We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Charles Lee about their original and creative Book design work. Charles Lee is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original book works.
Charles Lee ("CL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Viva 2017 Annual Report Book. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CL : The main idea and inspiration of this project is based on the theme of this annual report, which is ‘Interactive for Growth’ and the main business focus of the client itself in that year which is digital portal. From the theme, I try to visualise it by combining the existing design elements, such as image, chart, typography and television production tools (images)with technology/digital approach which combine the shades of red (as corporate color) and others to give ‘festive’ but elegant and attractive feel–to represent the client’s values–to create an ‘interaction’.
CL : I try to alter all the design directions to adjust the theme of the year and reflect the clients themselves due to their needs and production time (every year) so that the annual report still have to informative for the reader but yet interesting and different from before.
CL : I will use this award well but I will not be pleased with myself but will continue to improve myself so that I can be better as a designer because all of my hard work was awarded by this award.
CL : This project lasts approximately 4 months due to the provision of data and feedbacks from authors and the client but for the concept and the design process itself only takes approximately 1 month.
CL : The approach to this project is indeed more based on the themes and briefs of this client. I just developed a design style to commission it so that it would be easier to accept information for the audience.
CL : This design has been produced & published by clients for the purposes of their business.
CL : I use a digital approach other than others to answer brief itself as well as to reflect the client’s business development in particular years.
CL : I work alone on this design project.
CL : The main target of this project is the Viva’s shareholders, government institutions, and public.
CL : I offer a few number approaches to the presentation of information in this book such as folding or short pages for containing certain informations. In addition, the use of a bold yet simple design approach to facilitate receiving information make the whole look of this book become more attractive but still formal.
CL : The name of this project is very simple following the title and theme of this annual report.
CL : I am using Adobe Indesign and Photoshop only.
CL : The most interesting aspect of the design are the different size of pagination in this book.
CL : This project requires digital imaging capabilities, but I do it myself.
CL : Technology (especially computer) plays an huge role as I work on this project because I have to combine all the elements with that.
CL : The entire research process was done through the internet.
CL : In the process of designing this project, the biggest challenge is in compiling informative and yet interesting information in this annual report. The tricked is by making a simple design by combining vibrant colours, bold typography, humanist infographics and differences pages size (examples: milestones and rewards).
CL : At first I was just feel fad because I didn't expect to win considering there were so many other talented designers out there.
CL : I learned that we must trust our instincts when submitting certain ideas/concepts to client because all of them have gone through various research processes and in-depth analysis.
CL : I think that’s enough. Thank you
