"On the Couch with...", has the honor to present the fourth interview with one of the most successful Designers of our Community, Nyssa Brown aka ¢nyssi. Let's get the party started.

First of all Nyssa, thank you for giving us this opportunity. You are probably very busy, so I will try to be quick. Tell us a little about how your life was before you became a professional designer and now, what has changed?

I wouldn't personally call myself a professional designer. I'd say I'm stuck somewhere in the middle of a professional designer and a hobbiest! However, this is irrelevant. Before designing, I was struggling with finding something I was really happy with doing. I didn't have a career path I wanted to follow but I knew it would have to be something creative.

I started getting into web design several years ago, I suppose in about 2001, but it was nothing serious and I wasn't very good at that point. I started working in design more seriously in 2005 and this is when my life started changing. I had finally found something I wanted to do professionally, but not only that, I started to be recognised a little more for what I was specialising in at the time.

Working freelance in web design is my main aim, however, my life isn't completely settled, practically living in between two countries, so I'm playing the waiting game to really get my professional life started. I imagine when I finally get to the stage of working for myself, there will be many more changes to come.

How was your first experience on deviantART? What made you stay in the Community?

My first experience on deviantART was so long ago, it's hard to remember. I joined in 2002, when the site was still quite young. Because of this, I found it was quite a lot easier to make friends and get the feedback I needed to improve my artwork. The people were very friendly and helpful, and there was also that amazing sense of community, which are just sone of the main points that made me stay (and the reason I continue to remain a part of the deviantART community).

Actually, you are one of the elements of the deviantART Creative Team. Tell us why and how did you become one? What does your position on the Creative Team entail?

I was approached by $liquisoft about joining the Creative Team, and of course I jumped at the opportunity, especially when it was doing something I loved doing - CSS. Which answers what I do within my position on the Creative Team - coding news articles - which I do on an as-needed basis.

If you could change something or add something in Designs & Interfaces Gallery, what would you do?

I don't think the gallery itself needs any changes. And while I wouldn't say it needs more exposure, as I do believe a lot of people browse the Designs & Interfaces Gallery, I feel there needs to be more encouragement on interaction within that gallery. I feel there is quite a lack of it there.

Do you feel that being an assiduous member of the Community, you've evolved at a practical level?

Oh most definitely. I know for a fact if I didn't remain a part of this community the whole time that I have, I would have never evolved at a practical level. Without deviantART, I wouldn't have dabbled in a bit of everything and I certainly wouldn't have explored web design further.

Design encompasses several categories. Which category are you most comfortable with?

Web design without a doubt. I've still got a long way to go in terms of learning and progressing in not only style but also quality, but it is definitely what I'm most comfortable with. However, I haven't given much thought to other areas of design, even though I would certainly love to try my hand at some other categories.

Tell us a little about your creative process. What are your influences?

It's always changing, but I always start with a pretty thorough idea inside my head, or I'll sketch something roughly onto paper. I tend to open up Photoshop and play around with some basics while I'm browsing for inspiration, usually on CSS showcase websites. I find that it pushes me, seeing all of those amazing websites. It's a great form of inspiration and definitely a great motivator to push myself to do better.

Sometimes I'll end up continuing with a design, sometimes I won't. Sometimes I won't even complete a design in Photoshop if I feel I can just push on and finish the rest during the coding process (this is usually when it's a personal project, however).

Which artists can you refer to as your main influences? Someone from the community?

There is no one in particular who influences me. I'd say some of the greater designers of the deviantART community, and the outside web design community all have their influences on me in some small way. I don't particularly like taking influence or motivation from one or a few designers in particular. I feel it limits my horizons a little, especially if those few designers were similar in style and "design thought". I'll take a bit of inspiration from everyone and all works I come across, including art that has nothing to actually do with web design itself, and make sure I put my stamp on it.

From all your work, have you had some that are special to you? Tell us a little about it.

I have my favourites, but none that are really special to me. I think it may be some time until there is one that is special to me. I know that will come with an exceptional project, which I know will come along at some point.

Nyssa, tell us a little about how life is for women in this field? Did you ever think you were down in sometime of your professional life?

I think a lot of people realise that this field is fairly dominated by men, especially when you start crossing over into the HTML and CSS areas of web design. However, there is a handful of extremely successful female designers out there who are doing well for themselves. I suppose I can look at them and think "If they can do it, then there is no reason why I can't do it too!".

Probably, you make freelance works. How is your relationship with your clients? Tell us how do you lead this relationship?

I treat clients exactly how I would like to be treated myself, to start with. I don't treat them as a stranger, even if they are. I try to keep any correspondence laid back, so both the client and myself don't feel too uptight, especially if any problems arise. I also keep in touch with my clients, as often as I possibly can, making sure I let them know of any delays or of any updates/changes I may have been required to make to a design.

Have you ever regretted following the uncertain life of a designer? What was the worst moment you had as a designer?

I don't think I have ever regretted it... however, I know I do find it extremely frustrating at times, especially when living between two countries. As I can't fully settle down, it's hard to actually see where working as a designer may take me.

Fortunately, I haven't had any of those "worst moments" - yet.

Were you ever a target of theft? If yes, how did you lead the situation?

Absolutely. I won't go into details about what actually happened but have since learnt my lesson - never trust anyone when it comes to designing and waiting for payment. Most people are sincere and genuine, but you will have one or two approach that will rip you off - even if they're someone you've been speaking to for some time.

Unfortunately, I never got paid. I asked, and was told I would get the money I was owed, but never did. I suppose in some way, I'm thankful, as it was just a great lesson - ask for half or a percentage of overall cost before commencing work! Fortunately, the client never used the design and completely disappeared.

Well Nyssa, I know you are busy so, for our last question, can you give us some advice for those who are starting out in this profession?

Don't be afraid to ask your peers for their input on some of your projects - you can learn a lot from them.

Don't be afraid to read and learn about trends, especially when your clients will want "that cool gradient effect" (as an example), even if it isn't something you personally like or believe in. It's always a good idea to have knowledge in different design trends.

And of course, don't limit yourself to one style - try several!

Thanks Nyssa for your kindness and availability and being on the couch with us.

“On the Couch with…” had the honor to present you the fourth interview with Nyssa Brown. We hope this project continues and does not end here. We are open to new suggestions and proposals to give continuity to the project.

Thanks for everyone who read it and a very special thanks to ¢nyssi