VON GLITSCHKA
Von has worked in the communication arts industry for 19 years as a Senior Designer, Art Director and Creative Director. His fresh, exuberant graphics—for both in-house art departments and medium to large creative agencies—have won numerous design and illustration awards along the way.
In 2002, Von started Glitschka Studios, a multi-disciplinary creative agency with clients nationwide, including General Motors, Microsoft, Upper Deck, Hasbro and IBM. Characterized by a diverse range of styles and humor, Glitschka Studios strives to create visually inspiring, concept-driven design in a world often void of alluring and well-executed graphics. The studio has found its niche as a creative outsource for larger ad agencies and design firms. Logo/brand development and illustration work are two mainstays of the firm’s commissions.
http://www.glitschka.comhttp://www.baddesignkills.comWhen did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
My first hint that I might want to pursue this as a career came my freshman year in high school. I took a 'graphic communications' class which taught us how to do layout and paste-up and then carry it through to pre-press and burning plates and then run an off-set press to print what we did.
The first assignment was to design a business card. The teacher told us upfront "These cannot be real business cards. They have to be fake." So I decided to do business cards for a fictitious trucking company and called it 'Bull Dog Trucking' and used a cool bull dog image I found in a ad cut book provided to us. I designed a logo using the bull dog and created the mechanical. Then I proceeded to go through the whole process and then turned in the finished cards to the teacher. He looked at card and said "Hey plumber come here!" I said "Why do you call people plumbers?" Not looking at me and still scrutinizing the business card he said "Because plumbers make more money then I do." I didn't say anything because I still didn't understand how that applied to me? He then looked at me as his brow furrowed and said pointing the card at me "You sure this isn't for a real business?" I shook my head "No. I just made it up." He starred at me for a few seconds not saying anything and then turned around and walked to his desk. He picked up his phone and looking at the business card punched in the phone number I had on it. Since I made up the phone number it gave him a pre-recorded message and he hung up the phone turned around and said smiling "Good work plumber. This looks like the real thing." After that he pretty much let me do anything I wanted so I got to create and print my own little books and flyers etc. it was a lot of fun.
During my senior year my friend Tom Harn and I looked into going to film school but since we had no idea if or where a school was we asked the career counselor to look into it for us. Being that it was before the dawn of the internet she came back with "I couldn't find anything?". So we both kind of let it fade. About a month later a lady from Burnley School of Art (Now Art Institute of Seattle) came in and showed us a portfolio of student work and told us about the college. I knew right then I'd rather go there then do math at a regular four year college.
So essentially my fear and loathing for all things math related inspired me to pursue what I do now. ;-)
Who or what inspires you?
I'd have to break it down into three parts.
Part 1 > Sources of inspiration that Influenced me growing up.
- My mom. She is very creative. Has been doing the 'Martha Stewart' thing way before Martha and she has a better sense of humor.
- Norman Rockwell: My parents owned a book of his art and I'd sit on the couch and just flip through it studying the details and trying to understand what was going on. The depth and richness of his characters transfixed me and many of my doodles at that age were little scenes that I tried to tell the same type of story with.
- Jim Flora: My parents owned a bunch of LP's of big bands with his artwork on it and I'd just stare at it all the time. Took me about 30yrs to figure out how much this man influenced me.
- MAD Magazine: My parents viewed this magazine as 'unhealthy' to a developing mind. I guess that is why I loved it so much! LOL I'd ride my bike down to the drug store and buy a copy ride to my friends house and read it. I'd then stuff it down my pants and take it home and stash it safely under my bed. Sergio Aragones, Don Martin and the like artwork would captivate me for hours. Of course the humor was good too.
- Anything Pop Culture at the time you could find on TV: Sid & Marty Krofft shows, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, Battle Star Galactica, Batman, Johnny Soko, Kung Fu Matinee, Cartoons, Japanese Cartoons and Monster movies.
- I was always exploring too as a kid. I'd take a box, tin foil, markers, tape, an old motor from a toy I took apart and would spend the day creating a robot. That is it looked like a robot. Or me and my buddy Tom Harn would write scripts and do movies with his dads 8mm film camera. That took up a lot of my childhood.
- I first touched an Apple computer my freshman year in high school. An Apple II. I taught myself basic and eventually got to the point where I was programming my own software to catalog my baseball cards and creating a path adventure game. Even time I see a file and it's size is 64k I laugh because it reminds me of the Commadore 64 computer from those days.
Part 2 > Sources of inspiration that influenced me professionally.
- Neville Brody: I remember when I first saw his work thinking "You can tell it's his work." I liked that. It told me his work had a voice that reflected himself even though it was successful for his client too. He was part of my own design revolution in that regard.
- Fred Griffin: He was my eccentric graphic design teacher in school. At the time I didn't appreciate his '8 Basic Design Principles' he methodically taught us. But over the course of 19 years they've proven themselves to be fundamentally true. Me and another former student are working on getting a web site published with this methodology online as a resource for other designers.
- William Morris: I came across a tapestry book of his work early in my career and it fascinated me. Here he had created these complex textile patterns and motifs all by hand without any digital precision tools but they were not only beautiful but impeccable from a precision stand point. That told me that a high level of skill and craft for your work should be a must. And with the help of computers now there is no excuse for sloppy work either conceptually or execution wise.
- Apple Macintosh: I learned design the 'old school' way and I am really glad I did. The first 4.5 years of my career were non-computer and frankly I didn't take it too seriously. When the MAC came on the scene strong and due to my previous exposure to Apple II I naturally jumped on it and have never looked back. I guess it facilitated and helped unleash creative opportunities that I otherwise never was able to pull off. I love hi-tech stuff and this mixed two passions for me 'Creative' and 'Tech'. Hence why I consider myself a true 'Mac Geek'.
Part 3 > Sources of inspiration that currently influence me
- I try to live a 'Creative' life style. I am always exploring. Always seeking. Always capturing passing thoughts and recording them. Saving all my doodles. I have fun with this with my two daughters too. Just the other day we had a conversation about the branches of a tree by our house and how they look like a monkey sitting up in it. I try to remain curious about topics and things I don't know. I am always trying to learn new things and that alone inspires me on new paths etc.
