The following interview is a little insight into the world and mind of designer RubyRed (aka Roger)

1) When did you first know that you wanted to work in the field of art & graphic design. Can you share with us perhaps what lead you to that career path or what inspired you to follow your creative heart & drive?

I was always creative as a little lad, doodling cars and super heroes. It was always art that came easy to me. For some reason, throughout school I was often told that ‘art’ as a career was not a good option to choose. I was pushed down a more academic route and decided architecture was the solution for me. I studied mathematics and physics at college but kept art as a third subject. It didn’t take too long to realize the more formal side of education didn’t suit me so I followed the art path and went on to study design and illustration. I still have a keen interest in architecture. I was lucky to get a design job straight out of college. I was employed as the only designer for a publishing company and we produced two monthly hobby craft magazines, I was really thrown into the deep end and it certainly was sink or swim. One of the magazines was for teddy bear collectors (arctophiles). I certainly saw some strange things working on those magazines and one of my recent tees takes me back to those days Soft Inside

From there I moved onto work as senior designer for an events and publishing company, we organize many exhibitions all across the globe. I’ve been there for 10 years now.

2) How did you find the wonderful land of the Bubble?

A couple of years back I was stuck in a bit of a rut creatively and I was just working to pay the bills with no real enthusiasm. For some reason I found myself googling art sites to see what others were up to and I came across RedBubble. The concept intrigued me and I watched the site for a couple of days to see how things worked. I decided to join and upload some work. As soon as I received my first comment I was hooked. Finally, there seemed to be genuine appreciation of what I’d created. I can honestly say this site has re-lit the creative fire in me and my real world work has definitely benefited.

3) What’s your newest goal in your design career? Do you have a project in the future or one currently in the works that you’d like to share with us?

I don’t really set myself goals, maybe that’s a problem?! I’m getting some industry recognition for the exhibition design work I’ve been doing recently, so maybe some opportunities may come my way in the near future. From a personal point of view, I’d like to work on more collaboration projects, but more about that a bit further down.

4) So a big congratulations on being RB’s No.1 Seller for the month of October. Well deserved when you see how hard you work at promoting and showcasing your designs (in and out of RB), when you’re always very friendly and open to helping other members when you can and of course it doesn’t hurt either that you come up with clever, effective and well designed t-shirts. Would you care to share any stories, incites, tips, ideas or comments with us on what you’ve done or found works best in self promotion?

Target your promotion carefully. In this day and age the attention span of people is really short. If your idea/design is not targeted directly at them, they’ll move on to the next piece of information they’ve received really quickly. Build relationships. There has to be a benefit for the other person so maybe offer prizes or special offers to earn the promotion from them. Be polite, it costs nothing. If people think you are spamming them with the same information you’ve spammed to many others, you’ll soon lose their respect.

5) So far, what do you feel has been your greatest t-shirt design achievement?

I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of t-shirts win a place in the Demo Stores challenges. Graffiti Heraldry and Amped Considering the number and standard of entries in these challenges, I feel very fortunate to have had the success I’ve had. I’ve also had some high profile features in publications including an Italian style magazine and a Brazilian Mac magazine which has been pleasing, RubyRed has gone global!

6) What do you feel you’ve gained most from your time on RB?

Enthusiasm and inspiration. It’s all very well having the skills, but if you’re not inspired to use them they can end up being wasted.

7) What other t-shirt designer/s do you most admire on RB and why?

The usual established suspects: Scott Robinson, Nofrillsart, Nick Ford, Nicolas Rix, it’s really an endless list of talent. Some relatively new members: hammo onijiji

I have a particular respect for designers who create beautiful linework. But to be honest, I admire anyone who makes an effort. It’s easier to create nothing, but if someone takes the time to push themselves to develop then it has to be applauded. I’ve been here for a while now and you certainly see the growth in people over time.

8) Do you have a Number 1 ultimate all time favourite t-shirt on RB?

Way too difficult to answer! If I could buy all my favourites I’d need a spare wardrobe just to store them. I like tees that are more than just a graphic and Glen aka Nofrillsart is a master. B-2 would find its way onto my list (I need to buy this tee again, I think I’ve worn it out)._

9) Through your collaboration with the exciting and inspirational Game of Kings project… what is it that you found was the biggest learning experience for you through the process?

Hmmm, I think the fact that you shouldn’t be worried about going back to the drawing board with an idea. Having watched Simon re-model his designs over time in the search for near perfection was an inspiration. Too often in the past I may have given up on an idea if it wasn’t working out too well. Many of the GOK artists have re-worked a piece and to see this process in the WIP forum was a real treat. I’d like to do more work with people who have different skills to my own, to be able to create something unique through collaboration is a goal.

10) How do you find ideas and concepts best come to you? Care to share a quick example of the process of how, why and where an idea (or ideas) has come to fruition?

Quite often an idea will come from just listening and observing. An example would be one of my latest tees Now That’s a Suit! this came from over hearing a conversation in the office one day between two blokes discussing the finer points of their suits. My strange brain then kicks into action and a germ of an idea is formed. I do look at some of my tees and think I must have a strange imagination or thought process! I can go through periods where I feel like I’ll never have an idea again, and then, BANG, six or so ideas will come all at once.

11) What advice would you offer to a tee designer just starting out at RB?

Stick with it. Absorb the talent that RB is filled with. If you only join two groups make sure they are A T-shirt Revolution and Tee HQ The advice and support offered by both groups is sure to be a help to anyone just starting out. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice from artists, the vast majority would be more than happy to give a few helpful pointers.

Thank you so very very much for your time…. we know it’s not something you have an oversupply of, so truly appreciate the amount you’ve given the Tee HQ members here today.

You’re more than welcome, thank you for the kind invitation to answer your questions.

“Yay for one of my favourite designers (AND people) on the planet!”
100% i agree!!!!! Lucky cat :)

yeah this interview rules! it was a great read! congrats Roger!

Great interview.. a great read!!
Thankyou so much!!!

- Bekyyx