Heute morgen präsentieren wir euch das Interview mit Dale Edwin Murray. Unserem aktuellen Contest Winner und Mann hinterm “Get awesome” Shirt.

Hey Dale. Just a short biography, please.

Age: 32
Occupation: Freelance designer/illustrator
Number of years as a designer: 5

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And what is the history behind the „Get awesome“ design?

I’ve been obsessed with the 50s for a long time now and I’ve been listening to tons of rockabilly and good old rock n roll recently. One afternoon whilst listening to a bit of Little Richard, this character popped into my head. I wanted to get a sense of that effortless cool that I think the 50s had, as well as create a character that would look fresh on a tee. I hope I achieved that.
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Where are you now located? Tell us about your current business and projects.

I’m located in East London, UK. I’m basically a freelance illustrator and designer that specialises in t-shirt design. At the moment I’m working on tees for a British hardcore band, a major music festival and an amazing ska band. I’m constantly entering design competitions and I’m also in the lab cooking up my own t-shirt label.
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Well, what would you suggest to a newbie, who just starting his or her career as a designer?

I would say that although the design industry is certainly competitive, if it is something you are truly passionate about and you are willing to put the work in, you will get there in the end. I would also say that they should never be intimidated by other artists that they feel are ‘better’ than them. I try and live my life with a feeling of plenty rather than scarcity – so I think that there is plenty of design work out there for everyone regardless of their ability. It’s just a question of finding your niche.
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Who are your favorite designers and artists around the world? Why?

Wow, there are almost too many to mention but near the top of the list are Geoff McFetridge, Mr Bingo, The Lousy Living Company and Dan Mumford. McFetridge because I think he is the master at minimal design, Mr Bingo because his illustrations have such expression and humour, The Lousy Living Company because he does that ‘naiive’ style so well and Dan Mumford because his linework is simply awesome.
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What do you think about communities these days?

I think online design communities like A Better Tomorrow are an awesome way of getting started in design. I’m not blowing smoke up your ass but I think ABT is really one of the best out there – I wish I had found out about it sooner. I think the fact that you can see what score people have given you shows admirable transparency and stops people telling you they think you design is awesome and then giving you a bad score. Although they are competitions and everyone wants to win, I think we should also remember that there are young designer embarking on their careers on them that need support and encouragement.
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Do you work on Mac or PC? Why did you choose this platform?

I work on a Mac – I just never got on with pcs
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Do you play videogames?

When I have time I play Fifa online – I’m a lifelong Pro Evolution Soccer player so I’m finding the transition a little tricky!
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What are your hobbies?

Well obviously designing tees, doodling, taking photos, listening to music, walking with my dog, having a couple of pints of Guinness in my local boozer, reading. The usual stuff. But designing tees is my passion.
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What is THE place on earth you would like to visit?

Right now I would have to say New York. I love that city and I haven’t had the chance to go there in a long while.
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How many hours do you work, and what is stress for you?

I work about 10hrs a day – or more usually late into the morning. I find working past midnight is so much easier than working early in the morning. I hate mornings!
Ever since I was in hospital 2 years ago in a really serious situation I have tried to eliminate stress from my life and put everything in perspective. Every time I feel myself getting a bit stressed I think of all the people in a worse situation than me and that mellows me out.
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Latest movie you liked?

I think ‘No Country For Old Men’ was the last movie that really blew me away.
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What’s your favorite sites? Why?

These are the sites that I check every day. Some for inspiration, some for information and some for titillation

a-better-tomorrow.com
threadless.com
designbyhumans.com
emptees.com
highsnobiety.com
ffffound.com
bbc.co.uk/news
flickr.com
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Any plans for the future?

To keep getting better as a designer. To keep putting food on the table with my designs. And to avoid getting a real job forever!!!
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