Adrian Diaconescu
Who’s Adrian?
I’m a 29 year old freelance web designer living in Bucharest, Romania, who discovered the benefits of the self-employed life and who loves every minute of it!
Do you have a Brand?
My freelancing name is Rubiqube, which is kind of odd, but I picked it based on a silly idea and now I’m stuck with it. But hey… Google used to sound funny too! But a brand? Not really. I’m just going with the flow for now and trying to improve along the way. I wish I could build a brand around my name, but I find that difficult, as it’s not very catchy.
How do you choose the idea and the colors in any new project?
I usually base my work on existing branding guidelines, if any. If not, my inspiration comes from the initial discussion I have with the client, from photography, from the web trends, etc.
What does your typical day look like?
I used to follow a more strict schedule, but I don’t do that anymore. I usually work on multiple projects at the same time, so I mix work and play depending on inspiration or urgency of a certain project. I try to diversify my day as much as possible.
What are the tools you couldn’t live without?
Adobe Fireworks, WordPress and Paymo.
What do you do in your free time?
I do a lot of PC gaming and I’m seriously considering buying a PS3 to play some of the exclusive titles. I don’t watch much TV, but I do watch a lot of the Revision3 shows, quite a few TV shows and the occasional movie. I spend a lot of time reading blogs or simply browsing the web. Maybe too much time! However, in a month or so, things might change a lot, as my son will be born.
Current favorite apps?
I just discovered moneyStrands and I really like it
What OSs do you prefer?
The only one I know: Windows
Small pic for your Workplace?
Favorite: Colors, Font, Languages (PHP, Ruby), JS Framework?
Subtle colors, Helvetica, PHP, jQuery
The things or source that inspired you?
The are many sources of inspiration for me, but my favorite thing is Steve Jobs’ Commencement address at Stanford. Sounds cliché, but it really means a lot to me.
What’s do you prefer, the freelance work or the full time employee?
Isn’t it obvious? ;)
Your personnel projects and goals for 2010?
My biggest goal is generating more passive income than in 2009 and being able to work even less than I do now. Tim Ferriss’ for hour work-week is the final goal. That way I can focus mostly on personal and fun projects.f
Interesting articles. I favorited your page. I’m searching for other sites that have an audience that would get a benefit from a popular page I maintain on akita dogs. Let me know if you would like to trade some articles or reviews. I figure we could both benefit.
Useful interview
thank you very much.
I usually agree with what you post here, but in this case I must say that I do not share your views.
Glad you like the moneystrands product. if you have a chance have a look at the iPhone app also.
Hi Adrian,
I have been also following your work and especially like the work you did at Towards Maturity. Im glad you like the moneyStrands application. Im the lead designer and part of a very hard working team which have been working late into the night for over two years now. Keep an eye out for our new version coming in the summer. As well as the many versions we are now integrating into the online banking services of some of the largest banks.
Keep up the great work and look forward to see more of your great standard defining web designs.
Best wishes,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you for the nice words! I actually like moneyStrands a lot! It became part of my daily routine so I’m very happy to hear you keep improving the product and the hard work you put into this is appreciated.
“Jobs quotes Picasso’s “good artists copy, great artists steal” and adds, about Apple: “We have always been shameless about stealing great ideas.”" Sorry! Jobs is 100% right… HTC, Google, just like Microsoft in the 80′s photocopied Apple.
What a fresh new perspective. Im such a big dog fan and also a first time visitor to your site. Thanks for all the wonderful content.
How often do you write your blogs? I enjoy them a lot 6 2 6
I like the layout of your blog and I’m going to do the same thing for mine. Do you have any tips? Please PM ME on yahoo @ AmandaLovesYou702 3 6 5
I need some advice for my blog….I like your layout. Can you help me? 8 7 5
I like the layout of your blog and I’m going to do the same thing for mine. Do you have any tips? Please PM ME on yahoo @ AmandaLovesYou702 7 2 6
Cool blog. I’ll check back here often.
Howdy, outstanding article! Beyond doubt aids my review on the case
Came here from your website rubiqube.com. Being a freelancer myself it is always nice to read about people of the same genre.
Whats up this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Yes! Self-employement is the best thing that can happened in someone’s life, after been fired. Specially now with the financial crisis…