- Other designers work who I consider friends inspire me. My close friend Paul Howalt (
www.howaltdesign.com) blows my mind with his work. I've become friends with a designer in Portland named Jeff Pollard (
www.jpd-logos.com) and his work intimidates me and I like that. Intimidation is a passing moment for me and transforms into inspiration which motivates me to kick it into gear and expect a higher level of work from myself. Another is Keith Bowman (
www.designbureauofamerika.com) I've enjoyed getting to know him more and not only is his work incredible his humor cracks me up as well.
- Randy Hill. A while back my friend Tyson who is my CPA told me about this designer who moved to Salem from Texas and said I'd probably enjoy talking to him. So I contacted Randy and we met for coffee and man what a cool guy. I now feel like I have another designer friend locally I can just talk shop with and hang out with and he'll understand the whole creative thing. He's also a gifted musician so I am hoping he'll inspire me musically too.
- Doodles. Some may not see how that could inspire but it's like 'Brain Dumping' for me. I literally save all mine and when I go back through months or years later it's like meeting an old friend you forgot about. I find myself thinking "I remember you! You were fun." Doing this has inspired my latest side projects with
http://www.doodlearchive.com and
http://www.keyboard-characters.com.
- Creation. I read several scientific journals and I am fascinated with the level of design that can be found in known systems. it's cool when I see designers who observer nature and then mimic that design to create a new product or design of their own. I remember seeing the intricate patterns and wonderful colors on a tropical fish and thinking "Thats part of Gods portfolio."
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Growing up I had no formal education for art. I've always drawn since I was really young though. I attended Seattle Art Institute from 1984-86.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Always learning. Always exploring. Always trying new approaches. Always feeding my mind. I get bored easy and staying focused is a big challenge for me every day so the way I help myself do it is to approach my work without any preset assumptions as to how I will pull it offgraphically or otherwise. I let the creative process dictate my approach.
I also pursue a very diverse amount of projects. One day can be a pure illustration project, the next could be web development work, then icon designs, and then a logo and identity design. I like that, it keeps it fun and interesting.
What are some of your current projects?
September and October are always my slowest times in terms of work flow. So right now I am working on my new illustration web site. I pulled my old site down over two years ago so this one is way over due. My goal is for an early November launch. I am about 60% done right now. It uses a new domain name
www.vonster.com.
An ongoing project now is creating a set of 60 icons for Edison Power in California. When I work on a set this big I usually try to collaborate with another designer to pull it off in a more timely manner and on this project I am teaming up with another icon artist out of England.
I am also working on local telecom companies branding for another agency here in Oregon.
This coming week I'll be starting a interactive flash component for a company in Seattle for use on their web site.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
Right now I'd have to say the 'Bad Design Kills' web site. The whole thing started as something just for fun and it's kind of taken on a life of it's own over the past six months. I cannot take full credit for it's success however. The contributors to the site are the ones who should get the most recognition for it's success. It's their artwork that visitors are downloading and enjoying and that has led to it's popularity. The image you have posted with this interview was created by my friend Brian Brasher. Arguable the best icon artist in our industry in my opinion. it's work like this that makes the BDK site a success. This one I'll be uploading soon to the site so the readers of this blog get a sneak peek.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
Film: I'd love to create a documentary idea I have. I just need to make the time.
Childrens Book: Hard to get your foot in the door but I'll pursue this too at some point.
Music: I am trying to learn the guitar. Hard when you have fingers like a hobbit.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Anyone can learn software. Train your brain to become good solid conceptual thinkers. When working on ideas nail it down on paper through a methodology of sketches and refinement before you jump into the digital realm. Become a good doodler. You don't have to be a full-blown illustrator but teach yourself to be a good sketcher so you can work out ideas and visuals easier and more effectively.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Good design without a concept is nothing but decoration. And a concept without good design is mute.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Coffee. Lots of coffee. Seriously though, I always make time for my own pet projects. So during the day I may be working on a clients project but in the back of my mind I am thinking about my project I can pick up with where I left off. I usually move from one pet project to the next and right now have several in the fire at the same time.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
My iPod has really limited my TV viewing. My top five shows would be:
- Myth Busters
- American Chopper (Mikey cracks me up)
- History Channel (Anything WWII)
- Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
- Everybody Loves Ramond (Reruns)
Related Links:
http://www.glitschka.com
http://www.baddesignkills.com
Recent Work:
JEOPE WOLFE
Jeope Wolfe (pr. JOE-pea) is a boy, and an in-house graphic designer at Ducks Unlimited Canada’s national headquarters outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has worked…nuts to this third-person shtick; I’ve worked here in various capacities since 1998, nowadays primarily designing and overseeing the company’s members-only magazine, Conservator, and its french-language equivalent. In between issues I slog away on internal company requests and other corporate detritus.
I dig what I do, and I’m fortunate to be in the position I am, being where I am. I’m a fan of the whole scene. Show me anything artistic and chances are I’ll appreciate it.
Interests vary widely, including road maps, thunderstorms, taking photos, barbecued meat, vegetarian pizza and lasagna, birds, biking, hiking, exploring and my new house.
And I’m almost 30 years old.
If you’re headed to the Arctic, stop by Winnipeg. I’ll show you around, have a good time.
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When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
For a few years in junior high I wanted to be a cartographer, which is close. But realistically, it didn’t happen until I was in college. I was taking an advertising and journalism program. I wanted to be a print journalist, but at the same time we were covering the local police beat (depressing!) we were learning how to create and write TV storyboards in advertising (non-depressing!). So that day I totally switched teams. The following year, majoring in advertising, I worked in conjunction with the design students on mock campaigns and what-not. They seemed to be having even more fun, so I finished up my course and enrolled in the design program. And – with no offense to the field – it just seemed really easy. I had to scratch and claw to get decent marks in journalism and advertising, but I was making the honours list in design almost every term. And getting more sleep.
Who or what inspires you?
