Richard Hatter
Creative Director
Richard has 9 years of experience in graphic, web, print, and Flash design, as well as creative direction, market strategy and artistic management. He is a graduate of the Graphic Design Program at Malaspina University-College (now known as Vancouver Island University). Richard has worked for several large design firms where he started at the production level and worked his way up to Creative Director. He has worked with a wide range of projects, including multi-million dollar accounts for nation-wide clients. He has advanced skills in the Adobe Suite, specifically in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash.
In His Own Words:
1. Before Hired Guns you were an Art Director at a bigger design agency. How did that experience translate into running your own design firm?
Besides the chance to learn under real design professionals at an early stage in my career, it taught me to be patient with deadlines. They will never stop coming so don't worry about getting to the bottom of your pile, keep your standards high, keep working hard and don't get phased personally by the business of being in business. I've found that this is my road to success as a designer, my aspirations don't include the middle of the road.
Even though every project presents a different challenge with design and client expectations, I'm confident I will make my clients pleased with the results. I still learn on a daily basis; running a start-up is very challenging and more work than I would like to admit to. However the rewards I gain from this outweigh working for anyone else and that's all that matters to me.
2. There are a lot of prototypical trends within the web design world. What do you do to separate yourself from all the trend followers?
Trends are a good way to make a quick buck, it can be a very lucrative market to fill... but this isn't how legends are made. I would rather put in the extra work to create my own style that is marketable and lucrative for myself and my team then to rely on what is hot at the moment. The timeless creations make legends. I believe this to be my mantra and motivation.
3. Can design be taught?
Tough question! You can certainly learn design theory and its application at basic levels but experience and raw talent are your keys to success. There's a reason that good designers are expensive. You're paying for the experience and the ability to finish a project at a professional level, and as a business owner myself I see the value in these traits.
4. You live on the coast of Vancouver Island. What's with the desert theme you've used on this site?
Actually, this site is heavily influenced by a lot by the music I listen to. It's all based off the pictures that get painted in my head when I go to that place. I've always wanted to do a desert, black caddy, total bad-ass theme... better late than never right?
5. You've obviously got your design chops under control, but are there any other areas where you feel less confident?
I feel like a pro designer for sure, but still I feel like a rookie in business. Every day is a new challenge which feeds my competitive nature. I'm lucky have a great team around me to pick up slack in all areas so I can focus on what it is that I do best.
