Interviewing: paperhigh

What is your name?

My name is Hamna :)

Examples of your work:

Why did you join wattpad?

I joined wattpad because I was looking for a good reading app on the playstore. I stumbled upon wattpad and the rest is, ofcourse, history.

How long have you been making graphics for?

I started making graphics in late 2014 so, almost 2 years now.

How did you get into graphic designing? 

When I was fairly new on wattpad, I wanted to make fan art for my favourite books. But, I soon realised that I wasn't as good as I thought (oops). I've been trying to improve since then.  

This is one of my earliest covers, made using picmonkey. (It's not a surprise that the author never used it.)

What type of graphics do you make, and which do you prefer?

I make all types of covers, banners and edits. I've also recently begun doing gif banners. I prefer minimalistic covers but the satisfaction after finishing a manipulated cover can't be met by any other.

What is your favourite part of graphic making?

Applying psds which is usually at the end. Something about how a psd can change the way the whole cover looks just amazes me and I love how everything just comes together.

How long does it usually take you to make a graphic?

Simple and minimalistic covers take around 15 minutes or less. Vector covers can take upto 20 mins or more. Manipulated covers are the ones which take the most of my time, ranging from at least an hour to 2.

What program(s) do you use for making your graphics?

I began with Picmonkey and then Pixlr but now I've moved to Photoshop CC.

Where do you get your inspiration from/who inspires you?

I usually flick through graphic/premades books on wattpad and if there's something I really like, I try to recreate it in my own way. Movie posters are also a great way to get inspiration from. Speed Covers videos on YouTube help me a great deal and most of the time, I try to follow those and believe me, I've learnt some new techniques on Photoshop through some of these videos!

Do you have any tips for aspiring graphic designers?

I give the worst advice ever but I'll try.

- DON'T GIVE UP, please. This has been said several times by many others already but it's vital that you practice, practice and practice to get better! 

- Also, don't hesitate to ask anyone for help! (this is very hypocritical of me but then again, I'm also a very shy bean.)

That is all! Thanks for reading.

Hamna :)