Facts about Vincent
Where were you born, where do you live, and how did this affect your design style or sensibilities? I was born in Singapore, lived there for 27 years of my life before I moved to the U.S. for continual education and work. When I was a teen, I found myself sketching, coloring, cutting, and pasting a lot - known in school as the arty-one who designs the school bulletin boards, and the over-achiever who submits pop-ups or scrapbook as book review instead of a plain written essay. Looking back, I am thankful for teachers who have encouraged me to nurture that passion in design. Being self-taught, I am a very hands-on designer. I also believe that every effective design takes collaboration.
If you were not a designer, what would you be? I have been a waiter, an electrical technician, and a law-enforcement officer ... so I may probably be a teacher next. There have been many teachers in my life who encouraged me to be creative, no matter what my role may be at that point in time. Being a self-taught designer, I want to inspire others who want to be a designer.
What is your design process, do you sketch first, go to the computer, take days off to get inspired? It really depends on where I am at the moment when I get an idea (assuming I have already collected the facts about what the intended design solution is to do). Interestingly, I get inspired quite a bit when I am traveling on a plane. I will always have a pen/pencil at hand if I needed to sketch an idea down. I am a firm believer that any designer needs to be able to sketch, and not be handicapped in the absence of a computer.
What is one thing you have done to help weather the economic downturn? When I got laid off by my first employer in 2008, and when my current employer informed me of a restructure that does not include my employment, I directed my full attention to the friends and family I loved. My job can be taken away, but not the time-tested relationships and my passion in design. Having an emergency fund does not hurt.
What is your greatest strength and weakness as a designer? My greatest strength is the ability to assimilate and adapt. My greatness weakness is being too quick to propose a design solution; especially when I get a combination of good briefs and engaged clients.
Who is your design hero? God; the creator of heaven and earth.
What is your worst habit? Falling asleep with the TV set to a 60-min timer.
What is your favorite color? I liked black and white; but often choosing gray at the end.
What is your favorite font? Futura.
What are your favorite TV shows? Fringe, Glee, LOST, Ellen Degeneres Show, and Hell's Kitchen.
What are your favorite books?
Graphic Design as a Second Language by Bob Gill
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Conversational Capital by Bertrand Cesvet
Graphic Design as a Second Language by Bob Gill
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Conversational Capital by Bertrand Cesvet
What is your favorite music? Any tune that makes you want to cruise down the road with the windows down (eg. Norah Jones Don't Know Why).
What is your favorite gadget? Powerbook.
Bookmarked websites? Hulu.com / Gmail.com
What is the best gift you ever received? A restored relationship with God through Christ.
One thing you never leave home without? Cell phone.
Talent you wish you possessed? Realistically, the ability to remember names. Ideally, the ability to fly (so that I can take off anytime I am in need of inspiration).
