A big congrats to Ronnie Alley, one of our 30 TDK Awards’ winners for 2018. A Philadelphia University graduate from Philadelphia, their work was chosen by Steven & Justin from National Forest: “We really like Ronnie’s color sensibilities and minimal approach. His portfolio presents a range of styles while preserving his personal approach to design and illustration”. We asked Ronnie to answer a few questions for next years TDK Awards’ hopefuls.
What are some of your earliest creative memories and what lead you into design?
Ever since I was in kindergarten, I would go home and draw or paint for hours after school let out. Eventually art took over my life and I was torn between going to art or design school. The thing that became my determining factor was that the uncertainty of the art world scared me too much haha but now that I've graduated I've starting picking up painting and embroidery as a hobby again.
Who are your top five design crushes right now globally?
What has been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
Own your mistakes; everybody makes some kind of mistake along the way, and nobody is going to hold it against you.
If you want the results, you have to put in the work!
If you're feeling uninspired, get out of the studio and go into nature. Even if it's just for a few minutes, it can work wonders.
People may try to imitate your style or work; don't let this get you down, if anything take it as a compliment! Unless it is really plagiarism, then call them out to their face haha.
Perfectionism is never a problem, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Where do you think design is heading in the next five years and how will you adapt?
Augmented and Virtual Reality is going to be (if it isn't already) the next big medium for design, and I plan to adapt by embracing the technology to create design in that fashion as soon as possible.
If you're feeling uninspired, get out of the studio and go into nature!
What advice would you give students starting out?
Utilize the internet/social media/creative networks. We live in a digital age, and you and your work can be at the finger tips of literally anyone from all over the world! Put yourself out there, and really try to create or find a community that can work for you and your goals.
Where to find Ronnie Alley online.
Website: ronniealleydesign.com
Instgram: @ronniealleydesign
