Discussin' Design and More with our Creative Strategist: Meet Indre!
Indre's design creations have been beautifying our work at Helix House for a few years now, her time has come for an illustrious sit-down Q&A! So, without further ado!How'd you get started in Graphic Design/Web Design? Honestly, I stumbled into it. I always loved architecture, art, and nature so I went into college thinking to focus on interior design and architecture with a focus on environmental science. I was very passionate about the possibility of making spaces around me not only look great but also function well. Within the first month of art school where we were allowed to explore all forms of art, I fell in love with graphic arts and switched my majors. What is your definition of graphic design? Design is a mix of art and science to me. It serves a function, it is supposed to make the user's life easier, better and more beautiful. Graphic design is a very strategically placed wayfinding sign in the airport, it’s an attention-grabbing book cover, it’s a white t-shirt with a red box on it, it’s a logo, it’s a poster that wins elections, it’s a local band’s flyer, it’s an app that helps you meditate, etc…To me, design helps you navigate the world, helps you make decisions, helps you understand things around you, and most importantly inspires you! A visual order with a greater purpose. What's your favorite thing you've ever made?
I love creating new brands. They are like babies to me! They have personalities, have a purpose in the world and I love making them the best and most beautiful they can be. Choosing colors, typography, and graphics for a new brand is just pure fun for me. I also love arts and crafts. Took a ceramics class a year ago and made a really cool mug which I’m really proud of. What's something you have enjoyed most about Helix House? Besides donut Fridays, thanks Nathan, I have to say the team of amazing souls I get to work with every day. We are a family here, we cheer each other on, we argue, we play and inspire each other. We all care a lot about each other, our clients and our work quality. Who or what inspires you? Everything! But mostly nature, art, and music. What can I say about nature besides that it’s everything! I’m constantly in awe of the natural world and try to be outside as much as possible to capture even 2% of its beauty. Art is one of the most important avenues of inspiration to me. Whether it is an illustration, a GIF, or a sculpture. I love watching artist’s processes, their techniques, and heading about their ideas. It’s inspiring to see what people are capable of creating, it motivates me to be a better artist and designer. Music to me is as important as the visual world. From the sounds of the rain to the deep electronic bass beats I get inspired by music every day of my life. In my mind, I like creating my own videos for each song I hear.
What makes a killer design? Work that evokes emotions and solves a problem! I would love for my design to solve challenges and inspire others. What's one thing everyone should know about graphic/web design? When done well, great design should be invisible. What are you binging on Netflix? Been watching a lot more than usual because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Just started Sherlock. It’s a great show! I really didn’t think I would like it, but I really enjoy how they translated the story to the modern-day UK. Also, my other go-to shows that I re-binge are Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, and Black Mirror. Can’t go wrong with those! What books are you reading? Reading three books right now:
- Watchmen by Alan Moore
- The Shuttered Room and other tales of horror but H.P. Lovecraft
- Willpower by Roy F. Baumeister
Watchmen, nice! I just finished a reread of that myself recently? Thoughts so far? Absolutely love it, I'm taking it fairly slow because I’m not used to reading graphic novels but I’m fascinated by how the writer uses the nonlinear timeline in the story. I really enjoy stories that help us examine humanity through a character that is just outside of it. You’ve fallen dead (oh no!) and are now a ghost. Where do you haunt? I don’t think I could commit to haunting one person or place. Probably just fly around the world and see everything I didn’t get to see as a live human. New Zealand would be a pretty place to haunt, or maybe I would go haunt some castles in France to scare tourists. What’s on your bucket list? Oh boy, here we go. I have a lot stuffed in my bucket… travel all across the world, go skydiving, live in New Zealand, run a NYC marathon, write a book, get scuba certified, paint a giant mural in Phoenix, hike Mount Everest, hike PCP, draw a comic book, own a farm with rescue animals, learn how to make beer, become a yoga instructor, take the perfect lightning photo, have art shown in a fancy gallery, work on a movie, learn how to surf, start a vegan cheese shop… I’m all over the place with my dreams. But overall I just want to explore the world and make it just a tiny bit better, more colorful, and more beautiful.
You're a recent convert to the Church of Marvel, what made you finally take the dive? How's that been? I sure did, it’s been a wild ride y'all. Before starting my journey I had only seen Ironman 1 and Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2. In three weeks I watched the rest of the Marvel movies… yes, all of them. My boyfriend suggested watching them as he really wanted to introduce me to this world. I thought I would maybe enjoy them but instead, I fell in love with all the characters and stories. My favorite part is how relatable, real, and human these “super heroes” feel. Can’t wait for more! Might even start reading comic books too :P What’s a question you wished someone would ask you? “Where do you get your protein?” I’m vegan so I never get asked about my crippling protein deficiency. [Editor's Note: I do believe this is sarcasm.]
