Illustrate Omaha | collecting creatives

Location: Omaha, NE
Education: Metropolitan Community College
Employment: DownsDesign
Website(s): www.downsdesign.com

Eric Downs always hits the mark with a combination of great thinking, listening, and creativity. He is active throughout Omaha’s creative community so if you don’t already know him, here is your chance. Illustrate Omaha is proud to Spotlight Graphic Designer, Eric Downs. Enjoy!

My name is Eric Downs. I am a graphic and web designer in Omaha, NE.  I am the owner and head honcho of DownsDesign, which I have been running since about 2004. DownsDesign is a small web and print design studio, where I work with small businesses and collaborate with other design studios on everything from branding and print, to website design.

How did you realize you wanted to be a graphic/web designer?
I knew from a young age that somehow or another, my career would be in art. It was really in high school that I figured out that I wanted to be a graphic designer. I went to Benson High here in Omaha. It had a great art department, and offered graphic design courses. From there, it was really my art teacher, Mrs. Patterson, who was instrumental in helping me to understand what it meant to be a graphic designer; she guided me on to college and my career. During college, I gained a love and appreciation for web design; it was an additional platform to deliver creative work for my clients.

How would you describe your style or approach to work?
Professionally, unprofessional. I take my job very seriously, but make sure to always have a good time doing it. Creative should be fun; I feel like the vibe and approach you give off will attract clients and work that align with you.

My initial approach is usually: how can this project be simplified down to a clear creative message? From there it becomes, how can I make the most engaging brand experience? I try to think about how someone will experience the work, if it’s a website, for example, I like to enhance things that would normally just be boring. For instance, I add a funny 404 page, or a witty message once you submit a contact form. Anytime someone gets a neat little tidbit that makes them smile, I feel like I’ve done my job by engaging them in the brand experience.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
As a designer, clients will be coming to you from various fields and walks of life. I once heard that if you were going to be a designer, you should experience a little bit of everything. The more experiences you have, the better you can relate to and understand your clients’ needs, and have a base to work from when beginning your research. I try to experience something new every day, whether it be from the news, or a vacation, or just hanging out with a friend. I also feel like design is influenced heavily by things like fashion, music and social issues, and I think that you really need to stay up on news and pop culture to do that.

What is your best way to break out of a creative rut?
Practicing ninja moves in the office. No, seriously though, fitness is a pretty big part of my life, and on a daily basis I try to get to the gym. This really helps me to get back to a center focus. Lately, I have been on a FFFFound kick, and as far as inspiration, I love to see what everyone around the world is doing. Comedy is also a pretty big staple in my life.

Who in your life has inspired you to do the work that you do?
Hands down, my mother has been the biggest inspiration in my life. She was always there to tell my brothers and I chase our dreams and not the money. She has been unfailingly supportive to me, especially when times were tough. I grew up seeing so many people who hated their jobs, and it seemed like a struggle for them to get up and go to work every day. My mother helped to teach me that it was really OK to love your job. Being self-employed, she was a source of motivation for when I was ready to venture out on my own as an entrepreneur.