Interview With Chris Corneal

So after my interview, I realized that it didn't go exactly as planned, as most interviews do.  I didn't end up talking to him too much about his writing style, I focused more on the field itself because I was very interested in what he does as a freelance designer, and as a professor here at Michigan State.  He said a few things about things he has to write: he has to collaborate with his clients, which requires some communication through proposals, drafts, etc. That differs to what we do in class, or what we have discussed in class because it's not for entertainment purposes, or to be complexly written.  It's written to describe the process in which he designed the piece, or what it's supposed to convey.
As for the actual interview, here's some of what Prof. Corneal said (paraphrased):

• What's your favorite part(s) about the field (freelance design)?
• His favorite part about the field is the level of variety in his different jobs. He enjoys being able to mix it up, which keeps the job interesting because he's not doing the same thing every day.  This allows him to still have a rather high level of creative input with whatever the client wants, while still conveying whatever message they hired him to convey. 
• What's your least favorite part about the field?
• He said variety is just as much his least favorite part as it is his favorite.  Some clients fail to respect and trust his expertise, so when there's a broad window for creative freedom in a project, sometimes him and the client don't end up on the same page.  
• What did you struggle with in the field?
• He was talking about how graphic design in school was very much and individual process, so he got used to that, but when the real world came around, he had to quickly learn how to collaborate with clients and learn how to deal with different types of people.
• What does a freelance designer do exactly? 
• Most of his work consists of identity and branding projects, book covers, posters, and some web design.
• When did you know you wanted to pursue graphic design?  What triggered this decision?
• He said he has always drawn ever since he was a little kid.  He thought of it just as a hobby, then when he went into advertising in college, he wanted more creative freedom and found out there was a graphic design program he could get into.  Then it took off from there.
• Who did you look up to when you were just starting off? Did you have a certain professor or role model that really showed you that you wanted to do this?
• He said that one of the most influential designers during the time he was just beginning was David Carson.  He kind of defined "grunge typography" based on "readability vs. legibility".  
• What's a trend that's really taking off in design right now?
• With the big emphasis on technology and all of the digital graphics in the business, a lot of designers are trying to turn to hand drawn and handmade images/typography to give their work a more realistic, honest feel.
• What technologies/programs are becoming key in the field?
• Adobe Creative Suite basically has a monopoly in print work and image work for it's quality and user-friendliness.
• Do you have any words of advice for me if I decide to pursue my interest in the field?
• Take it seriously.  Some people don't look at graphic design as a serious field, but moreso as a hobby.  Come at design with a very serious, yet creative approach, then find a different hobby.  
• Do research.  See what other designers have done, and seek inspiration from what they've done.  You'll discover things you didn't even know were out there.  

This was a very helpful interview that I had with Professor Corneal.  It was interesting to talk to someone in the field and get firsthand answers about the questions I haven't found answers for through other sources.