Background

Hi, my name is Shawn Turek and I’m a graphic designer based in Eagan, Minnesota. I work at Checkerboard Strategic Web Development in Burnsville, Minnesota. I primarily do web design, some print, and occassional Flash and video editing. We’re a smaller company, which is great for me because I get to wear many hats and try all kinds of different things.

I went to school originally for engineering, and working in the engineering and engineering design software field for a number of years. About five years ago, though, I came to the realization that I didn’t have a lot of passion and interest for the job I was doing, and did some reflecting on where I have been and where I was going. I decided that life was short, and I wanted to pursue something more creative, so I went back to school for graphic design. It was quite a change for me, but I’m much happier now doing something that I am passionate about. I find that almost every day is a challenge and keeps me engaged, which is really what it’s all about.

When I’m not working, I like to do even more work by freelancing on occasion. I am also a producer and co-host on a podcast called “Just a Show“.  I exercise a fair amount, jogging three times a week and practicing yoga on the weekends. I like to read, draw, and have been known to pick up a guitar or create a music mashup from time to time. Even though I live in Minnesota, I don’t partake in any sportsman/outdoor activities like hunting or fishing. I’m not much of a pro sports guy either. Those are a couple of “guy genes” I’m apparently missing.

Interesting facts about me:

• I won $5000 on a game show.
• I am on IMDB for some crew and minor extra work on a couple of local indie films.
• I have a degree in mechanical engineering (although, to be honest, I’ve forgotten most of it).

A Digital Craftsman Using Various Forms of Expression

In thinking about how I work and create, I realized that I approach design like a craftsman. I don’t limit this to graphic design, but of course this is the area in which most of my creativity is done. I take this same approach whether it be for a piece of music I am creating, a video I am shooting, a drawing—any creative work. In fact, this “craftsman” idea was the inspiration for my website design. Craftsmanship implies putting in the time and effort required to create something of quality and not taking short cuts. It implies paying attention to the details, because often times the details can be the difference between a final product that is good and one that is great. It implies learning and improving through practice and feedback. It implies respecting the creative process as something that you can’t take out or diminish and expect to get great results in a consistent and sustainable way.

This is not to imply that every creative endeavor I undertake gets this treatment, though. In the real world, sometimes you need to do things quicker and/or for less money. Still, this what I strive for. I believe I am at my best when I can approach projects with this craftsman mentality. In the long run the things I create are better and the client is happier.