Interview with Ds9r

Interview with Ds9r

Materials: Web Page
Project: Personal Exploration
Year: 2000
Size: Unknown

This is a lengthy interview I did with nivek at ds9r.com. It is still archived on his web site.

The Interview:

Name: Derek Shumate
Age: 16
Gender: A.I.
Place of Residence: The States

Q: What are you doing now? Studying? Working? If so, where?
A: I am currently still in High School participating in numerous activities. I work for Gulf States Toyota as a Graphic/Web Designer, run a web business with my step-father called Essential Design, a painter when I get the time and still try to hang out with my friends.

Q: What is it like living where you are?
A: Boring, absolutley boring. I live in plain old Texas. Yeehaw! I want to move to a big city because I'm into crowded places that have lots of activities and of course good public transportation.

Q: What's the weirdest thing you've seen?
A: Hmmmm the weirdest thing? There's a bunch. I would have to say absurd.org. That guy really knows his java beans and that's way cool, but man there's some really really weird stuff on that site. It's almost scary.

Q: Do you skateboard, rollerblade, snowboard or participate in anything of that nature?
A: I used to aggressive skate. I quit because it's way too hot down here. Snowboarding, now that's fun stuff, I'd definetly like to pursue that when I get out of this state!

Q: What's your favorite band, movie and clothing brand?
A: Nobody, and I mean nobody can top Radiohead. They are the most emotional and inspirational band on the whole entire planet! I listen to all sorts of music with the exception of Country & Western. I'd rather die. I'm really into Intelligent Dance Music right now though, like Autechre, they are simply amazing. As for clothes, I'm changing all the time. Right now I'm into casual stuff, you know just being comfortable. Since I work so much I like to relax whenever I get the chance. For movies, I'd say the coolest ever is The Matrix. I don't think I even have to say why. The funniest is Rushmore and the best thinker has got to be eXiZtenZ or Pi.

Q: Do you have a life away from design and your computer?
A: I try, but as it turns out my life revolves around computers. I guess it's good, but you know I miss my friends. I have only been into web design for about 6 months. I get tired of this corporate stuff and I just want to do stuff on my own you know?

Q: Do you travel? If so, where?
A: I actually travel a lot. I went to California for spring break and the day after school I'm going to Salt Lake City. Then I'm going to Chicago for a summer Art program at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Of all the places I've been, London has to be my favorite. I always hate coming home though, I get really depressed.

Q: How do you put a Giraffe in the fridge?
A: Open the door and push him inside.

Q: How do you feel about being a designer?
A: I love Design. I look at some of these web pages and my mouth just drops open. Some of this stuff is just so beautiful. I really wish I had the skills to do some of the stuff I've seen. Unfortunatley I don't have enough time in a day. I'm learning every single day and going as fast as I can! I don't think I consider myself a designer yet though. I mean my site is nothing compared to the stuff out there, but I love doing what I can.

Q: What's the idea behind your web site and where do you see it heading in the future?
A: My web site will eventually be out there mainly to feature new Artists and other people's web sites. I know how hard it is to get known on the internet and I'm trying my hardest. I also want to help out other people like me. I hope it grows, I really hope so. It's been one week and my content has already tripled! I'm updating as fast as humanly possible. Really though, my site is there for people who are interested in it. I didn't insert any meta tags because I wanna see if It can spread by word of mouth. That way only people come if they are interested.

Q: What do you think about collaboration between designers over the internet?
A: I am all for it! I think it's great! I wish it would happen more. I'm going to try everything I can to make that happen on my web site.

Q: What inspires you to create?
A: I have many sources of inspiration. I look around everywhere now and just think, what can I do with that? It's really kind of neat. I have a whole new perspective on life.

Q: What's your cure for designer's block?
A: Ahhhhhhhh!!! I hate it so much!! I always want to do something different and I rarely like my stuff, so it makes it really hard on me. I always end up doing stuff that other people say they like because frankly I don't know what I like anymore. There's so much beauty out there and I just want to grab all of it and combine it into this beautiful piece of artwork.

Q: Do you design by intuition or is there a method you have?
A: I pretty much design because I want to be known. I do a lot of artwork but being an artist these days is really hard. So I take it to the web! I love hearing people say, "Oh, I like this" or, "Oh I like that." It's one of the greatest feelings in the world to know that someone appreciates what you do and it is really satisfying.

Q: What do you see as the current trend in Design? Do you have predictions?
A: Well I remember a long time ago when I told my friends, "I think lines are gonna be the new thing" and sure enough BOOM, they are everywhere. The trend I'm seeing the most now is the 3D shape collages You know those really long rectangular shapes with sharp ends all bundled up together? I really love it. I want to try something different. I think simplicity will really kick in soon.

Q: How did you get into Design?
A: I've been doing graphic work for so long now, almost three years. I just said, "hey, I really like this Design stuff. This is what I want to do with my life." And I'm trying. Hopefully I will be respected in my field someday. That would be heaven for me.

Q: What do you think of new medias such as Web TV or WAP phones? Do you think you'd be interested in designing for these mediums or are they too restrictive?
A: They are way too restrictive right now. I mean look, their target audience is adults that are just too lazy to get up and turn on their machines. When all they want to do is check their mail and reply to all the chain letters and take stupid quizes and read jokes all day. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for technological advancements. If they made computers that alter the body in anyway I will be first in line. Like I said earlier, I love eXiZtenZ, I can't wait till we get as far as hacking into our own nervous system.

Q: Who would be your dream client?
A: Right now I'm obsessed with threeoh.com, I visit everyday to see what's going on. vir2l.com would be a dream but I'm nowhere near good enough. Not that I'm good enough for threeoh.com eiter though. I just love what people can do now. vir2l.com is in my opinion the greatest site on the web right now. It just kills my self respect. I hope I get to that level one day. By then something bigger and better will be along and I'll be left behind once again. I just wish I weren't so young!

Q: What has been your best achievement to date?
A: Hmmm that's a hard one. I think it would have to be my life overall. I don't mean to sound egocentric but I'm very pleased with the way things are going right now. Although, I know I'm still young which makes me wonder what I'll be capable of in five years.

Q: Last word(s) to go out on...
A: Man these are some thought provoking questions. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this. I'm very thankful for the oppurtunity to be interviewed. It really makes me feel better about myself and my work. I will try my hardest to make my site lovable to everyone and I will support and work with anyone who comes to me with an open mind. I'm up for anything.

Enjoy life everyone, it's amazing.
Derek

Thanks Derek. Being young is a blessing in disguise at this point in time. Your skills can only go up from here.