A conversation with packaging designer, Dennis Eliezer Bueno

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.

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.

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.

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.

What are three important things designers can do to have success on 99designs?

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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.