Interview: Yusuf Sangdes, our Indonesian ambassador

If you ever visit Freepik, it is very likely that you end up downloading some of Yusuf’s resources. He is one of our most important contributors and his work inspires us every day to get better and better.

That is why, today, we have decided to know him a little better and discover the person behind the artist.

When did you decide you wanted to be a designer?

I started studying Graphic Design in 2008 with my friend. But I made design a permanent job when I worked as a graphic designer in one of the Big Newspaper Companies in my city (Makassar) in 2011. Then, in 2014…I started to become a microstock Contributor and in 2018 I registered with Freepik.

Have you ever tried any other artistic activity? 

Honestly, before I worked as a Graphic Designer, I was a student at the Department of Fine Arts Education in the Faculty of Art and Design at Makassar State University. During that time I mostly worked on painting, murals, and making sketches.

Do you think a creative person is born or made?

People are basically born with creative souls. However, not all creative souls will emerge if the environment and the desire to learn do not support it. The more you learn and practice creative activities, the faster you will become a creative person. So my conclusion….the creative soul is innate, but creative people are created.

Who are your biggest referents?

Basically, I don’t have references to famous people or great artists because I come from a small area called Bantimurung. There I did not get much information about the art world. However, my father was very skilled at making things with his hand skills. He can make woven bamboo, carve wood, etc. So I think my biggest reference is my dad.

What inspires you the most in your daily life?

Of course my mom and dad. My father taught about Creativity and Hard Work, and my mother taught about Morals and Perseverance.

Your designs have great concepts How do you create them?

Actually, the quality of my work is not that great when compared to other great Designers. I just do it seriously and with full perseverance. And maybe people see and feel it so they think it’s good. The work I make always involves feelings because I want people to feel how I feel about the work. As for my techniques for making designs, I have shared them on my YouTube channel. Everyone can see it.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbv2aM_6dpo3gvb2A3AVZg

Is there anything you would never want to design?

I think there is no. Unless it relates to a violation of religion. Because basically, I am a person who is always trying something new.

What do you value the most about the design field in your country?

In my country in Indonesia, I really appreciate the way Designers help each other. The designers around me are people who do not hesitate to share their design knowledge for free.

A book, a movie, and a song that inspires you.

Basically, I’m always inspired by Marvel movies, such as Spiderman, Ironman, and others. And the design books I like the most are the book Made to Stick, by Cheap and Heath, and the book Do good Design by David Berman.

For Song….I think I don’t have a special song.