Some folks call Menachem Krinsky a designer he calls himself a visual thinker. Menachem is a print graphic designer who also twiddles around with photography and a tad of photo manipulation.
www.menachemkrinsky.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krinskymenachem
http://twitter.com/MKrinsky
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
Must have been when I was around fifteen, I got Photoshop on my home computer, and fell in love with it. Ever since then our love has just blossomed and grown deeper. I used to spend hours fooling around with the programs until I decided that maybe I can make some money doing something I love, and voila! My business was born.
Who or what inspires you?
Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere: Music lyrics, art, photography, movies, and those little designs on the backs of the ladybugs. Actually that last one maybe not as much as the others. Most of the time I walk around with a little light bulb tied to the top of my head and it tends to help me think of ideas.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
As of now I'm still all self taught, spent many long night hours trying to achieve certain looks and design techniques, I do think being self taught allows you to steer your creativity in any direction you want without being trained to think in a certain way. Although I do hope to be able to take a couple design courses in the near future.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I try everything. Nothing's off limits. When things are really low, I chat with other designers and try to rekindle the little inspirational sparks.
What are some of your current projects?
Well, I've recently relocated to Los Angeles, working with a really talented designer to open a design shop out here. We will be servicing all print related design, anything from logos/branding to billboards and theatrical posters. And I'm really looking forward to meeting and collaborating with some awesome new designers. Our website will be up and running very soon. You can take a sneak peak at www.visionaryflock.com.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I love 'em all. Nothing really stands out to me above from the others. They each have their own styles and uniqueness and most are targeted to specific audiences, so it's really hard to compare them with each other. If you twisted my arm, I'd have to say I really like some of the new photo manipulations I've done.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
Of course, I can't wait to work on a huge billboard, or one of those giant posters that are like 20 stories high. I don't doubt that one day as I grow in my design skills that I'll get that opportunity.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
I feel uncomfortable, considering myself a novice, and I still believe I have long ways to go until I can call myself a really talented designer. But I really think working hard, spending the long hours and simply not giving up until you are happy, will help you grow and become better and better and remember to always stay humble.
Today with the internet if you have any design questions or are looking to achieve a certain effect, there must be thousands of free tutorials online to help you out. Check 'em out.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
I think it needs to have been both visually and mentally thought out to bring out its point in a great, creative way.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
We all have burn-outs every once in awhile. If something isn't working, I just shut it down for a bit and come back to it later. I always find it easier to work if I take breaks, it sort of gives me a fresh look at it every time I come back. Creativity is something you can't force on someone. An occasional espresso helps a lot, too.
Finish this sentence. "If I weren't a designer/illustrator I would have been a..."
.... Hmm, hard to even imagine. I would definitely have some type of job in a creative field.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Not a big TV watcher, I do enjoy seeing "The Office" every once in awhile.