An Interview with Chris Berner
Chris Berner is a Senior Designer at Funk/Levis and associates. Chris Berner has been in the graphic design industry for almost 40 years. I asked Mr. Berner multiple questions through out the interview process the first of which was “How do you feel about freelancing versus working at design firm?”. He went on to tell me that it depends on the individual. If you are more of a entrepreneur and like being independen then you might like freelancing. If like having a 9-5 job where you don’t have to worry about so much of the business end then working at a firm might be the right choice for you. There is no right answer, but either way having a steady clientèle and repeat business is extremely important. Mr.Berner told me that he thinks that learning how to draw is very useful and important. More specifically learning how to draw fast and efficiently is crucial. He said that clients love seeing compositions and thumbnails, so they can visualize what the project will look like. Mr. Berner also said that learning programs that allow you to create motion graphics or animations is also important. I asked Mr Berner “What advise would you give to someone just starting out in the graphic design industry?” Mr Berner said he advise someone starting out to do an internship. He said that doing an internship is invaluable. He also said don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can. I asked Mr. Berner “Looking back on your, career is there anything that you would do differently? and why?”. Mr. Berner said that he would pay more attention to his mentors and the famous designers. He admitted that it is something that he should have done earlier and he should be currently be doing it. Researching what makes the “great” designers great and why they do what they do. He said that he would spend more time researching and doing what interests him not wasting time on the things that don’t interest him. The final question I asked him “What do you think is the future of Graphic Design (where do you think the industry is headed)?”. Mr. Berner responded by stating that the industry is exploding right now. It’s going in a million different directions and is constantly changing. He said he thinks that the future of the industry is more and more media. He said that he believes print will always be around. Mr.Berner also said that Design itself is the future. Good design will drive the future. Being able to design good products, logos, posters, anything, and everything will never go away. As long as there is people there will always be a need for good design.
During this interview process I learned a lot and i feel like picking the brain of a experienced professional is priceless. I would like to thank Chris Berner for taking the time to talk with me. The knowledge you passed on will not go to waste.
