Meet Ina, our Communications & Design Manager
Ina is the creative brain in our team, standing behind all the visual designs. Ina is part of every project we work on and makes sure that the message of each project comes across in the right way. Read more about her work and how she gets inspired in her interview.
How did you get into design? Where did you start?
Looking back, art and creativity have always been a part of my life. I attended art workshops at a young age to explore my creative side. After completing my studies in pre-school education in Pula, I decided to make a career change and enrolled at the Faculty of Graphic Arts in Zagreb. There I learnt about the world of design and printing processes, and my interest grew. When I finished my studies, I was sure that I wanted to work in the design industry. I started looking for a job as a junior designer and found what I was looking for in a small digital agency in Zagreb. That's where my design career began, and to be honest, I don't regret my decision one bit.
What do you love about design work and being a designer?
What really clicks for me in design is the chance to express and interpret visually. With visuals, you can play with someone's mood, get a message across, share knowledge, and evoke emotions. It's a challenge that I'm excited to take on daily. I think this career path is shaping my imagination and creativity, honing my knack for reading between the lines and grasping what's needed for content creation. Overall, it's giving my creativity a boost and making me see the world in a different, more "colourful" way.
How would you describe your design process? What does it consist of?
Every time I dive into a design, it's like a simple three-step dance: discuss, plan, execute. My process kicks off with a quick rundown of the task, followed by digging into the nitty-gritty of the project—focusing on the branding, and past visuals. Usually, I have a lightbulb moment right away, picturing exactly how I want everything to look and fitting in all those essential elements from the brief. However, on days when I lack inspiration, I gather all the elements from the brief into a pile. Then, it's all about shuffling them around, playing with positions until I stumble upon an idea that feels just right to me. This ensures the right message from the brief is delivered, and the hierarchy of the elements is followed through.
At RISE, you are responsible for all of our projects, which can vary from social topics to health and quantum related projects. What are some challenges while designing visuals for such complex projects?
It is never a dull moment while working on a diverse range of scientific projects. Collaborating with Communications Managers, we skillfully translate intricate information into visually captivating messages tailored for our specific audience. Adopting a collaborative approach, we establish regular feedback loops with the team and project partners, ensuring the optimal outcome. My role primarily involves simplifying complex messages into clear visuals and bridging the divide between intricate concepts and the comprehension of the target audience. What truly motivates me is the continuous learning journey. Working on such varied projects exposes me to novel ideas that wouldn't be part of a "regular" job.
What do you do when you need to get inspired/ don't feel creative?
A straightforward response - I just need a bit of rest. Generally, I don't struggle with creativity and imagination, but there are moments when life gets hectic, and I need to give myself a break. During those times, I divert my attention to other things I enjoy—hanging out with friends, engaging in physical activities, and simply trying to relax. It's my way of recharging the batteries, and soon enough, I'm all set to weave some creative magic again!
What practical advice would you have given yourself when you were first studying/ developing your craft?
Never halt the learning process when it comes to working with design programs. Continuously strive to fully enhance your skills. The dynamic nature of design demands a perpetual commitment to improvement, ensuring you stay adept at navigating the ever-evolving landscape of design tools and techniques.
What do you do when you are not working?
You'll mostly find me hanging out with close friends or at the basketball court (or any smooth surface), rolling around on my roller skates and dancing to my favourite tunes. I'm an active, outdoorsy person, but recently, I've been making an effort to read more books and spend my free time educating myself about things that interest me.
What do you like most about working at RISE?
I love the diversity of projects I work on the most. Delving into each project while creating visuals opens a world where I haven't had the chance to work before. I enjoy expanding my horizons and learning new things. The dynamic nature of the job is something I appreciate—it's never boring, and there's always something to do. Working on multiple completely different projects simultaneously creates a challenge that I can't resist. The team atmosphere is also a significant plus at RISE. I haven't been here for long, but I'm confident that, besides professional relationships, friendships will develop.