Grace Smith
Who is Grace Smith?
I’m a 27 year old web designer and owner of a small but perfectly formed studio called Postscript5 based in Northern Ireland. I work with individuals and companies based in mainly in the UK and USA on a diverse range of projects from branding and blog design to application UI’s.
Otherwise you will often find me tweeting or blogging at my personal site.
Do you have a personal Brand?
I produce work under the brand of Postscript5 (the name is a long story), and have also tried to develop a personal brand as Grace Smith through my blog.
Though I tend to think Jonathan Snook probably summed up my ‘brand’ best when he called me: “that ‘heavy-linkin’, web-lovin’, hard-workin’ gal from Ireland”.
How do you find design inspiration and colours for a new project?
I try and look outside of the web for inspiration as it’s so easy to become stuck in a rut and relying on CSS galleries isn’t healthy for any designer. So I find the best thing to do is leave the office and free myself creatively – I usually like to get my beloved Canon 350D out and spend 10 or 15 minutes taking and setting up shots, as I find Photography is hugely inspiring.
I then usually go straight for my Moleskine and jot down some ideas and have a short brainstorming session which is enough to give me that spark of inspiration to start work.
In terms of colors, I’m addicted to ColorLovers and have been known to spend many hours in search of the perfect palette!
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day means having breakfast and a read through my RSS Feeds (in Google Reader) and morning news at 8am. I also use this time to go through my emails so I’m ready to start work around 9. I work through my prioritised tasks until around 10.30 when i have a morning break (at least one cup of tea is involved in this!) I also use this time to return phone calls or contact clients. I work through to 1pm when i stop for lunch and then finish at 4.30pm. I usually leave the office for lunch and meet with friends/family as i feel it helps re-fuel my creative energy for the afternoon.
I finish earlier than most because I like to take 20/30 minutes to plan my tasks for the next day, prepare invoices and generally tie up any loose ends from the day’s work. I also try to spend at least half of each Friday working on personal projects.
What do you do in your free time?
I love spending time with friends, going on photo walks around Ireland and looking after my spoiled pooch – Prada. I’m also something of a ‘movie addict’ and can often be found at the cinema or in front of a great DVD.
Current favorite apps?
These usually change each week, but my current personal favorites are:
- Layers – Fantastic screenshot app which allows you save images in layered files.
- Tracks – This awesome little app sits in the menu bar and allows you to control you iTunes library with ease.
- 1Password – An essential piece of software for anyone who works online. The iPhone app is the cherry on top.
- TaskPaper – A super simple, ‘get your stuff done’ to-do list app that makes sure I keep up to date with my tasks.
What OS do you prefer?
It has to be Mac! I use both Leopard (my iMac) and Snow Leopard (on my Mac Mini).
Favorite: Color, Font, Language, JS Framework?
- Font: FF Din
- Color: Blue
- Language: CSS
- JS Framework: jQuery
Name something that has inspired you recently?
I’m hugely into photography at the moment, having purchased my first DSLR late last year and find going on photo walks and spending time with other photographers to be truely inspiring.
I recently went on a weekend tour of Donegal (Ireland) with several other amateur photographers and it was amazing to spend time with such talented, creative people. I not only came back with over 800+ images, but with renewed energy and inspiration.
What do you prefer (and why)? Freelance work or full time employment?
Freelance, because there is no greater satisfaction than creating and running a successful business and being your own boss. It’s hard work but it’s so completely worth it.
What are your personnel projects and goals for 2010?
I’m focused on growing my personal project – The Freelance Feed even further and expanding it’s usefulness and services. Ultimately though I aim to keep working with amazing people, collaborating with other fantastic freelancers and continue enjoying my work.
I would also like to take this chance to say thanks to The Geek Talk for inviting me to be interviewed.
