Swapping numbers for design: meet Tom, our new Graphic Designer

At Blastic, we like to introduce you to our new team members. Today we are welcoming Tom, our new graphic/UX designer. Let’s dive in! 

Hi Tom, thank you for sitting down with us today. How have your first few weeks been so far?  

“My first few weeks were busy and fun. My onboarding was 100% digital but went well: everyone is so helpful, which is nice. I’ve already got quite a few projects on my agenda, which makes for busy days!” 

How did you end up being a graphic designer? 

“I was working in the financial sector for about four years when I realized I wanted to follow my heart and passion. I decided to go back to school to study Graphic design & web design. 

I’ve always been super creative. When I was a kid, I used to draw a lot. A few years later, I picked up my first camera, taking photos of everything around me. Photography and graphic design are my outlet.” 

What does your creative process look like? 

“First I make a list of the questions and requirements. When this is clear to me, I match a style and vibe to the project. Then, I start looking for inspiration on Pinterest, Behance, Dribble etc. I create a mood board with different ideas, and from there on, I start sketching and/or wireframing. I put on some nice music to set the mood.” 

Your top UX tips for quick wins on websites?

“Make sure that there’s a common theme on your website. Consistency is one of the most important ways to create a nice user experience. Start with creating a style guide with fixed colours, styles, icons, font, imagery etc."

As a designer, you have to put yourself in the customer’s shoes. How do you do this?

“I start with lots of research about the client, their company, their values… via Google, LinkedIn, YouTube and so on. This information helps me with answering questions about the wants and needs of the client/project. My background in finance comes in handy when understanding more complex and serious businesses."

What are you most excited for at Blastic? 

“I like working with a young, open-minded company. I feel free enough to be creative and switch between projects, which sparks my creativity even more. I can’t wait to meet everyone in person, which will be a nice change from Teams-meetings (laughs). I’m also very excited about incoming projects.” 

To end the interview, I’d like to ask you some rapid fire questions: 

1. If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

“Aaron Draplin. His way of thinking and designing is so hectic yet structured. I’d love to know what goes on in his mind.” 

2. If you were an influencer, what product would you refuse to promote?

“If I were to promote something, it would be a product I really like myself. I would not promote products that damage health or discriminate.” 

3. If your life was a movie, who would make the soundtrack?  

“Iron Maiden, for sure! Their way of storytelling is one of the reasons why I listen to their music. I grew up listening to bands like these, it’s something I picked up at a young age.”  

4. Last but not least, if you were a coffee, which one would you be? 

“This won’t get me any new friends… but I don’t drink coffee (laughs). I prefer mint tea – you can drink it in many ways, and it’s always refreshing!” 

Would you like to join our team as well? Have a look at our job offers.