I don’t have a hero or nuthin’. No Saul Bass posters on my bedroom ceiling. But seeing kickass work in the CA annuals, online, in publications? That inspires me. When the CA annuals come in the mail – especially the photo annual – it’s like Christmas. I never get tired of checking out good illustrations and photography.
Work from peers inspire me. An element I genuinely miss from school is being able to lean over and see what the next guy’s doing. If it was better, then dammit I wanted to be better. Every spring I attend my college’s graphic design open house. Some of it’s scary-good.
Nature inspires me. It’s design in its purest form. It’s the subject of a lot of my work, and it’s present all the time, all around. It’s perfection.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Red River Community College, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, circa late ‘90s. It may sound small-town lame, but around here it’s where you have to go to gain a foothold in the industry. That’s where the technical training comes from. The basics, at least, in software, but also theory and history. It’s actually a pretty solid program that has pumped out some quite-fine grads.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Fresh? Geez, I don’t know if I can get away with even saying that word. My work is stationed in the middle of a marsh, well out of the city, and the only thing fresh out here is muskrat poop.
So I try and keep tabs on similarly-themed magazines and anything newsworthy in design circles through that Inter-Net dealie. But by and large anything I create comes straight from that area of the brain that recognizes what just makes good visual sense.
What are some of your current projects?
I work in-house, so often times my schedule is set for me weeks or months in advance. Right now it’s fall and that means two things usually: the company’s auction merchandise catalogue and the fall issue of the english and french magazine. For years I’ve been in an incredibly fortunate situation where I get to design a full-colour, 40-page publication, single-handedly, without any external advertising. But that’s changing this issue, and I’m now in a situation where my design whims are no longer the boss – the advertisers are. Can the clean, neatnik designer coexist with the slovenly, brash external ads? Stay tuned (cue theme to The Odd Couple).
Also, I volunteered to build the front and back covers of the next HOWieZine. We’ll see how foolish a decision that was in a couple of weeks. Or not.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I’m mostly proud of my magazine. A few years ago I was given the sole responsibility of putting it together after an unsuccessful stretch of doing it as a team. In my eyes, I’ve never slung together a solid-gold beginning-to-end mag, but I’m definitely proud of many individual page spreads and feature layouts. If this ever happens, it’s usually because the magazine planets align: stellar supplied photography, clever writing, captivating subject matter and maybe a little design epiphany on my part. To wit:
And I’m proud of a few of the things I’ve made as a result of a New Year’s resolution to create something artistic once a week. These hombres come to mind:
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I graduated during an awkward time where web design was just starting to become a big deal. And I had a chance to take it during an optional year of the program, but I left to make some money on account of being near-broke. So I know almost dick about that stuff. And I gotta learn someday because it’s advancing further and further away from what I think I could ever begin to comprehend.
In terms of more pure art, I’ve avoided painting. Even painting a wall gives me headaches. I’ve never been an ace flyboy at just getting dirty and making art.
Any advice to the novice designer/illustrator?
My dad’s advice once was to never bring your work home with you. My old boss’ advice was “Relax, you’re not saving babies”. And somewhere in there lies my advice. I abhor stress, so my advice would be to remember what you’re doing for a living, and remember why you chose the path you did. And relax. Always let chips fall where they may.
Also, do something artistic for yourself on a regular basis. Sketch. Take photos. Don’t take your skills for granted, because they fade – unless you’re some freaky prodigy. I was a far better artist in college when I did it every day than I am now. See, I should be following my own advice.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
If you’re talking about what makes one of my designed pieces or illustrations successful, I know it when I start drooling. If I’m so involved in a piece that I drool on the paper or keyboard, I know I’m on to something good. It happened with college projects and even recently while crafting submissions for Illustration Friday.
But what makes any design/photo/illustration successful? When you’ve taken something as far as it can possibly be taken. And it sounds simple enough, but 90% of all art in the universe doesn’t achieve this – and I’m guilty as anyone in terms of falling short. Time constraints, budget constraints, management, what-have-you; they’re all obstacles, and the most heinous crime in design is saying “good enough”.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burnout?
I maintain a creative blog. It’s small, cute and honest. I started it as the New Year’s resolution I mentioned because I went through a spell last fall and winter where I had a lot of self-doubt in terms of my skill and passion. A corporate in-house job will do that to a guy, however secure it may be. It’s worked. I still have woe-is-me moments, but it’s coming along slowly. I have a tendency to be pretty hard on myself, and my work.
This year I’ve also started making submissions and contributions to projects and sites like Illustration Friday, PhotoFortnight and the HOWieZine. This allows opportunities to stretch and do stuff not possible in a conservative office environment.
Or I’ll just go outside. It’s what man was meant to do.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Bupkus. Maybe soon it’ll be hockey games. Otherwise, all the good stuff comes on well after prime-time. In Canada, that means shows like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and The Daily Show.
At any given moment you might also catch me slack-jawed and stuck in cheese like Battlebots, World’s Worst Drivers, Spongebob Squarepants and classic episodes of The Amazing Spider-Man and Looney Toons.
Related Links:
Jeopopolis: http://jeope.blogspot.com
The Conservator archives: http://www.ducks.ca/aboutduc/news/conservator/index.html
SHAWN PORTER
Shawn enjoys long walks on the beach and... Oh, wrong profile.
Shawn has been working in design and marketing for over 12 years with Fortune 500 companies to small businesses alike. He's led projects for companies like PepsiCo, Inc., Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando®, AAA, Clear Channel Outdoor, Houlihan's Restaurants. He spent the first few years of his career drawing maps which led to a position in design for the company's marketing department. Later in his career he moved into the dot-com industry and then into the theme park and tourism industries.Shawn and his new fiancé Jennifer were engaged at Disney World and will be married in March 2006. They live in Orlando with their dog Brandy, a beautiful lab mix, and the fattest cat you've ever seen named Waffles after a famous quote from the lovable Donkey in Shrek.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
Like many designers, I started out very early drawing. I would draw anything around me including my favorite cartoon characters like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and album art. I was great at copying by sight alone. To this day, my mother still tells the story of when she used to accuse me of tracing at a young age. She stopped the accusations the day she tried matching my drawing up to the picture of Bart Simpson I was drawing and noticed that although they were strikingly similar, the lines did not match up.
