Designer Showcase: Jan Cavan

For this designer's showcase, we're excited to feature designer Jan Cavan who specializes in user interface design, illustration, and iconography. We discovered her work on Dribbble and are excited to share her work with you, especially since she recently launched her personal site.

At what point in your life did it click for you that design was your thing?

I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and have been designing professionally since 2005. Although I was already designing during college, I don’t think I ever really knew what I’d end up doing. I remember a friend of mine trying to get me to work for a call center and although it was decent pay, I knew in my heart it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted to take a risk first before accepting a comfortable position. I knew I wanted to be a designer, but back then I was very inexperienced and I wasn’t sure if any company would want to hire me. My parents told me to just keep applying. They said I’m going to get turned down a bunch of times, but that’s okay. Luckily, about a month after graduation, I found a job as a junior designer and that’s when it clicked.

What are the biggest challenges and benefits for you of your working situation?

Even though I work from home and they say there is a lot of distractions, I’m very disciplined and efficient with my use of time. When I work, I stay focused wherever the location. The great thing about working from home is that during times when you are experiencing the dreaded creative block, you can take breaks and recharge.

Do you listen to music when you work? What do you listen to?

I listen to 80s, some 90s pop and country, but I don’t really have my headphones on very often. I actually prefer working in a coffee shop environment where I feel like there’s some balance — it’s not too noisy and it doesn’t feel too secluded either.

Do you work better at night or in the morning?

I function better from the afternoons into the evenings, but in an effort to live a healthier lifestyle, I don’t stay up really late like I used to anymore. I try to get as much quality sleep as I can and I don’t like sleeping in just because I went to bed really late. By the time you get up, half of the day is already gone.

What's your desk look like when you're in the throes of designing?

I’m very organized when it comes to my to-dos, but I’m a bit messy when I work. For some reason, sketch pads don’t really work for me. I prefer sketching on scrap papers so you see papers everywhere.

How do you take your coffee?

This is probably going to sound strange, but I don’t like coffee. I prefer hot chocolate. I’ve had co-workers ask how I stay awake during mornings, but I guess coffee is just not something my body got used to so I’m able to get by just fine without it.

What is your favorite part of the design process and why?

I don’t think I have a favorite part in particular. I like all of it. I like the exploration part where you do research, sketch and gather ideas as much as the visual design aspect.

How do you keep up with trends or learn new skills?

I always visit design-related websites and blogs. Dribbble and Skillshare are two of my favorites. For me, trial and error is the best way to learn something new. Don’t be too quick to say, “nope, that’s not my thing” or “no, that’s not my style”. I always give it a shot several times and it’s after that I decide. For me, inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places — when I’m driving or just sitting on the couch doing nothing.

What is your favorite recent design and why?

I would probably say my new site, jancavan.com, as it’s the most recent project I’ve been working on and spent a lot of time on. I find myself obsessing on the most minute details. One day I like it then I find myself revising it the next day. I am definitely my worst client. But that’s part of being a designer and I enjoy every aspect of it.

Interesting fact about you?

I’ve recently found a new hobby — visiting ghost towns! My husband and I enjoy exploring them and learning about their untold history. I also decided to go skydiving out of impulse.

Enjoy Jan's work, and comment below with your favorite!