Branko Loncar – Novi Sad, Serbia
99designs handle: ludibes™
Projects won: 79
What is your background in design? How did you first get started?
For me, it all started as a hobby. Drawing isn’t on my list of talents… I’m more of a “technical” person and even in school I had higher grades for Technical Drawing than for Art Classes. But I still had eagle-eyes for details and fine art ;)
At some point, for pure fun, I started playing with Photoshop and was amazed with the endless possibilities. Even though I was completely unschooled in this field, it drew my attention and I started teaching myself with online tutorials.
Soon, I was hired and working for a large local publishing house, mostly on book cover designs.
Hobby became job, job became passion…
Describe your design style.
My designs are modern, edgy and mostly abstract but suitable for its intended use. I’m a big fan of 3D designs but I’m trying to be versatile so I often enter contests for classic and even girly designs ;)
Combining different styles keeps my mind fresh and inspiration flowing.
What led you to start using 99designs? Can you describe your experiences with us?
I was introduced to 99designs by a friend who was already a noticeable member of the community. At first sight, financial opportunity was really encouraging but I wasn’t familiar with vector designs. I was stunned by the quality of work submitted and my hunger for knowledge was unleashed.
When I won first contest, I was hooked ;)
I’ve learned a lot since that first win, thanks to 99designs and its community members. I’ve made some good friends and with their guidance, I’ve built my own style. After one year, I had a pretty big base of clients and started to get more business offers outside of 99designs. The bar was raised, I had to quit my regular job and start with full-time freelancing.
Now, I work for two design agencies and I’m planning my own in the near future. Still, whenever I can, I like to join contests and compete with fellows.
Somehow 99designs always pushes my boundaries and makes me test my skills over and over again :) There are some great designers on this site and their work is not just impressive and inspiring, but are also dictating the direction of future design. That’s why I’ll never quit 99 ;)
What can 99designs do to help you have a better experience?
- Last forever
- Never break first rule
What do you think is the most important part of the design process? What is your favorite part of the process?
Most important part of the design process is “initial spark.” The feeling you get when you see a company name and after reading the first two lines of their brief, you have great ideas that could win the contest.
If there is no spark, solutions are possible but it requires much more time and thinking. The toughest part is evolving your idea — implementing the requirements and maintaining the overall desired look.
Presentation of your work is very important and lately, I’ve been experimenting with it. Your presentation has an impact on the clients first impression, and is a great factor in winning their contest, but it’s crucial to develop your design skills first. No use in providing a good presentation for lousy work ;)
And finally, what’s better than the prize and money is the feeling you get when your logo is displayed and representing the client.
How do you take in feedback from the CH’s on your designs? We understand that feedback can sometimes be negative. Do you have any words of encouragement for new designers who may receive negative feedback?
After 800 contests, I have learned to deal with both, positive and negative feedback. Its a tricky part of our job because we all need feedback but it can make us feel pettish about our work.
There are times contests take a direction that is far from your initial idea where, even if I win, I’m not pleased with the results. But, I welcome negative feedback. It can save you plenty of time from developing concepts for someone who clearly doesn’t like your style.
What do you love about being a designer?
The feeling you get when something you’ve created draws a proud smile on your face. And an even better feeling when you receive positive comments and the client is satisfied.
Also, the fact that I have a decent life thanks to designing. :)
What is a hobby that you enjoy doing outside of graphic design?
There is not much time left outside of designing, freelancing and raising children.
Music is irreplaceable because it plays even when I’m sleeping. When I have free time, I like to play djembe or listen to African roots music, as well as modern psychedelic trance and ritual beats. I was once a party person, but now I satisfy my party needs each year at a festival.
Based in San Francisco, Allison (Alli) Stuart works as Community Content Coordinator at 99designs. When she's not writing blogs and communicating with designers, she is working on her Children's Book. She also enjoys extreme sports, like sky diving and traveling to new places. Alli has a Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University, her home. Geaux Tigers!