My major in college (at Savannah College of Art and Design) was to be Painting. Although I really enjoyed the creative freedom, I realized very quickly that there wasn’t much money to be made in this field. I believe it was while developing brochures and a web site for my art work that I became intrigued in the graphic arts and its usefulness.
Who or what inspires you?
Television shows and commercials do inspire me. Seeing a creative commercial campaign makes me want to achieve more in my own creative in order to achieve my goal of one day directing large scale campaigns that would include television broadcast.
Being a native Floridian (and you thought we were all extinct) I’ve spent a lot of time at the theme parks since I was very young. I’ve always found much inspiration at Disney and Universal from the visual creative to the attention to detail in creating a fully immersive experience. Getting to work with those brands in the last few years has been quite fun.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I started working during my junior year in high school as a map maker (yes, I drew maps). This job soon turned into a designer position. After moving from school to school for a few years, I found one that I enjoyed taught by professionals who, during the day, worked in their field. Many of them didn’t have the pretty masters’ degrees, but they knew what they were talking about having dealt with the issues in the real world. I received degrees in Commercial Art, Advertising and later decided to round it all up with another in Marketing Management.
During school, I always maintained a full time design position. So, the information I was learning at night usually applied during the day and vice versa. By this, I was getting both the real world experience and the book smarts all at the same time. However, I always say that nothing can train you better for the real world than real world experience.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I prefer cling wrap for the ultimate in freshness. Seriously though, I try to keep up by surfing the web and checking out the design annuals. I always stay up to date on what the big guys are doing and read up on Ad Age. I try not to get too involved, however, because I find that when designers obsess too much about what others are doing it can be detrimental to their own style.
What are some of your current projects?
Much of the work I do is in affiliate marketing for major theme parks such as Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. Last week I wrapped a web development project for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. Today I began concepts for a new cruise booking web site to be launched early next year.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I always like doing the theme park work, especially for Universal. I enjoy the park, the people and the entire experience. Not to mention, it’s great for the portfolio. One of my favorite projects has to be a vacation package developed for Universal. It was my first big project for them that turned out great. Another project that I am proud of is a billboard campaign done for Houlihan’s Restaurants. I developed a concept for a 10-board campaign themed with a different ‘therapy’ on each board relating to the restaurant. ‘Hydro Therapy’ showed a few cocktails while ‘Aroma Therapy’ was shown with a aromatic entrée. They were all over the city for a year or two. Whenever I show my portfolio locally, many people say, “Oh, that was you?”
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I would love to get into video production and post-production. I had a chance last year to co-direct a few commercials for a client in conjunction with Universal. While I enjoyed the experience, I always felt the urge to jump into the editor’s chair and do the work myself. While I was there, the editor’s next door were working on promotions for the (then yet to be open) Mummy ride at Universal. As you may have figured, I very much enjoy working for the theme parks. I was like a big, hungry kid in a candy store.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
My advice to young designers and artists is to learn how to take criticism for what it is. Although some clients and employers can be quite harsh at times, they (usually) mean only to nudge you in the correct path. Don’t take it personally. Take a step back, analyze what it is they are looking to accomplish and try to establish an educated solution that you both can be proud of. Don’t get too attached to your point of view.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
In my experience success is usually established by numbers. No matter how proud I may be of a certain piece or how hard I worked to achieve a certain look, sometimes it just doesn’t work in the marketplace. I use separate phone numbers or market source codes (for web sites) to generate reports on the successfulness of a particular project. Seeing those numbers can be quite an eye opener. However, this does give my team the ability to test multiple campaigns and change up certain elements to find out what works and what doesn’t. It’s quite an education in versatility.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
I love to just go take a drive when I feel I’m getting burnt out. Just stepping away from the confines of the office can do wonders. Sometimes, I will come home for lunch to spend time with my dog and watch the tube for a few minutes. I also find people-watching to be wonderful relaxation. My fiancé and I can be found on most weekends people-watching at the theme parks.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Definitely Lost. If you asked me this question a few months ago, I would have said Carnivale. But as we know, this wonderful show has been yanked away from my wanting hands. I’m going to go cry now. Both shows I enjoy for the wonderful production, visuals, well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you on your toes.
Related Links:
Portfolio:
http://www.regalstudio.com/portfolio-withvo.htm
Web Site:
http://www.regalstudio.com
Recent Work:
DAVE PASCIUTO
Dave Pasciuto has been working professionally in the entertainment industry for over twelve years on various projects for film, broadcast, video games, web, print and illustration. Dave worked as a senior designer and animator for Reality Check Studios on many projects for CBS, ABC and ESPN, including: the Super Bowl XXXVIII Stadium Open, Hellboy, X-Men 2 and Terminator 3 commercial spots, Jersey Girl, Harold and Kumar goes to White Castle and 50 First Dates effects and compositing. Also Toon Disney Rebrand and HBO's Inside the NFL for New Wave Entertainment.
Prior to his film and broadcast work, Dave spent eight years in the video game industry as a lead artist for several popular titles including: Electronic Arts NBA Live ’96, '99 and 2000, PGA Tour ’96, '98 and over eleven other "old school" games for the Sega Genesis and GameGear. He has also designed over 25 websites including projects for First Media Works, ClearChannel Radio and The Gnomon Workshop. Currently Dave has returned to the video game industry and is working at Electonic Arts Chicago as an Environment Artist on Fight Night, Round 3.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator?
Ya know there wasn't a point in time where the sky flashed and lightning came down and BAM! There it was clear as day. I was never like, "I’m gunna be an illustrator!" I was put here with a gift-and I always knew it. It was what I was supposed to do without question. It was all I COULD do, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be given that gift. Art has always been a part of my life since I was a little punk ass bitch.
I have also been very lucky to have parents that supported the arts- even though I’m a product of an art teacher and a truck driver- best of both worlds baby! :P Mom was always teaching me things-like sculpting a tree blindfolded or etching or printmaking...Dad was bringing me in the truck, letting me switch gears and I remember a guy on the CB talking’ about sticking’ a rainbow up someone’s @$$. I thought it was funny. Heh. Wait, what was the question again?
