In 2009, Dennis Eliezer Bueno caught our eye with his exceptional packaging designs and has been dominating the field since. His design presentations are exemplary of cutting-edge packaging, so if you’re new to the field then check out his work!

Currently, Dennis Eliezer Bueno has a small design studio in Davao City that caters to international clients found from 99designs.

dennis

Name: Dennis Eliezer Bueno
Location: Philippines
99designs handle: rembrandtjurin

How did you get started in design?

I still remember the design that I made in 1st grade, when I was 8 years old. I drew a human stick figure and decorated it with crayons. When I was a teenager in high school, I joined poster making contests and luckily, won several times. That was the start of my career as a designer.When I went to college in 2005, I enrolled in a 2-year Associate Computer Course — I didn’t know a lot about computers. I joined our school publication, The Regina, as a cartoonist for an editorial section of the magazine. Around that time, my friend introduced me to Photoshop (version 6.0) and I began learning it, then Illustrator and InDesign. Later I discovered Dreamweaver and Flash, until I got into Vfx (AE) and lastly 3D max.As you can see, design is a long process. There is so much to learn to became a good and quality designer.
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How do you get your inspiration?

There are a lot of things that motivate me to be my best — my wife, my daughter and my family.I also find inspiration in others’ work like Ulahts, Grade, Shewa and other top designers at 99designs (sorry if I forget to mention anyone). I really admire their work and want to be like them one day.Another factor that motivates me is when I lose a contest. Losing is like winning because when you lose, it deeply inspires and motivates you to design better and better.
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What led you to start using 99designs?

I saw 99designs when I was looking for web sites that held design contests. My first entry won and it became a challenge from then on to win every contest I joined.99designs also led me to build long term client relationships (most of them from the contests I win). This has been my bridge into the design world.My experience here at 99designs is awesome and has really made me a professional designer — I’ve learned a lot of styles.
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What are three important things designers can do to have success on 99designs?

  1. Understand the brief – don’t just make a design based off your preference. You should get the client’s attention by doing and improving on what they’ve stated.
  2. Choose contests that fit your skills – don’t join a contest because of the price, carefully pick ones you will excel in and suites your forte.
  3. Keep your feet on the ground – a conceited person never gets anywhere because he thinks he’s already there. Don’t think because you’ve won a lot it means you’re on top. Be polite and humble.
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What advice would you give to designers starting out in packaging design?

My advice is to RESEARCH first — there is Mr. Google. Find inspirations and techniques before executing a design concept. My workflow starts with research, then I sketch the concept and finally, I execute.

3D presentations really win. Every packaging/label design I make, there is always a 3D mockup of it. Spend time when entering a design contest on 99designs.

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What do you love most about being a designer?

I love the challenge of competing with a lot of professional designers, and the new things I learn everyday make me better than I was yesterday.
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What is a hobby that you enjoy doing outside of graphic design?

Aside from graphic design, my other passion is cars — I love cars. I love reading car magazines (Top Gear). I’m also modifying my car by designing it decals and stickers.

Aside from cars, I spend most of my time with my baby girl.

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