Get to know Demi Lee, graphic designer at Quark, with an artistic mind behind Quark’s captivating visual elements. From compelling social media posts to comprehensive whitepapers, Demi’s creative touch has no limits. Even the iconic QuarkXPress logo embraces her creative imprint.
In this blog, we delve deep into the world of Demi Lee, her extraordinary journey in the realm of graphic design, her vision for Quark’s branding, and the profound connection she shares with QuarkXPress.
Tell us a little about your role at Quark?
I am the primary graphic designer at Quark. I help create everything you see, from social media posts to whitepapers, even the QuarkXPress logo itself! Anything from Quark, whether it’s in-person at the many conventions we do, or online visuals, has my input!
What inspired you to get into the graphic design industry?
I’ve always been a very creative person. Right from a young age there’s been a calling in my life for art and graphic design in general. I know that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Drawing, painting, anything of the creative manner, makes me my happiest and I could never really imagine doing anything else apart from graphic design.
What is it about graphic design that you enjoy the most?
Graphic design is used everywhere you look, from the adverts you see scrolling on social media to the billboards you see on the way to work. It is a constantly evolving industry that directly impacts how we see the world around us. I love being able to see the impact of my work out there, making the world a little more beautiful.
It is a constantly evolving industry that directly impacts how we see the world.
What are some challenges you’ve found with graphic design and how does QuarkXPress help you overcome them?
One challenge that I and other designers face is finding the perfect balance of functionality and visual appeal. Whenever I am in a bind with a particular design, I like to use the Tables feature in QuarkXPress to turn complex sets of data into an easily digestible and appealing format. Another challenge that myself and other designers that work with print have experienced is when you have issues sending your work to the printers. I can attest to QuarkXPress’s pre-flight checking tool – it has saved my bacon more than once!
Tell us how you discovered QuarkXPress.
I was first introduced to QuarkXPress when a family member showed me how he used the software to create a website and branding materials for his business. I was in complete awe watching him create from beginning to end! He made it look so simple and easy and it made me think that I could do that. From then, I was inspired to use the software and try it for myself.
Is there any feature or capability of QuarkXPress that you can’t live without? And why is that?
My favorite feature has got to be the typography control. Having the utmost precision has enabled me to really explore and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with using written language as art.
Can you tell us why you love using QuarkXPress and how it differs from other software?
QuarkXPress to me is like an old friend, I know that no matter how complex a design may be, I can rely on QuarkXPress to streamline my workflow. The fact that QuarkXPress enables you to import/export in nearly all file formats makes collaborating with printers and publishers seamless. QuarkXPress shaped many industry standards and tools that are used to this day, so to be a part of Quark’s story is an incredible honour!
QuarkXPress shaped many industry standards and tools that are used to this day, so to be a part of Quark’s story is an incredible honour!
Quark has a rich, successful history in digital publishing software. Tell us a bit about how you would like to excel the branding side of things in the business?
All of us Quarkians are strong advocates for creative freedom, and I want that to shine though our messaging. QuarkXPress is an essential tool for what I do, so I want more people to know about the benefits and to expand the QuarkXPress community. Particularly, it would be amazing to promote the software to new designers starting out in their journeys.
Quark has a long and successful history in digital publishing software. How would you like to improve the company’s branding? And finally, what advice would you offer somebody who is very early in their design and digital publishing career?
I want to improve the company’s branding by showing our fun side! In an ideal world, I would love to showcase more of the amazing talent from QuarkXPress users. For the new designers starting out – I would advise just create! Don’t be afraid to experiment to build up your skillset, the best way to understand the core design principles is to simply put them to practice!
… the best way to understand the core design principles is to simply put them to practice!