Was there a pivotal moment?
Nope. Not at all. I never thought about becoming anything else other than what I was. I believe that everyone is given something special. Some play music, some people can talk, some are athletic- mine happened to turn out to be art for some reason. My path was chosen for me, cos I never though about being or doing anything else. I dunno…my career choice was simple. I never had to figure out what I liked to do- so I saved lots of money on education I guess.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by traveling, the arts, culture and researching other things besides the design industry- that’s how things repeat- I’m not interested in that crap. But I really get inspired about things at the wrong time for the wrong project. Ill be working on one thing, and *pop* Ill get tons of ideas for something else I’m working on-which sucks, cos then I’m working on 2 things at once because I cant let that sauce go to waste. I also get inspired by the “why” and “how” things work. For example- reflections and caustics- we all know what they are, but HOW do they happen and WHY do they exist. Lighting has always fascinated me as well.
Also music, art and music are much related- I’m always listening to music and certain songs or genres trigger different moods which affects my art.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
When I was growing up, having a Mom for an artist gave me a huge jump on my artistic education. I was cutting woodblocks, sculpting and using pen and ink by the time I was 10.
Most kids were using crayons and crap, I had markers. I also had some great art teachers in
Public school- I was super lucky there. Mr. Fritz in Junior High really took an interest in me and a few friends and helped cultivate what we loved to do. Hell! My first paying gig was in 6th grade painting murals for the school at $4.26 an hour, that was back in like 85 or something- LOL I remember padding my hours too! Damn I was evil. : P
My first “real” education was at Gnomon in Hollywood and extension classes when I was 28, but that was for more 3d and to do Feature Movie work, but up until then it was education of working on the job-Which is better and a more accurate education model than school. Most teachers never worked a day in the “real” world, so the system sorta gets skewed there.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Freshness is extremely hard to keep in the entertainment industry. The world is so saturated by everything. Everything is becoming a blur. You can’t design or create something that CAN’T be
compared to something else that has been done. I mean were all inspired by the same stuff…
So how could it NOT influence what we do? I find that fine art and underground artists are more out of touch with the design world, so there is a refreshing flavor to it, I also constantly sketch-which I feel is my “own.”
What are some of your current projects?
Well at my job, I’m an Environment Artist for Electronic Arts, working on Fight Night Round 3 for Next Gen systems, XBOX 360 and Playstation 3. I have to say they are amazingly impressive, and these systems are finally bringing the “art” back into games.
Outside on my own time, there is
http://www.3leggedmen.com/, which is just a stupid fun T-shirt endeavor; I also am putting together a 32 page sketchbook, which is a montage of my art and words. Its entitled “Spilled Imaginos, Volume One.” Those are the most current that will be finished by next summer. But other stuff is on the list, but I gotta have some order in the chaos.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
The ones I’m most proud of are personal works, cos I know I didn’t have to listen to some “art director” or deal with any sorta limitations. I just run with what I think. I’m really proud of the sketchbook stuff I’m doing. It’s so raw and it’s just me “spilling” shit out, so there’s a lot of truth and conviction in it. I guess it’s the artist in me trying to be let out. LOL Jeez, what a bunch of crap. : P
I’m proud of everything though; I’ve worked with some amazing talent, and have picked up a wealth of knowledge along the way from others. I’m lucky to get paid at something I love to do.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you? Have yet to try?
There are thousands of techniques to do anything; all of them help give insight to something else that you’re doing. I’ve used most mediums. Oil painting has interested me, Mom used to use them- I found them stinky and hard to work with. I loved watercolors, so I wanna get back to traditional painting. I also haven’t worked in the comic book industry yet, I think I’ve got them all covered except that one. Id love to color a comic, or even ink one, but that’s another project.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
No one should tell you to draw or do assignments. If you truly love to draw, do art, design or whatever- you’ll just do it all the time- then you know you’re passionate about it. That’s half the battle. If you never draw or design unless you HAVE to, then it’s not your calling. Honestly.
Also learn traditional foundation FIRST, design is all based off of traditional arts. Once you know those principles-then design is A LOT easier to understand and EVERYTHING makes sense. I’m a purist, so stay away from computers until you have to use them. They’re evil.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
If the piece is executed well, and it’s easy to “read.” Ya take one look at it, and you understand the concept or the message. If you can’t figure that out, then it’s unsuccessful. Your eye should be able to pick up exactly what’s happening in the ad, photo or illustration. You shouldn’t have to think “is that an elbow or an ass?” Or better yet, “what’s he doing with his ass?” : P
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Everyone needs an outlet. I have my sketchbook, and I play competitive volleyball- every dude needs some way to release pent up aggression and emotion. Same with females, we all know that it feels great after a workout or beatin’ someone down playin’ football or a sport. You need to get away from stuff we do to clear our head, most of the time you come back and see everything in a new light.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I don’t watch that much TV really, but I was a fan of “The Surreal Life” and “Tommy goes to College” is pretty funny. I know he’s boned that tutor of his. LOL I really love to escape in movies-oh ya and porn. LOL j/k err… ya. :P
Related Links:
http://www.davpunk.com/http://www.davpunk.com/news/index.htmlhttp://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/dvds/dpa01.htmlhttp://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/gallery/pasciuto.htmlRecent Work:
SHERI AUDETTE
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls—STOP. Hmm ok that’s a bit much. I’m Sheri and I’m a graphic designer with over 15 years experience (sound like an AA meeting?). My career began in Anchorage, Alaska then to Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California and here I am back in the igloo (oh wait mLu has that spot, I’m out here on the damn iceberg). I’ve worked in industries from rock stars to realty and now I’m the Senior Graphic Designer at The Alaska Club, Alaska’s largest fitness club. I love to cook and the look and feel of great paper. I paint and make a mess when I do it, only way to really feel what you are painting. I have a tendancy to be lippy, but in a fun non-abusive way. I live here in Anchorage, Alaska with my two daughters, our dog, cat, and koi.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I believe the decision was made when I was still in diapers—one day I took mine off, smeared the contents on the wall and proceeded to draw... what other pivotal moment do you need! I’ve always been a magnet to some facet of design. Whether it be fashion, architecture, interior, typography... you name it I loved the visual aspect and was hungry for the backstage drama. When I was young I created posters and signage for a lot of things and I painted also. When I was 12 I went to NY—talk about true love, I thought I would go to fashion design school there but that didn’t happen. Over the years when I “grew up” I continued doing things for others and then got into creating logos, signage and graphics on clothing for local bands. Friends and family were always raving and told me I needed to step up. It took a horrific situation for me to break out and go to art school.
