Designer Interview | UIGO

UIGO, a small team based in Sukabumi, Indonesia, was one of the winners of the Iconscout Reward Program, contributing some unique creations to our vast collection of 3D assets. We connected with Firman from UIGO and learned more about him, his inspiration, and his journey. Here is our candid conversation.

Hello UIGO. Tell us more about yourself and how did you start your journey.

Hi, my name is Firman, and my Iconscout username is UIGO. I am 22 years old and currently living in Indonesia. I am a 3D icon designer.

I am a vocational high school graduate majoring in Automotive, and previously I had no curiosity for computers or other things digital. After graduating from school, I learned how difficult it was to get a job. I then started to dive into the freelance world with the help of my friend. Since then, I have explored the possibility for designers, which has many branches, one of which is a 3D Designer.

What made you want to become a designer? Also, tell us a bit about your journey as a 3D designer.

When I first started working as a freelancer, I became a UI Designer, but I didn't think this was my field after a few months of working on it. After that, I started to see future design trends, and one of them was 3D. Since then, precisely at the end of 2019, I started learning more about it and decided to use the Blender software.

I learned from the Tutorials on Youtube and also took several online courses. Then due to several challenges in 2020, I could not continue to pursue it. And in early 2021, I began to pursue it seriously again.

How would you describe your design style?

When I want to create an icon, I only see similar icon inspiration, improve it using my creativity and visualization, and immediately pour it into a digital version. I don't use the sketch stage first since I'm not good at drawing, and for me, it would be time-consuming.

Over time, I learned many different styles, tricks, design techniques and adapted to the market's needs.

Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

I look for inspiration on Myicons, Iconfinder, Dribbble, Pinterest, and other marketplaces.

Maybe everyone has their way of finding inspiration, but for me, looking at others' works can give input on what to do next.

What pieces of work are you most proud of and why?

I am proud of all the work that I do because that is how I value myself. I do all of my work to the best of my ability. Choosing one doesn't seem easy. So I'd let the users answer that based on which icon is needed more.

What made you want to become a contributor for Iconscout? Can you share your experience so far?

When I started focusing on 3D icons, I looked for a marketplace with great opportunities for me, one of which was Iconscout. I then tried to upload my work there, and it turned out to be positive. I was surprised to get an offer to be a 3D icon contributor on Iconscout.

It's an enjoyable collaboration because this is an excellent opportunity for me to develop skills and gain experience. The benefits are also one of the main factors to joining Iconscout. I have the opportunity to present my work to customers all over the world.

The members are very friendly, very helpful, and respond very promptly. I have worked closely with them during the Iconscout Reward Program, which was a thrilling experience. I have gotten to know them, no awkwardness, and enjoy discussions with them. They help contributors build a product and often share what users are looking for. Iconscout is a friendly and accommodating marketplace.

What advice do you have for future Iconscout contributors?

Iconscout is very good and always provides an opportunity for designers to show their projects. This is an excellent opportunity to establish good and mutually beneficial long-term cooperation.

How do you see your future with Iconscout?

We have a good collaboration, and it can run smoothly in the long term. I try my best to present the works in the best possible way. I'm delighted and look forward to being a part of the Iconscout family if there is an opportunity. It will be a fantastic experience to be a part of such a great marketplace like this.

Users can Follow or Hire me on my Iconscout Profile: UIGO