Allison Stuart
Svaka cast goashu :))
fala ;)
One of my favorite logo designer. Keep up the good work and keep inspiring us Branko! :)
thanx Mark, I’ll do my best ;)
Great design Branko !!
Very Inspiring :D
Dessy
svaka cast! Dugo sam prizeljkivao ovaj intervju :)
hvala zemljak!
thank you Dessy, love your work as well :)
Imenjače, SVAKA ČAST! :)
hvala ime ;)
love it!!!
spread the love :)
wonderful designer! Very inspiring.
well, to be an inspiration is ultimate goal ;) thank you!
Congrats, Branko! :)
thanx Gila! no need to say I’m a big fan of your amazingly cute designs, cheers!
great guy, great designer!
great thanx!
congratz mate, great designs!!
hvala Attila!
Živa istina:
“Most important part of the design process is “initial spark.” The feeling you get when you see a company name and after reading the first two lines of their brief, you have great ideas that could win the contest.”
Isto kao i kod mene! Čestitam!
let the “spark” be with you!
One of the proud logo designer of 99d. Intelligent. Humble and Handsome. His style is really one of those styles I want to achieve. This guy helped me out on how to give a confident and fair price on follow up jobs from these foreign clients and taught me how to value my labor and creativity. More power to you Branko!
That is awesome to hear Peper! I’m sure you’re sharing your knowledge. ;)
Of course Ms. ALLISON, and that’s how nice it is to be on Branko’s friend’s list!
the pleasure is mine ;)
Congrats! Bro.. You’ve been always an inspiration for me ..i’ve been watching you for long :)
thnx bro! there will be many more so keep an eye on it ;)
Congrats Ludibes.
I like your style.
Been one of my fav designers since I joined 99designs.
thank you!
Svaka cast!Cestitke!! :)
fala care!
One of my fav designer on 99d.Good persons with great creativity. nice to see this interview. Like he always say : “PREPARE TO BE AMAZED”
you are amazing designer branko.be rock!
thank you dear Dee! I expect much from you too :)
Congrats Branko! A classy designer with big time skills… good to know you mate;)
I’m honored I can call you my friend!
Svaka cast matori. Napokon su te se setili! :)))) Samo napred…zasluzio si! :)
xexexe, hvala Borko, jes bio red stvarno… :D
Congrats Ludibes.
I like your style.
thanx, I like it too xD
Wow… @ludibes You are one great designer… :) Congrats… :)
I’m honored!
Very professional!
thanx, your work is noticed too ;)
Yeeeeeey, finally! :) One of my favorites as well. Great thoughts in the interview – and needless to say, great works as well. Congrats
hvala Alex, necu zaboraviti tvoju pomoc kad sam pocinjao ;)
Njbolji :) !!!
hvala Svetlana! ali daleko sam jos od najboljih, nadam se da sam na dobrom putu ;) svaka cast za tvoje radove btw.
very talented designer….
thanx erick!
Congrats Ludibes !! your designs and your words shows what a great talent you have and what a great designer you are :)
thank you on kind words :)
wow, I’m stunned by all the praise :D
and honored as well, no words can describe my gratitude to all of you! you rock!
Svaka čast!
hepi :D
Sve cestitke kolega
hvala kolega!
congrats, great work as always.
thanx fatboyjim! like your work too ;)
Awesome work Branko!
You are a true role model in this community.
Cheers,
Jason
My time is jet to come ;) and i’ll give my best to justify this honours.
Thank you Jason on all support, help, belive and friendship.
Congrats My fellow Idol^_^. Keep it up.
I will, thank you! wish you the same :)
Congrats mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanx buddy!
Congrats Branko!
Svaka čast, sjajni radovi…
Samo napred!
hvala zemo!
svaka cast<—- No idea what that means ;)
CONGRATS Buddy! And all the best.
it means something like “well done” :D
thanx you buddy on your role in my jurney on this site ;)
Branko, you are a true gentleman. Well done my friend! And even though your work is already fantastic, I’m sure we haven’t seen the best of you yet … shoot for the stars dude!!
thanx Dean! looks like stars are closer with logo you designed ;)
Svaka cast Branko ChoVeChe ;) Congrats!
hvala SteVaNe!
