Patrick's Expert Q+A

What factor plays a bigger role in a new project – lack of time or a small budget?
Seems that both are always a factor, but you can't do something quick good and cheap, you can usually only have two. So I would say that budget is typically the biggest restraint because no one goes in expecting a shoddy site.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a graphic designer?
I dove into design when I realized my interests in illustration didn't have the potential income I had hoped for. Then I realized that the web so perfectly combined design and technology and I was hooked.

What’s the strangest thing that has happened to you during your design career?
By far the most bizarre thing that has happened is that I have become a writer and teacher. I used to think I would always be involved in the agency world, but I have fully made the switch and am loving the education side of things.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I hadn't become a web designer / developer I would have probably become an architect. Interestingly it is a field that merges design and technology as well.

Can you tell us a little more about your Conference topic? What personal or professional experiences led you to this topic?
I am obsessed with trends it would seem. I am actually writing my third book on the topic, so it seems to be a recurring theme in my career.