John Garcia
www.john-garcia.com, www.pixeloptic.com


JG: My name is John Garcia and I am a Digital Media Specialist in Honolulu Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I have been in the Digital Media field since my early high school years and have been working full time as a Website Coordinator/Graphic Designer for a corporation on Oahu since graduation from high school in 2001.

Where you are from?
Born in Honolulu Hawaii and raised in Kaimuki on the east side of Oahu.

Design education:
I am currently attending night classes in pursuit of my degree in New Arts Media.

How did you start out as an artist and designer?
It all started in the 10th grade when I took a Business Micro-Computer course to sharpen up on my computer skills. Shortly thereafter, I attended a Computer Technician course along with Web Development/Design Classes. In my senior year in high school, I entered a statewide Technology Fair competing in the Application/Development category for a dynamic ASP driven Website. I ended up taking first place and having the opportunity to participate in a few summer graphics internships with the Computer Training Academy. Self-initiative and determination drove me to attend design seminars, read books and practice my design skills for hours each night. Landing a full time job dealing with Graphic Design sparked a whole new world of knowledge and experience for me.

Did you go from creating art and then move into graphic design? Or was it the other way around?
My interest in design started from minor sketches and drawings and soon after evolved into digital artwork created with ideas and inspirations.

Do you think that traditional art styles transfer across well to graphic design?
Traditional and modern aspects of art all tie into each other some way or another. Each requires creativity, innovation a vision coupled with unique colors and shapes to create visually pleasing and attention grabbing artwork.

What designer / artist influenced you the most?
There are no particular artists who have influenced me, instead, I believe that I am influenced and inspired by my surroundings and the people who are close to me.

If you had a choice, what design program would you like to see changed and why?
One thing that drives me nuts about Photoshop is the inability to un-feather a selection after being made. Many times do I find myself spending a lot of time selecting an object only to find out that the selection is feathered.

What do you know about Hawaii design/designers?
There are many designers who are born and raised in Hawaii. Much like me, these designers all have unique styles and ideas that differentiate from each other. Differentiation is the key to success when it comes to a field that is highly saturated with great designers who create great work.

How did you first learn of the Internet?
I first learned the Internet back in 1998, when I got my first computer. I still remember my girlfriend telling me I needed some "Internet Culture", only to be teaching her about the Internet a few months later.

What do you like/hate about the net?
I hate slow connections and POPUPS!

Do you think that Flash is cool or overused?
Flash, when used correctly, can really benefit anyone's website. Dynamic and powerful Flash movies can be created to better convey a message to your viewers in a way that still graphics cannot. The trouble is, there are too many sites out there that use Flash to their disadvantage, causing miscommunication and obscuring the message in which they are trying to deliver to their viewers.

Do you prefer technologically advanced sites or sites with simple but good design?
I am a fan of simple design. Although society is evolving into a technological beast as we know it, its always great to see a simple, clean, well designed Website that is easy to navigate, fast loading, accessible and most importantly delivers a clear message.

Do you have any cool design tips?
Be different. Try new things. Don't try to be perfect. You'll only see yourself sitting in front of your computer for hours with a blank screen trying to develop the perfect Website layout.

What are your bad personal and design habits?
I tend to try a little too hard and think a little too much while designing. I clench up and stress out about creating the perfect solutions for clients when all I really need to do is free my mind and go with the flow.

Design styles you dislike:
I cant stand websites which over use animated gifs and/or marquees or don't have uniform color schemes or matching graphics.

Favorite types of food?
I am Carnivore. There's nothing like a thick juicy steak hot off the grill.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?
I am currently in the process of re-developing my Online Portfolio website which will showcase Graphic Design, Web Development/Design and Photography done by me. It will also contain various information such as my Resume and contact information.

Favorite quote:
"Go to Google"

Final comments:
There's nothing like making someone smile with something you created or designed. The moment that you present a project to a client or when you show someone a special photo, its a great feeling to know that you have successfully managed to show the viewer your point of view, through your eyes. That feeling of satisfaction is just about as good as a thick juicy steak hot off the grill.

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