Who or what inspires you?
Life. I’m inspired by the images in the stucco ceilings and the clouds. I’m inspired by the different character of people I pass. I’m inspired by the blood that gushes from a cut to the color and texture of dinner. Life is a true inspiration. You can learn from a text book but experience is THE teacher. I put myself in situations that are out of my personality comfort area and taste so that I can experience what others feel and see. You can gather references from books etc. but to really live that reference brings you so much a step further when you design.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Before attending the Art Institute of Seattle I dived into Illustrator, Photoshop & Pagemaker head first and never looked back. I was asked to help create a local newspaper here in Alaska to which I had no clue what to do but I just figured it out and did it, that made me learn about printing specs as well as layout, type, etc. Again life=experience.
How do you keep “fresh” within your industry?
Fresh, she’s so fresh. I can’t say this enough—look around, above and below. Experience what you NEVER normally would do (not too freaky now!) Yes I look at the industry mags, sites, books and the work of my peers. What keeps my mind fresh is expanding my horizons, living outside of the box. Sometimes I feel that we as designers limit ourselves and just keep within the design community and view what is going on there rather than the rest of the world. I know I am guilty of that and I have to shake it off and remember there’s more to life than just us designers.
What are some of your current projects?
At work— schedules up the a** which get color/some style changes season to season, directing the others in our department to maintain our companys identity. Evolving the oh so clean identity of The Alaska Club without disturbing the upper hand bubble too much. I also maintain the companies website www.thealaskaclub.com which I redesigned (the old one was peach & teal, you can imagine).Personal side— I have this thing goin’ on, it’s a 3’ x 4’ painting, even at the stage it’s in it’s beautiful but it has taken longer to complete that I would have liked, it’s for someone very special so the time is worth it. I also freelance on projects on my own and with someone out of TX - designing logos and identities for various small businesses.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I’m very proud to be a contributor in the re-birth of The Alaska Clubs identity. We took the company from “whatever the mood was at the time” to “this is us”. The flow isn’t quite throughout the company yet (have to train those admins!) Re-designing The Alaska Clubs website with nearly no site design/technical experience is/was a great accomplishment—which again made me learn by experience, trial & error and the programs necessary.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I have been very fortunate to design for many mediums and industries. I would love to do some great packaging, the type you just have to save just because you love it. Painting more is something that really makes me warm and tingly. Aside from the painting I’m working on I have sketches for a series of paintings that I want to get going on and complete in this lifetime.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Free your mind. Your personal taste may bring a niche to your design but never limit yourself. AND... you will fail - it happens - don’t let it bring you down, learn and grow from the failure and never think there isn’t anyone better than you.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
The damn process. The blood, sweat and tears of it, and then that ONE second of fame with the final product.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Burn-out is a given, no way around it. I step back or just stop, drop and roll. You have to give yourself a break. If your mind gets overloaded then you’ll just spin and start sketching/designing the same concept a million ways, sure that may sound great but it’s one concept. I really have to remove myself and as I said before, put ME in a strange place. Oh yea and a drink or two or a few help as well!
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Oh hell — don’t laugh — alright already.... uuuummmm I like American’s Top Model and R U the Girl. Also COPS & CSI.... I just got cable so I flip. LOVE my HGtv and the Food Network.... but when I really can’t sleep I watch the Gastineau Girls (at least it’s not Jerry!) - I don’t really watch much of these shows just here and there when I get a break sometimes.
The End or Just the Beginning...the choice will always be yours.
Recent Work:
MARIA SINGLETON
Hola! Me llamo Maria de los Angeles Santos-Singleton…. Vivo en Surprise, Arizona. Okay, okay I stop! You know my name now, which is the longest. Yes I’m a saint, a little angel. You can just call me Maria, Marie, Chiquita, and I’m a graphic designer currently aiming to accomplish the never-ending dreams. I reside in Surprise, Arizona with my wonderful husband of almost 6 years, Jamel and beautiful daughters Isabelle and Olivia. For the past few years I’ve been working as an in-house graphic designer for an inkjet recycling and OEM packaging company. During my free time I enjoy freelancing, collaging, baking fresh and delicious chocolate chip cookies and of course spending time with my family! I decided to go with a casual introduction, I’m not very “clever” when it comes to writing about me. Enjoy the read!
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
While he doesn't know it, my older brother inspired my drawing interest. His work moved me in an emotional level most careers never did. I recall this piece he did when my cousin died in a car accident. My brother has never been one to express emotions. Through this piece he did. It was done on a gray stone colored paper, black ink, a man kneeling over in a cemetery with a wind flowing coat... it was so emotional. I wanted to do art that moved people they way his piece moved me. I think my whole life I’ve had a creative heart. However my desire to be in the art/design industry came to me through that piece my brother did.
Who or what inspires you?
