It’s time for another artist interview here at digital-artist-toolbox and this time the graphic designer is Jens Sjobergh. Jens is an extremely talented designer who has done work for Sony, UNICEF, Universal Studios, Warner Bros and many more. He has quite an impressive portfolio that is sure to dazzle and inspire you. I love how many of Jens’ designs incorporate a striking contrast between hard grungy textures and soft cosmic glows. One fact I find most inspiring is that he is self-taught with no formal training in the classical arts, reminding us that it’s not about papers and pedigree but imagination and hard work.

Tell us little about yourself.

Right.
My name is Jens Sjobergh, 23 years old and I work as a graphic designer/illustrator.

How did you get into graphic design?

As a kid all I wanted to do was draw stuff. It didn’t really matter what it was, I just had to draw things. Then later on, in high school, I took some time off school and became an intern at an ad agency. It was around that time I knew this was the right business for me.

I see many designers saying they are self taught. How important do you think a formal education is to becoming a good graphic designer?
Do you think it’s possibly to become successful without a formal education?

I don’t think a formal education has anything to do with becoming a good graphic designer.
When I got my first computer there where no games on it, so instead (being determined that I had to do something with the computer) I started playing around with the software on it. That’s how I learned Adobe Photoshop 3.0.
My point being, It’s what you learn not how you learn it that makes the difference.

What software do you use to create with? What’s your favorite?

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Corel Painter every now and then.

What type of hardware set up do you have?

Apple Macbook with a Wacom tablet

What’s your design process usually like?

My process is fairly straight forward.
Talk to client – Get brief – Research – Initial set of sketches/comps/drafts/boards – Review with client – Start working on final product – Review with client – Last changes – Done

Every now and then there’s the mandatory “Bin the entire thing and start over in a completely new direction” bit in the process.

What’s one of your favorite projects? Can you tell us a little bit about the design process of that project?

One project I had a lot of fun with was the illustration for UNICEF/Apag editions “60 – Unite for children”
Basically all I was told was to make something on the theme of childhood and to make it 15×21 inches big.
So with no real restrictions I had loads of fun with that one.

Another example, I did a pitch for Nokia while I was at Exopolis.
It was very corporate and a very different way for me to design.
I learned a lot from that one, and that’s really my favorite kind of project.
The ones where you’re forced out of your safe zone and when you have to learn something new.

Where do you get inspiration from? What websites do you visit often?

I try to be as aware as possible.
A site like ffffound.com or any other feed that just post a very scattered selection of images is perfect for me. Also, you can spend an immense amount of hours in front of the computer with out getting inspired. Watch a movie, go for a long walk or go to the zoo. It’s never a bad idea to get out and away from the computer for a while.

What advise would you give people trying to improve their design skills?

Don’t be afraid to start over from scratch.
I’ve never had any regrets after deleting a psd file that I might have been working on for a week.
If it doesn’t feel right, if it’s not the best you can do- Just bin it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview.

Sure, no problem. Also, as a little treat. Here are two projects I’ve been working on lately that I haven’t
posted on my site yet.

Wow! I’m honoured to have them debuted on this site. Thank you!