Style Contest Designer: Simone Plebani
This post is the fourth in a series of interviews with the winners of The Style Contest. Check back every week to meet a new Style Contest design winner. Today we're speaking with Simone Plebani, whose Magic Paper theme won in the "Hobbies and Crafts" category.
Q: What is your design background, and how did you get into design?
First design stage was started when I was very much young. I didn't have many toys, so I spent my time drawing and Lego building. Then, with PC in hand, I've kept creating the things that I desire.
Q: Tell us about your approach to the design of your winning style.
Initially Magic Paper wasn't what I had in mind. I had ideated some layouts. Then, during the design stage, I thought I could make a template for a voyager. It would be perfect for all bloggers that travel often. The most problematic part was the visual elements. Beach or mountains? The possible destinations of a travel were too much different to create a template that will be right for many users. I expanded the idea and I thought it would be better to make a template orientated to all users that love writing. Not only travel, but also poetry, stories, emotions, love stories, and past experiences. Sometimes reading a book lets our imagination run wild. From this observation, I wanted to communicate two key elements: the paper, that has always been used for writing and a magic feather, that is metaphor of the author and to give the story a magical quality.
Q: What kind of response have you received from people who are using your style?
I have heard from many people that Magic Paper is a great template, perfect for their needs, and that it has a wonderful personality. I've received compliments from all over the world and this makes me happy, but my journey in the graphic world is a long one. I don't have in mind to stop at this level.
Q: What has been your experience designing styles for TypePad, Movable Type, or LiveJournal?
Good, very good. I've already done some skins for Invision Board, but in the Six Apart's product I've found the best skinning system. The columns' division with <body> class is really a bright idea! The unique problem perhaps is the personalization restriction: the HTML structure was limited, so you need find an original solution without changing the HTML. But this restriction has made the challenge more exciting.
Q: Tell us about your current design work and projects.
Currently I work in an agency in my city as web designer (I usually do static web sites standard compliant with XHTML/CSS). Above all that, I'm collaborating with Guido (Callarelli, see next answer) for site planning. It's a site that inspires a graphical focus in Italy. The site, Printdistrict will be coded in XHTML/CSS soon. Also, I would to create my personal site portfolio soon.
Q: Where do you find design inspiration? Who are some of the designers that inspire you?
I hit on the travel idea in a tourist spot on Italian TV. Then, the writing idea on a paper was instinctive, and I wanted to make the template available for many users. Some of the designers that inspire me are Simone Legno, and Guido Callarelli. I have a soft spot for minimalist, kawaii and vector style.
Q: Do you have any advice for other style designers?
During the Contest, I realized that some users designed many styles, but not in a very detailed manner. I would suggest focusing on one style, and styling it with as much detail as possible. I suggest reading books on typography, the elements of color and design principles. All of these can help improve visual communication.
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