Contributor Spotlight: Radoman Durkovic

Radoman Durkovic is a graphic designer and Adobe Stock contributor known for his colorful, retro vector graphics. He recently contributed a series of Templates which can be found directly inside Illustrator CC (for free!). These pre-designed kits are intended to be a starting point for creative projects and are completely customizable.

We spoke with Radoman about his about his career in graphic design and his path to success in the stock industry.

ADOBE STOCK: What is your background and how did you become a designer?

Radoman Durkovic: When I was in elementary school I used to draw cartoon characters and shoes like Nikes and Adidas. They were colorful and cool, and at that time, very popular. I went to high school for design, and then applied to the Faculty of Applied Arts for college. I failed three times in a row! But it only pushed me to try harder. Fourth time for me was lucky and I passed the exam. Now I have a degree in graphic design.

AS: How did you get into selling your work on Adobe Stock?

RD: My friends told me about the opportunity to sell your art online. It was mystifying to me. So I started, but at first I did not see much progress. I didn’t realize how serious I had to be to be a successful stock graphic artist.

At the same time, I was working at a little agency doing graphic design and digital printing. I didn’t like that job much because it was boring. So I quit and started working for myself, taking on local clients. Then I became more serious about stock vectors, and put in more time and focus. It’s since became a secondary job.

AS: What are the benefits are of having your work available on Adobe Stock?

RD: If you sell yourself globally, you’ll have more opportunities for more interesting work. And people can easily find you because you’re online.

AS: What are some of the challenges you faced as a designer?

RD: When I first started out, I didn’t know the software – Adobe Illustrator – so well. I couldn’t make the things I wanted to. I needed more time to practice and to make more serious and creative work.

AS: How would you describe your style? Has it changed over time?

RD: A combination of abstraction and figuration. I like vintage, retro and futuristic styles. My style has changed many times. In the start, I wasn’t so good with software, so I couldn’t create what I imagined in my head. Now that I know the programs better, I can create exactly what I want.

AS: What’s your process for creating a template or a vector?

RD: I don’t start with a clear idea of what I want to create. I just start exploring to make something that looks and feel complete to me. It’s like abstract expressionism. I put down colors and shapes. Then I make compositions.

AS: Where do you get your inspiration?

RD: I always look at what other artists are doing. I try not to use exactly what I see, but rather use my imagination. I also like to incorporate all arts – movies, music, art, architecture – all of that stuff can be very inspiring for making something new.

AS: Do you have any advice for people who are trying to get into graphic design?

RD: For graphic designers I recommend going back to basics. The knowledge from history of art is important. You need to understand how art developed over time, how to use lines and colors, and how to draw. One you understand the knowledge you can apply it in your work.

AS: What about for succeeding in the stock industry?

RD: Be persistent and don’t expect overnight success. Success takes time. You need to build yourself and your creativity, so it’s important to work everyday and to have consistency.

AS: What are you looking forward to working on in the future?

RD: I’d like to have an exhibition of my work, hopefully next year.

Visit Adobe Stock to see more of Radoman’s Illustrator Templates and download them for free with Illustrator CC.