MEET #6586 GUILLERMO TORRES
Designer • London, UK
Originally from Valencia, Spain, WNW Member #6586 Guillermo Torres is now a freelance designer operating out of London. Guillermo lets us in on his creative process: "I have to be focused and working to create, so rather than looking for random inspiration I prefer to put my hands on a notebook or do research about the project itself."
1. How long have you been freelancing?
I have been freelancing for almost 4 years now, with a one year gap working in a London design studio.
2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?
These days, place is not as relevant anymore; apart from having a desk with a good computer, you can work almost anywhere. And about time, as the famous quote says — "One percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." I have to be focused and working to create, so rather than looking for random inspiration I prefer to put my hands on a notebook or do research about the project itself.
3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?
I would say 65/35, trying to keep the balance between work and free time, everybody needs some mental and physical rest in order to be more creative and enjoy the work they are doing.
4. Do your parents understand what you do?
Well, I think they do know, not in all the complexity of what is an Art Director/Designer but after 10 years they are getting there. From time to time I try to show my parents what I've been working on lately to share with them a bit of my professional live.
5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?
I always loved Little Miss Sunshine, and particularly the beauty contest scene, almost at the end of the movie, when Olive jumps on the stage and starts performing in a "Superfreak" striptease style that she learned from her grumpy grandfather. An amazing societal criticism in a beautiful and satirical scene.
6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?
Extremely well-curated design blog: http://www.thisiscollate.com/
Reality through a camera: http://time.com/photography/
Some Fun! http://poorlydrawnlines.com/
7. What do you do when Not Working?
It depends on the time of the year and the weather, but mainly discovering new beers with friends, cycling, travelling, reading, enjoying gigs, doing some exercise and watching movies or TV shows.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
After years practising maybe I can sing any phrase you can say in any existing style. Quite fun at the beginning and so annoying after a few!
9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?
I guess I'm gonna say the most common advice but also the most important, keep the passion for what you do and the hard work, the rest will follow. Sometimes being a freelancer is not the easiest but for sure will be worth the effort.
10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?
People of the internet never stop amazing me, and the Greek Bailout Crowdfunding has reached almost 2 million euros.
11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?
Friends and really good designers like David Navarro, for his eye for detail and we are from the same city — Valencia, and Genis Carreras a passionate designer who I've worked with in London.
12. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?
My favourite meal, my Mum's Arros al Forn (Arroz al Horno — Oven baked rice). Guys, if you happen to be around Spain, please try to have it, of course not my Mum's ;-) but try in a good restaurant, it will blow your minds!!