My name is Vladimir Gorshkov and I have been designing for over six years. I studied about design at the Art Institute of Washington, that is of course, in Arlington. Along with great professors I have been teaching myself too. I absolutely love what I do and hope to keep on doing it for a long time to come.

I spend a great portion of my time staring at a computer screen, whether I am designing the latest project, downloading apps, listening to music or watching out for the latest design blogs. I do try and have somewhat of a life outside of my computer atmosphere and it involves DC art museums and the inspiring architecture of the city.

I am a fan of classic minds, such as Paul Rand, Dieter Rams, Marc Newson, Otl Aicher, Susan Kare, Neil Poulton, who created the modern foundation of design; and more modern geniuses like Darren Waterston and Jonathan Ive. My design always ends with a very similar look and feel. As much as I might try to broaden my range and think it's wise to stray from what I'm used to, this minimalistic approach is part of who I am as a person, not just a designer. I've learned that instead of deviating, I should embrace it and make the most of it.

Dieter Rams, undoubtedly one of the most influential creative minds of our time, once said: 

“Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful.”

and I 100% agree. I can never design something that would require the viewer to think a lot. However, I try not to confuse simplicity with straightforwardness. In design, what appears effortless and obvious, was exactly the opposite during the design process and research. Qualities like these prove that design is great and powerful.

Marc Newson—Orange 021c is the universal color. Master of light in photography. A good friend of Jonathan Ive.

Dieter Rams—Gray is the new beige. Simplicity from Germany. Try to take a look at his work for Braun from the 60s, 70s and 80s. If you know Braun, you know Rams.

Paul Rand—Designed the UPS logotype which was in use for more than 40 years. He was the master behind the IBM logo as well.

Michael Schwab—Makes a strong impression in black&white. His hand-painted logotypes and posters have become classic already. 

Jonathan Ive—The guy from that “fruit company.” His designs for the iPod, Mac Pro, iMac and iPhone are absolutely inspiring. Even though it all reminds me of Dieter Rams works.

Otl Aicher—Inventor of everything systematic, schematic and grid based. You know his work for Olympia Munich in 1972. Erco owns the rights for his pictograms now.

Susan Kare—She was asked in 1982 to design the first icons for the Apple Lisa computer. Later the icons for the first Mac in 1983. These icons fascinate me since then. I would call her the female Picasso of icon design.