I believe this question has an endless answer. I can easily be inspired by the way my imagination creates possibilities and then making those possibilities happen. The possibility of a good outcome or a catastrophic one. I also find a great deal of inspiration through travel - this inspires me the most because I'm open to the possibilities of the unknown. I draw inspiration from those experiences and apply them to my work. In the end I find the most inspiration through emotional connections. If I have an emotional connection with a particular item, I buy it because it inspires me. If I run into word, lyrics, poetry that mesmerizes me emotionally, I find a way to post it where I see it all the time so that I can remain in the moment of inspiration as often as possible.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
My education started at The Art Institute of Phoenix... or did it? Really I find that even when you attend schooling your training comes from you. At least for me that was the case. I think I was a late bloomer, if that's the term. It took me forever to "get" graphic design during my schooling. The moment I got it, I really got it. I spent a lot of time doing tutorials, sketching, looking at art books, resources, reading - my training happened the moment I stepped out of class. My training happened through me. I took a simple taught lesson and evolved it on my own. So in the end I rather say that I'm self-taught. School taught me basic software and computer understanding, I taught me to be creative, to think "concept", to practice the craft and to have fun with my career.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Wow, I'm ashamed to say that I don't feel worthy of this question. I haven't felt too fresh these days. However I do my best (as mentioned above) I buy things that inspire me such as music, toys, poetry, and books. I try to not "follow" what others are doing in design but do things that satisfy me visually. Keeping fresh means sketching a lot, staying in touch with the world and the events taking place at the moment, looking at things through the past and the future and being open minded about these!
What are some of your current projects?
I work for as an in-house inkjet recycling company. It is a job that wouldn’t appeal to most graphic designers. This coming month I will be working on some packaging materials. I'm very excited about this project. Our company does a lot of packaging services but the clients usually have their own design groups so this will be a great opportunity. I think it will be fun to approach this new project from this industry's (inkjets) point of view. I also do work for myself. I've been thriving to put together some "pin-up" girl shirts. And while this might not be for a client, I find that I design the best when it's for "me". My husband and I also recently moved to a new home and I'm contemplating doing murals for my daughter's rooms. Those count as projects right?
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I haven’t been doing much these days. I loved my 1st and 2nd submission for the Howiezine (www.howiezine.com). I’m proud of the TV one because it was done without a computer. I tinted the background with acrylics, cut the paper, aged it, did it all away from that design crutch of mine aka “the computer”. The 2nd piece was for the “Naked” theme. I had an emotional connection with this one because I was expressing a very dark event in my life but in the end to express it on my work, well it’s now one of my favorites!
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
Wow I have so many areas yet to cover!!!! I am very passionate about collage work and I would love to try it some more! I have always wanted to design my own font/s. But more than anything – one of my goals is to have my own greeting card business. I’ve been talking with my good friend and wonderful greeting card designer, Melissa Morris (
http://www.melissahead.com/). I’d like to have both of us join forces and design some cards. We’d kick ass!!! I know these are pretty attainable goals, however time is something I lack these days with two daughters, so I hope to do this sometime in the near future!
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Well it’s hard to say! I’d say don’t believe everything your instructor’s told you! Read Jeff Fisher’s book… “The Savvy Designer's Guide To Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career”. It’s an extraordinary introduction into the world of graphic design. Communicate in a professional manner. If you don’t have manners, learn them. Nobody likes cocky designers, know it all designers so check your ego at the door! Be a team player! Have a listening attitude, an “I can do it” attitude… and draw!
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Each of us define good design in many different ways. Of course this might be based on skill level too. I think design is successful when it delivers the message that it’s supposed to. Meaning reaching your audience, appealing visually, and forcing the execution from the customer weather it’s buying, enrolling, emotional connections, etc. I think if your piece executes the purpose that it was intended for, then it’s good design. Good design to me doesn’t always mean “pretty”. Good design happens when the piece is “effective” as a whole.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
As far as burn-out goes, I wish I could avoid it! I don’t think one “can” avoid burn-out. At this very moment I feel burnt-out. I find a way to “get-away”. I step away from that very thing that’s causing the burn-out. Of course sometimes work is deadline driven so you can’t walk away from it, but even if it’s for a 30 minute vacation, you will be much more effective when you return to it after taking that vacation. Now motivation is more so side by side with inspiration. I keep motivated by looking at magazines that inspire me, looking at design pieces from fellow designers that move me… these give me a kick on the butt to get in gear! I journal my ideas and reference them too, my own “creative” to do list.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I don’t really watch TV right now. However I love Nip Tuck on FX, which we’ll be starting back up next week… that’s the only one thing I watch. I use to watch Battlestar Gallactica on the Sci-Fi Channel but once the season started I got bored with it. I have the hardest time sitting still, so that explains my inability to watch TV for long periods of time. I’m more of a DVD movie watcher too.
Recent Work:
RYAN BOOTH
Ryan, a Toronto based designer, has over 6 years of experience in a wide range of projects. He loves all things Mac and can often be found at the local Apple store drooling over the 30" cinema display. By day, Ryan is an in-house designer at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club in downtown Toronto. Outside of his day job, Ryan takes on freelance work including custom invitations, identities and stationery programs. He also has an interest in photography and takes a lot of mediocre photographs. Ryan has been married for almost 1 year and he and his wife have the world's weirdest cat named Fred. While not officially diagnosed, Ryan is convinced that Fred suffers from an inner ear problem which seriously affects his balance and depth perception.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer? Was there a pivotal moment?
It all started the day my preschool teacher called my mom "concerned" that I only used black paint. Actually, I think I had two pivotal moments. My parents strongly encouraged my creative side as a child (they knew I just liked black) but the day my mother told me I'd never put food on the table by simply drawing was probably the first time I had to seriously think about how I could be creative and still make a living. The second moment was around the same time we had a designer come and present in our 11 th grade art class. He talked about his work and about design in general. I think my decision to become a designer came after those two experiences.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by great design work.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I went to St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada . It was so cold in the winter we had nothing else to do but work on our projects! We didn't see a computer until almost our third year and for that I'm grateful. At the time I cursed the manual training we received - I despised rubylith, hand-rendering our letterforms and the patience it all took. There was no undo, if you screwed up, you had to start all over. As much as it pains me to say it, those experiences have helped to make me the designer I am today. I'm glad that I was exposed to those processes and think I'm a better designer today for it.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I'm constantly reading, design magazines, newspapers, websites, anything. I try not to follow trends. I think you can get so stuck trying to keep up with the latest fads that you'll never create anything original.
What are some of your current projects?
