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Grand Designs
Richard Ryan is currently one of the most sought after visual communicators in Northern Ireland. But how does he stay ahead of the game, wonders Clare OConnor when they share a coffee one Saturday.
Its a family affair
Richard Ryan was blessed by the fact that he was born into the profession he now loves and has made his own. The designer recalls toddling about his fathers graphic design studio in Belfast as a youngster, "generally annoying" everybody with his never-ending curiosity. For all this Ryans self evident talent would no doubt have gotten him where he is today leg up or not.
Ryans father was a pioneer in graphic design and was laughed at when his became the first agency to install Mac computers in the eighties "it will never take off". It must be in the genes as Ryan continues to slash and burn his way through the brave new world of computer graphics today.
Since starting up his own business in 2001, hes clocked up clients as diverse as Standard Life and Harry Corry. His services include illustration, CD-ROM production, Website development, paperbased graphics, animation, game development and copy writing.
Rather than sit around and wait for his more disorganized clients to provide copy Ryan often bangs something together himself. Not part of the deal really but one has to adapt.
Decision time
The designers formal training began with a Foundation Course in Art and Design at the University of Ulster in 1997 after which Ryan found himself at a crossroads.
"It was a difficult decision I had to make at university. I think a lot of people have to make it , of do you go down the design or fine art route. I was really quite torn between the two. Ultimately youre always looking to the future. My approach with design is that nearly everything is illustration based so fine art is always there. Its just slightly different in that its not so precious."
Next stop Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh where Ryan studied Graphic Design gaining a First in 2000. " For me I found that my influences lay outside university. The teaching staff were great but you learn more from your peers. People inspire me. Its amazing what you hear sometimes just by listening."
Have talent, will travel
Many of those who graduated alongside Ryan headed straight for London, evidence that the cultural cringe factor still prevails. Ryan himself cant understand the allure of the city lights. Having settled in his native Belfast and established his own business, work was what kept Richard abreast of technological change:
"I use about 44 pieces of software. Its not something that you notice. Jobs just dictate that you have to learn something. You dont really have a choice. Theres such continuity between software now that the more you pick up, the easier it is to learn a new one. A lot of the packages are very similar. Over the years Ive built up a network of people so that if Ive a problem I only have to ring them. It helps to keep a good address book."
OVERLOAD
These days Ryan works up to a 70 hour week. Being swamped with bread and butter projects may impede the creative buzz somewhat but Ryan isnt complaining:
"I actually get great satisfaction from the large number of service clients I have. If it works for them thats more satisfying than doing a job thats beautiful but you have done it for yourself."
At the start, Richard found it hard not to impose his own idea on the work. "Clients would ask ���Could you just remove all the fancy stuff. Now Ive got used to the hard sell. Its clients like this though that give you the opportunity to set up in business. They actually allow you the space to work on the more creative jobs."
DEDICATION
With the plethora of freelance designers trying to keep in operation, its Ryans levels of perfectionism that keeps him ahead: "I dont like doing bad work so you always work that little bit harder to make sure the job is done right. Quite often that means working very late nights."
Ryans advice to aspiring designers? "Dont go into this unless youre prepared to work really hard. Getting on with people helps too. It���s all about people skills. You can do great work for a client but if you dont click with them youll not keep the account. In fact your work might be terrible but if you get on with them youll keep the account. The better rapport you have with a printer for example, the more leeway theyll give you."
The designer has now reached the point where hes got to decide whether or not to downsize or take on staff to ease the workload. At the mere suggestion that hes become a victim of his own talent and success, Ryans typically self-effacing but adamant:
"I dont believe in natural talent. Its hard work".
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