In this interview with haze, we discover what experience and background has led to his top logo designer status, where he sees himself in one year, and the difficulties he works though as a graphic artist.
For this interview I’ve spent some time chatting with an excellent illustrator. Browsing through his portfolio you will notice many caricatures, cartoons, and playful mascots. I’ve been impressed with the wide variety of illustrations in his logo designs, from cheerful animals to professional people, he’s always working on something interesting. I’m talking, of course, about Henry, known to us all as “haze.”
Henry lives in Indonesia, and speaks Bahasa as well as English. The youngest of five children, he has one brother and three sisters, two of which are married. When I asked him his age he told me he was in his “golden age right now, haha!” But I’ve found out he is single, and still trying to find the right person to marry. Here’s what he told me:
So Henry, do you have any hobbies outside of design?
My hobby right now is hunting classic parts for my old motorcycle.
Very cool, good hunting! I always like to see what people say when asked about choosing a super power, you can tell some deep things about them from their answer. What would you choose?
I would choose to refuse the gift, and be thankful for being an ordinary person.
Interesting answer, didn’t expect that! One year from now, where do you see yourself?
At some place, maybe a small island, serving the guests at my own cafe… sounds like a plan.
Is there anything in your refrigerator that you’re excited about right now?
Pizzaaaaa… I love pizza.
Quickly – name a few of your favorite things!
Coffee, smoking, riding my motorcycle, and having some beer while watching the sunrise at the beach.
ABOUT DESIGN
Do you have any habits you can’t get away from when you design?
Ranting and grumbling when my PC starts running so slowly, it happens most of the time.
Maybe you just work too fast for it to keep up? How long have you been a graphic artist?
About nine to ten years. Before that I was a painter and sketch artist, along with being a student.
How can you describe your personal experience as a graphic designer?
Being a logo designer started from my interest in visual arts. Being a painter I felt I needed to expand my skills another step so I chose graphic design for the similarities. After maybe five, six years in graphic design and digital illustration, I landed working as a logo designer. I feel joy because I’m a full-time freelancer and can manager my time and work by myself. No more boss and work time like I was an employee.
Does that experience help or hinder your creativity in any way?
When designing a logo, it needs extra creativity. As much as possible I’m thinking outside of the box and trying to be different and unique. Of course, still sticking to the client’s brief directions. But I think being a logo designer increases my creativity.
Where do you get your artistic influences from?
From anywhere, but lately I get it from Mr. Google, ‘cuz you can find anything in it 🙂
You mentioned being a painter, do you have any higher education you’ve studied?
I have a bachelor degree in social and political science faculty, but I’ve not used it when looking for a job.
Do you have a process when you begin to work on a logo?
I think of several concepts and ideas to work off of based on the brief.
What advice would you give other designers looking for success like you have?
Nothing specific, just do it (logo design) as often as you can.
How would you describe Logo Design in less than three sentences?
Dream, Believe, Make It Happen… I copied that from Inge, hehe.
ABOUT 48HOURSLOGO
Are there any certain types of contests you are drawn to?
Sometime, many of them I choose are asking to have a character or rely on drawing skills. If not I just pick randomly.
Do you have any favorites you’ve designed in the past?
Hudson Lacrosse is one of my favorites!
Oohh, I remember that one, you beat me out on that contest. Very nice job though! I really like what you created. What type of work did you do before finding 48hourslogo.com? How did you discover the website?
I was working at a major clothing company as a graphic and product designer. I found 48hourslogo accidentally when I was searching on Google about design contests sites. I’ve been part of the Design Community for over a year now, I joined in January or February 2013.
What do you like about 48hourslogo?
The comfortable feeling, every contest starts with a Blind Stage, and the designers are so friendly and helpful! 🙂
To end things off, how has your life changed since joining up with 48hourslogo?
I am now a full time freelancer and decided to quite my job because of 48hourslogo, and I have much more free time now. It was an important decision to quit my comfortable job and become a full time freelance logo designer. It took a year for me to make the decision and be sure about being a logo designer, and now I’m glad I made that decision.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT HAZE
“Great design. Made requested revisions quickly. Transmitted final design package promptly. All in all, a really great experience.”
“Haze understood exactly what I was looking for and when I asked for any changes to be made, he did so quickly, and all of his entries were great. so hard to make a decision!”
“…was great to work with! Very prompt and professional and was able to turn our feedback into reality.”
“The best design I’ve received from this site! Accommodated all my requests, and responded quickly and made revisions even quicker! I would recommend in a heartbeat to others. Thank you!!!”
______________________
I would like to thank Henry for sharing his time and thoughts with us!
Can I schedule a reservation at your cafe a year in advance?
What do you think of haze’s work? If you love it more can be found on his portfolio page.
Are you interested in this talented bachelor?
Have any leads on old motorcycle parts?
Let us know in the comments section!
©All artwork shown is copyright of their respective owners.