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Today, we sit down with Greg Danho, a figure who has carved a unique niche in the graphic design community, particularly celebrated for his contribution to the famous “Graphic Design is My Passion” meme. This meme, originating from a tumblr post by the user yungterra, features a green cartoon frog against a cloudy sky, with the text written in the Comic Sans and Papyrus typefaces. The meme is a humorous, sarcastic remark aimed at the world of graphic design, and Greg’s interpretation and variations have brought a fresh twist to it.

Let’s delve into his journey, his thoughts on design, and how he sees the infamous meme impacting his profession.   

Graphic Design is My Passion – How Did it Start

Q1: Greg, could you start by telling us about your background and how you entered the world of graphic design?

Greg Danho: Absolutely. I started as a tumblr user myself, just experimenting with different styles and posting my work online. I studied graphic design formally and learned the fundamentals that really helped me establish a career path in this dynamic industry.

Q2: What first drew you to the “Graphic Design is My Passion” meme?

GD: It was the blend of irony and truth in it. The original graphic was so raw and funny, a perfect capture of many mediocre designs out there. It was a chance to lighten the mood in our often too-serious field.

Q3: How do you feel about the use of Comic Sans and Papyrus in the original image?

GD: It’s brilliantly bad. These typefaces are typically scorned in professional settings, so using them was a masterstroke in conveying the meme’s sarcastic tone.

Q4: Can you explain your process when creating a new version of the meme?

GD: My process usually involves picking elements that are recognizably amateurish—think WordArt or classroom clipart—and mixing them with an understanding of design principles to create something uniquely eye-catching yet still funny.

Q5: What has been the reaction from the graphic design community to your versions of the meme?

GD: Surprisingly positive! Many see it as a fun way to express our frustrations and joys without taking ourselves too seriously. It’s a reminder to enjoy the work and the journey.

Q6: How has the meme influenced your professional work?

GD: It keeps me grounded. It reminds me to always find a balance between pushing the limits with design and maintaining a sense of humor about the craft.

About Graphic Designer position

Q7: What challenges do you face when trying to balance humor and professionalism in your designs?

GD: The biggest challenge is ensuring that the humor is understood and appreciated without undermining the message or professionalism of the project.

Q8: How has tumblr influenced your career as a graphic designer?

GD: Tumblr was a fantastic starting point. It allowed me to share my passion for graphic design and connect with a community that was supportive and inspiring.

Q9: Do you think platforms like tumblr still have a place in the career development of young visual artists?

GD: Absolutely, platforms like tumblr provide a space for experimentation and feedback that is invaluable for growth and learning in the early stages of a career.

Q10: What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers?

GD: Keep creating, keep sharing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every piece you create teaches you something new.

Q11: What’s your favorite tool for graphic design?

GD: Adobe Photoshop has always been my go-to for its versatility and depth.

Q12: Can you describe one of your most successful graphic design projects?

GD: One of my most successful projects was a logo design for a major tech company. It was a minimalist design that really resonated with their brand identity.

Meme and PNG are not all – How Greg works on Design and Variations

Q13: How do you stay updated with the latest design trends?

GD: I follow various social media platforms, subscribe to design magazines, and participate in design forums to keep my finger on the pulse.

Q14: What’s your take on UX design versus traditional graphic design?

GD: UX design is about enhancing the user experience through design, making it a crucial aspect of web design and app development. It’s more technical and user-focused, while traditional graphic design is often more about aesthetic and concept.

Q15: How do you incorporate feedback into your design process?

GD: Feedback is critical. I often present initial concepts to clients and use their reactions as a guide to refine the designs further.

Q16: What do you think about the future of graphic design?

GD: The future is exciting! With advancements in technology and an increased understanding of how design influences user behavior, I believe we’ll see even more innovative and impactful designs.

Q17: How do you handle tight deadlines?

GD: Planning is key. I prioritize tasks and make sure there is enough buffer time for unexpected challenges.

What does Really That Graphic Design Meme Phrase Mean

Q18: What does the phrase “Graphic Design is My Passion” mean to you personally?

Greg Danho: It’s both a funny meme and a genuine statement. It reflects the love for the craft and the quirky humor that graphic designers often share to cope with the pressures of the industry.

Q19: How do you think humor, like in the ‘Graphic Design is My Passion’ meme, affects the perception of graphic design?

GD: Humor makes graphic design more accessible. It breaks down the mystique and seriousness often associated with our work and shows that we can enjoy what we do without taking ourselves too seriously.

Q20: Can you tell us about your favorite gif that you’ve created related to graphic design?

GD: I created an animated gif where the “design is my passion frog” appears to be designing on a vintage computer. It cycles through various funny graphics and ends with a clichéd phrase written in the Papyrus typeface, which always gets a good laugh.

Q21: What role do websites like Know Your Meme play in the distribution of graphic design memes?

GD: Sites like Know Your Meme are crucial for documenting the origins and interpretations of memes. They help us track how images and posts evolve across platforms and become part of the broader digital culture.

Q22: Have you ever used Pepe the Frog in your designs? How do you handle potentially controversial elements?

GD: Yes, I’ve used Pepe in some projects where the context allowed for it. It’s all about knowing the audience and ensuring the use of such elements aligns with the message without offending.

Q23: How important is typography in creating effective memes and graphics?

GD: Typography is fundamental. It can make or break a design. The right typeface can amplify a message, while a poor choice can distract or even detract from the intended impact.

