Crossgraphix

FU interviewed Dominique Golightly, the lady behind new graphic design company, Crossgraphix.

So what inspires your designs?
I am honestly inspired by other designers, mainly the more advanced ones. I subscribe to several design blogs like grainedit.com and inspiredmag.com. I see something I like, and put a spin on it. Others may reply to a question such as this with a more superficial answer, but Aaron Russel said it best, "Every designers’ dirty little secret is that they copy other designers’ work. They see work they like, and they imitate it. Rather cheekily, they call this inspiration."

Do you have a particular style or do you change your style to fit who you are designing for?
I do have a personal style. It is very trendy, modern asymmetrical [funky]. But as a business owner, the customer is ALWAYS right. I try my best to give them what they like. So there is a lot of compromise.

Did you start CrossGraphix by yourself?
Yes, I dreamed of CrossGraphix as a little girl (at least the name). Before graphic/web design was trendy or computer/internet technology was as advanced, I already knew it was what I wanted to do. Unfortunately as a late teen I had my first son, which put my dreams on pause. Although, I do have a couple people to credit. My mentor, Andrea Lawrence - of Renew Design Studios, taught me a lot about web design and how to approach design projects and my husband, Gerald, for allowing me to quit my 9-5 and work to make this dream come true.

A lot of younger people are now wanting to start their own business, what would you say is an important factor(s) to consider before making that big commitment? I have learned that in starting a business, the most important factor is to make sure that it's something you love to do. After you've determined you love it, create goals and keep them visible so that you are constantly reminded of what is needed to move to the next level, even if adjustments are needed... follow through!

As a graphic designer, you must be quite a creative person, what happens if someone wants what you would consider to be a very bland, unimaginative design, would you just go along with it although you know it may not be as effective as the 'colourful' design you had in mind?
Oh this happens so often! I have sort of branded my company to help other small businesses. I have had quite a few clients who like bland, corporate feels which is very limited because you are trying to appeal to the masses. Although I really don't mind the active clients, every now and then I'll get those that know nothing and leave it all up to me... and I love it! The epitome of design freedom.

You also do a blog called GirlyTomboyish. Whats it all about? What made you wanna start that? We love blogs!
Yes! I just launched it a couple weeks ago. GirlyTomboy[ish] is ME! Quite the oxy moron, but that is obviously the idea. It's urban, edgy, sassy, sexy, informative, trendy, grungy and just superfunkyfresh. I have already received an overwhelming response and even a request for GirlyTomboy[ish] T-shirts via Twitter. I can never get tired of about talking about shopping, events and just the overall girlygirl/tomboy lifestyle!

For more info on Dominique/Crossgraphix:
http://www.crossgraphix.com/
www.twitter.com/crossgraphix
www.twitter.com/girlytomboyish