Congratulations Ludibes – your designs always have strong branding, expert artwork and perfect synergy. Awesome continued excellence!
thanx Steve! when heard from professional like yourself it realy means a lot ;)
Congrats kolega, samo napred!!! … :)
hvala kolez, ne znam za rikverc ;)
Branko,
I think I know You but from a diferent field of art :) I am not wrong, You are in music too ? :)
Waves from south Serbia, Nis. I hope I can learn those skills, You are officialy bookmarked at my browser ! :D
Regards,
Miloš
p.s. I have missed the last line :) Now I am sure that I know You from that another kind of art ;) Because I was in it too, so the name was well known to me.
From Your presentation here, I can take some advices read bettwen the lines :)
Thank You !
I was, but just for short and for pure fun ;) Thank you, but you are to kind, cheers!
Keep going, wish You luck in further work ! Going to mail You and steal some tricks soon. (Kidding ofc :))
Nemam riječi stvarno si odličan!
Pozdrav iz Rijeke
hvala Igore! pozdrav tebi iz Novog Sada!
Svaka cast, druze! Zaista inspirativno, nadam se slicnom razvoju :) Beskraj ideja i svako dobro ;)
hvala, svako dobro i tebi!
great designer! congrats Ludibes!
thanx!
Congrats Ludibes.
Excellent works………
you are grate designer..
thanx a lot!
Cestitke!
hvala ;)
The Arcon Logo..just wow!! very nice!
yep, that was nice but didnt won :)
Cestitke na promociji zemljak, samo nastavi!
hvala tebi zemljak!
Caesar!
veni vidi vici :)
80/877 contests?
I just noticed that a lot of 99designs contests are getting abandoned, or has “Caution,” “Unhealthy,” “Locked,” no feedback at all while CH gives rating on designs.
What’s the purpose of “CH extension options” offered by 99designs when CH’s will just abandon, refund or lock their contest, or do some disrespectful actions? It would be nice if there is a “NO-REFUND” policy since CH’s has the ability to extend submissions. This way, contests are much more secured and guarantees that a creative gets chosen to win and also gurantees CH’s get’s quality output.
Also why not impose a “Blind” for all contest. Creatives here are starting to copy or redesign other creatives outputs. Again, what’s the use of the Brief section especially for logo contests?
I’m starting to feel that people behind 99designs only value getting cash on their pockets. They don’t value designers anymore. This community is starting to degrade totally, respect is starting to fade.
CH’s with abandoned, or has numbers of unsuccessful contest should be warned or not accepted at all if things like this happen, which does most of the time. This only shows the greediness of this people.
99Designs, this community is getting abused, please, do something before more designers opt out.
*** Mugen Signing Out |
*** Something that’s actually happening on creatives in this kind of community – http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell
Too good work with very attractive presentations branko..!
like your style…
and thanks for inspiring me.. :-)
thanx Jigs, I’ll try to continue in same manner :)
Great designs of you.. Keep it up. ;-)
will do!
Super e se … savrsenstvo bez mane :P
daleko je od toga, al’ valjda ka tome tezimo ;)
Im amazed with your work ludibes, your an inspiration, very professional.. love ur work.. im just new here, i need to work hard.. Thank you Ludibes. I want your skills and ur passion :) heheh.. great work man.
I’m so impressed, so sophisticated. Love it
woaa….so wonderful desings, amazing ideas.
sweet!!! っ￣³￣)っ
Svaka cast matori,verujem da su preko tebe mnogi naucili da nas ima na karti,samo napred :D
svaka čast! :)
rokaj snimaj ! :)
Cestitke Branko za tvoje radove i interviju koji si dao ja sam nov u ovome i iznenadjen sam koliko nasih ima ovde. Ti si nam svetao primer :)