Q24: From your perspective, what constitutes ‘bad design’?

GD: Bad design often comes from a lack of clarity or purpose. It misleads the user or viewer and fails to communicate the intended message effectively.

Q25: How do design agencies influence trends in graphic design?

GD: Many design agencies are at the forefront of setting trends. They push the boundaries of what’s possible and popularize new aesthetics that often trickle down through the industry.

Q26: Could you explain the significance of using PNG files in your work?

GD: PNGs are crucial for maintaining the clarity and quality of digital images, especially when dealing with transparent backgrounds like the cloudy sky in many versions of the meme.

Q27: Can you share examples of the meme variations you’ve created?

GD: I’ve done versions with the frog in different settings, one with a design conference backdrop, another against a classroom clipart, each time adding elements that play on common graphic design scenarios.

Q28: What does it take to be a successful graphic designer today?

GD: Beyond skill, it takes adaptability, an understanding of current trends, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and audiences.

Q29: Can you discuss the design and variations of the ‘Design is My Passion’ frog meme?

GD: The variations play with different elements—backgrounds, typography, additional characters—to keep the meme fresh while staying true to its original, ironic message.

Q30: How do you manage self-advertisement as a graphic designer on platforms like Tumblr?

GD: I focus on sharing original graphic design work that speaks to my skills and style, and I engage with the community by contributing to discussions and offering feedback.

Q31: How has the ‘Graphic Design is My Passion’ meme impacted your Tumblr blog?

GD: It’s brought a lot of traffic and interaction. People enjoy discussing the nuances of the meme and sharing their own takes on it.

Q32: What’s the story behind the ‘cloudy background’ commonly seen in these memes?

GD: The cloudy sky adds a dreamy, almost ironic touch that contrasts sharply with the amateur look of the green cartoon frog clip art, enhancing the meme’s humor.

Q33: How did Tumblr user yungterra influence the meme culture with their original post?

GD: Yungterra’s post was a catalyst. It captured a feeling many graphic designers related to and sparked a wave of creativity and commentary on design culture.

Q34: Describe your collaboration with other Tumblr users like hatchergold. How do these interactions shape your work?

GD: Collaborating with others like hatchergold allows for cross-pollination of ideas. We challenge each other and push creative boundaries, which enriches our individual projects.

Q36: How has the ‘Graphic Design is My Passion’ meme evolved since it first appeared on Tumblr?

Greg Danho: It has become a popular symbol for designers who want to share their love for the craft without taking themselves too seriously. The phrase and the meme graphic have been adapted and reimagined countless times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the design industry.

Q37: How do you utilize design tools in creating meme graphics?

GD: Design tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are essential. They allow me to experiment with different elements and execute ideas quickly, which is crucial when working on personal projects or timely meme graphics.

Q38: Can you describe a project where you expressed a deep love for graphic design through your work?

GD: One of my favorite projects was creating a series of posters for a design conference. Each poster was a love letter to a different aspect of graphic design, from typography to UX, showcasing the beauty and depth of our field.

Q39: What’s the importance of having meme archives, and how do they contribute to the understanding of graphic design trends?

GD: Meme archives are vital for preserving the digital culture’s history. They help new designers understand the humorous undercurrents that have shaped online and offline design discussions and trends.

Q40: How does the updated Tumblr logo reflect the changes in the platform and its impact on the graphic design community?

GD: The updated Tumblr logo is sleeker and more modern, reflecting the platform’s evolution. It shows Tumblr’s ongoing relevance and its role in nurturing a vibrant community of creatives who share their passion and inspire each other.

Q41: On January 29th, a significant image was submitted to Tumblr. Can you talk about its impact on your work or the community?

GD: That image, posted by the user hatchergold, was a reinterpretation of the classic “Graphic Design is My Passion” meme with a fresh twist. It reinvigorated interest in the meme and sparked new discussions around creativity and humor in design.

Q42: Describe your process when you begin to share a project on various social media platforms.

GD: When I share a project, I focus on tailoring the message and visuals to each platform to maximize engagement. For example, I use more detailed images and posts on Instagram, while on Tumblr, I might share more of the creative process and background stories.

Q43: How common is it for people in the design community to use their work as a form of self-advertisement?

GD: It’s very common. Many designers use platforms like Instagram and Behance not just to showcase their work, but also to attract potential clients and collaborations, effectively using their projects as self-advertisement.

Q44: Can you explain what designers mean by the phrase ‘staff be like’ when referring to platform moderators or trends?

GD: It’s a humorous way to comment on the sometimes out-of-touch decisions or communications from platform staff, especially when changes affect how designers share and display their work.

Q45: What are some challenges you face when creating graphics that need to resonate across different cultures?

GD: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the humor and references are understood universally. This requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances and sometimes, adapting the content to fit different audiences without losing its core message.

Q46: How does the dreamyacorn user’s work influence or reflect trends in the Tumblr design community?

GD: Dreamyacorn’s work is known for its whimsical and ethereal aesthetic, which has been very influential. It embodies the kind of creativity and personal expression that Tumblr is known for, inspiring other users to explore similar styles.

Q47: How does the image of a cloudy sky with a green cartoon embody the spirit of the ‘Graphic Design is My Passion’ meme?

GD: The image combines an absurd, almost surreal quality with a common, everyday element—the cloudy sky. It’s this juxtaposition that captures the meme’s essence: a light-hearted take on the passion and sometimes the monotony of the design world like with yellow color palettes.