the community here. I don’t know any designers from my county here, so any real Malaysian designer please stand up, LOL! I like knowing designer from other countries, especially my neighbors from Phillipines and Indonesia. It’s been like a big family here although we designers are all competitors. I really enjoy the opportunity to link up and work closely with clients after the contests are finished. 48HoursLogo.com is not only a logo design site, but also a bridge between designer and clients from all around the world.
What is one improvement you would like to see here?
I think the clients need to be exposed a little bit more about logo design, similar to what you’ve been writing to help educate them about choosing the best suited logo for their business. Plus I would like to see the number of abandoned guaranteed contests reduced by improving the notification system.
How has your life changed since joining 48HoursLogo.com?
Wow… my live has changed a lot. I managed to get married, and now we have a beautiful daughter. I have a steady flow of income, and most importantly, I’m doing what I love most. It’s been a real life changer for me and I’m glad I decided to join up.
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What Clients are saying about VonDrake:
“Easy to work with, great designer.”
“VonDrake is very creative and fast. Very impressed with his work.”
“Top Designer! Cooperates well and has creative imagination! Highly Recommended!”
“Thank you VonDrake, the moment I saw your design, I could tell it was different and it stood out above the rest. Thank you for doing a great job with all of my revisions to get it just right. Much appreciated and best wishes to you.”
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Thank you Fazrul for taking the time to share a bit of your life with us! Congratulations to you and your wife on the beautiful baby girl! And good luck on your contests. You can check out more of VonDrake’s design work and client feedback in his Portfolio. In addition, VonDrake is one of elite logo designers work at logo123.com
What’s your favorite logo of VonDrakes?
Do you have any questions for him?
Let me know in the comments below!
©All artwork shown is copyright of their respective owners.
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If you dig this article, check these out:
– Read up on another 48hourslogo designer, aRBy!
– 20 Sports Logos Worth Rooting For! from the 48hourslogo Portfolio.
– Find out what 48hourslogo designer Karjen has done with his winnings!