~So tell us LD, when did you first start using the internet?

I first started using the internet in 1997.

~What skills/knowledge did you have before starting your first website?

I knew how to handle HTML codes, use programs like PSP, Painter, Animation gif and Disney Program.

~Ok, how did you gain the right skills/knowledge afterwards?

At the beginning, it was more like a hobby to me and there was this friendly competition between my foreign friends and I. Then later, when I went to college, I was planning to study business but changed my mind when I found that they already introduced Graphic Design as a new major. So I took it because I believed it would help me improve my graphic designing skills, in addition to learning newer skills and learning more about other programs.

~What programs do you use in your website, and how did you learn how to use these programs?

For my first website I just used html codes, but after that I was searching for a program that can make me create my own design. I found a program called Adobe Golive which we used in our class in college to make websites and it was what I needed. I now use Adobe Golive, PS, Image Ready and some html codes for the website.

~Do you use any other programs for your other work?

Yes, I use Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign for different things like making brochures, magazines, book covers and newspapers. I also use Macromedia Flash and Director, Adobe Aftereffect, Adobe Page Maker, Adobe Premiere and ofcourse my favorite: Adobe Illustrator. Finally, Mac computer is a must when it comes to graphic designing. 

~So tell us, what is the best thing about being a webmistress and what things did you benefit from having your own website?

I got an experience before I study this field and it teaches the responsibilities in everything you do. Moreover, you get people's opinion which I think is important to a graphic designer. 

~Not only are you a talented webmistress, but you are also a creative artist *mashallah*.. can you tell us more about it?

At the age of 4, I found that I am good in drawing so I improved my skills throughout the years because I love anime and Disney's characters. Now I draw them by using Painter or Adobe Illustrator since 3 years.
 

~You also have a talented eye in photography, and I am one of the admirers of your work, tell us all about it.. How did you start and how did you develop?

It also started as a hobby when I was 6 yrs old. I found an old Nikon camera and I began to take pictures of friends doing silly things. At the age of 16, I used to collect posters of celebrities and boy bands and used to check out the name of the photographer for each poster, especially the black and white ones in magazine like TV Hits, which is one of the best for these kinds of posters. This was one of the things I fantasized in doing, being like those professional photographers. When I majored in Graphic Design, I had to take Photography class as a requirement. I later continued developing my skills using my digital camera. But I have to say that I failed in my first course but it didn't stop me from taking photographs.. lol 

~Mashallah 3alaich.. you always come up with the most creative designs, whether its a new layout or a piece of graphics. What inspires you to design?

I like to be different in design and this means you should create things from time to time. I always watch the latest style and browse around, because this is what our teacher once advised us to do. I also do sketches sometimes with colors and later use them in a design but sometimes it doesn't work out so I try it over and over again. What inspires me to design is people! The first year of study they tell you it all depends on people.  You see what they really like and try to understand them and then it's our turn to show them our creations.

~I also noticed, & correct me if I am wrong, that most of the pictures you use in your designs are of your own. Do you think of the idea of the graphic then take the pic for it.. or do you take the picture then work on it to a piece of a graphic?

Most of the Pictures? Actually all of them, even in the digital art are my own. But back in 1998, I used pictures from the net and magazines to do some of my graphics. Now I take the copyrights issue seriously, if I had to use a picture from elsewhere, I make sure I get the permission from its owner to do so. Generally speaking, I always prefer to use my own pictures in my digital arts or my layouts. To answer your question, I first do the sketches and from that I can see if I will need to take photos or just add some more drawing to them.

~You are also taking part in several projects.. can you tell us more about them?

There are few projects and most of them are for my college such as booklets, magazine, posters, cover books, TV, radio ads, brochures, badges and websites. Also, there is Betay magazine which was my final project which I began in May 2001.

~Since I first opened my first website, you were sweet enough to make me my first animated button *smiles*.. You are known to help others, and also design websites for them too.. Can you tell us more about it?

I needed help once and I know how hard it is to find someone to teach you on the net. People email me and ask me for help and when I know what they need then I don't hesitate to help them because it makes me more happy. One day I might need help and I want to find someone to help me too.

~Inshallah there is a bright future ahead of you.. what are your plans for it?
I still want to be a fashion designer. However, I want to develop my skills.

~Any advice you would like to give for those who want to follow the same path that you followed..?

Never give up, there is always a new way to find what you are good at.

~Finally, any last thing you would like to add?

I enjoyed the interview and I hope I answered your questions well. hehehe

[Visitors Interact]

~Share your opinion.. add your comment here!

If you think the above little illustration is adorably cute (like I do), then you can also get your own too! =)

Just contact lil' sweet LD & she'll be more than happy to create you one too!

*Hugs LD*

"I always loved her talent. She's different, a great designer, an excellent photographer, a cool illustrator, and a lovely sister. I believe that she has a wonderful power inside her. I'm very proud of her!"

                              -Bnafsaj

"The words fail to describe such enormous talent and creativity from a young designer like LD.. It is a great honor expressing my opinion about her, since she is one of the most creative people that I have ever seen.. Creativity can be sensed in all her work and there is always a magic touch in them.. to sum it all up.. allow me to say.. LD is one of the best of her kind!"

                            -Majed