Outside of the Club's monthly magazine, I also have a coffee table book and I'm working with a team to create a new RCYC website. I just finished a logo for an addictions treatment program. I'm going to be starting a set of wedding invitations for a friend while working through plans to start my own invitation company, a huge undertaking. Finally, I've been working on my own website and stationery package for about 6 years - I think it's finally time to finish those. I've started posting some work on my blog -
http://graphista.blogspot.com/Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
The one project I'm most proud of is our own wedding invitations. I was initially stressed wondering if people would like them and whether they would turn out as anticipated. All worries aside, they turned out great and everyone was surprised at the fact that we had created them. I have to give art direction credit to my wife. She had veto power over everything and it made our invite that much better.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I'm definitely interested in screen printing. I've always been interested in creating a clothing company with great silk screened shirts – not silk shirts. I'm also a very amateur photographer and I'd love to get more involved with that as well. I'd love to have the opportunity to show my photos, maybe even sell one or two.
Any advice to the novice designer?
Be curious, read and experiment. If you're a student, don't take a film class thinking it's a no-brainer, find something easier. The last thing you need is a paper dissecting the symbolism of Apocalypse Now the same day your final typography project is due. Trust me!
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
I've finished many projects and thought – "that looks great" but it really means nothing unless it connects with your target audience. That should be the goal from the outset. I always want my work to look great but it needs to garner a response to be fully successful.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
I pick up my camera. I'm sure I've taken many more bad photos than good but it's that one really good shot that's exciting.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I think LOST it's really good show. The Simpson's are always good for a laugh. I like to flip more than anything.
Related Links:
http://graphista.blogspot.com/Recent Work:
MICHELLE UNDERWOOD
Michelle graduated from The Art Institute of Seattle in 2003 with an applied degree in graphic design. Within a month of graduation, she was hired as an in-house graphic designer for The Alaska Club, the most popular (alright, ONLY) fitness chain in Alaska. And has been working there ever since. She currently lives in Wasilla, Alaska and spends her free-time dreaming of warmer climates.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I was 14 I think, flipping through the pages of a Transworld Snowboarding magazine, and I found myself looking more at the ads than the rest of the magazine.. realized that someone actually gets PAID to do that. Was always drawn to interesting layout and typography. So it just fit. That's where I wanted to go for my career.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature, music, other people.. Anything can be inspiration, just depends on what you have to accomplish and how open you are to everything around you, I guess. As for other designers, I like Sagmeister a lot. He pushes boundaries a little bit, tries to stay away from designing on the computer until he HAS to use it. I feel like in some ways we think alike, except he's way more advanced than I am of course, and has great ideas that make you think: "Why didn't I think of that?" And he keeps a great sense of humor.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Sadly enough, The Art Institute of Seattle. Bleh. (so pretty much self taught you could say).
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Try angles that haven't been tried before. Add experimental elements. Keep my eyes open to new things.
What are some of your current projects?
Schedules for the gyms and pools (swim lessons, etc.), flyers, posters... We are getting ready for our "Open House" season, where each one of the 10 local clubs have a big event and live coverage from local radio stations, so there's all kinds of fun stuff going on with those. Direct mail pieces, offer inserts in the member billing.. There's so many things.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I just gave our member handbooks a HUGE makeover, and I'm pretty proud of how it looks now. Received a bunch of compliments on it as well. Unfortunately, just our old handbook is featured on the website at the moment. Most of my work is just printed and distributed. I don't know of anything that is on our website that I'm responsible for.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I REALLY want to get into screenprinting shirts. Not really sure where to start with it though. Books I guess, right? :) Not many shops are willing to just let me stop in and see how it works. I think they are afraid I'm going to steal business from them or something.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Try interning for a while first. Never stop learning or searching for inspiration. Learn from your mistakes. Try to stay positive. Accept constructive criticism from other designers, and thank them - even if you don't agree.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Depends on what kind of market you're in. At my job, the more compliments you hear from members or other employees, the better the piece is. Word makes it's way up the ladder, and does nothing but good.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Take a break to breath or work out. Enjoy the weekends and stay organized. Frequent visits to the HOW forum. :)
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Like I have time to watch TV. :P
Recent Work:
CALVIN LEE
Calvin Lee, a native of Los Angeles, designer and owner of Mayhem Studios. Calvin is a relatively new in the design world with 5 years of experience in the business. Mostly self taught and attending local schools. Calvin is also a member of the Platt College Advisory Board as a way of giving back to the community, which he's learned so much from.
Three business card designs by Calvin Lee of Mayhem Studios will be featured in "The Big Book of Business Cards", due out late this year.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I knew since I was a kid that I would be doing something in the art field. It really started when I picked up my first comic book. I loved how it brought you into another world. I thought, someday I will be drawing comics myself. Then I realized years later that I wasn't that great an illustrator and not cut out to be a comic book artist. So, I went in the direction of architecture, and found that it wasn't my cup of tea either. Finally, I ended up at a community college taking some Commerical Art classes. I really liked the idea of solving problems through visual communications. I discovered this was my calling.
Who or what inspires you?
I don't a have a specific person that inspires me. I think designers inspire me, nature inspires me, friends inspire me, life inspires me. Oftentimes things not relating to design inspires me. I may be working out or on a walk, and all of a sudden, I get a flood of ideas and inspiration. Funny how the mind works.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I have a little of both, mostly self-taught. I attended a local community college for Commerical Art. It was all hand done back then. By the time I graduated, the computer age had come around. I had no computer skills. So I wasn't marketable. I fought it a couples of years. Until I was forced to buy a computer and learn all the the apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, in order to find any kind of work. I armed myself with a mountain of books and videos and learned it. I am continually trying to better myself as a designer.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
It's hard to keep up with what is fresh sometimes. I think if you stick with design basic principles/elements you can stay pretty fresh. A lot of it comes from what is happening in the market. There are different design styles that pop up everyday. I think if you are on top of the trends. Incorporating some of what is out there will help. For me, looking through design annuals, design books, product design or anything out on the market gives me inspiration to stay fresh.
What are some of your current projects?
Currently working on website for a IT business. A 50-page ad book hopefully in the next month. My main goal is getting my name out there and promoting myself. Designing promotional postcards for myself. Setting up a second design website, CalvinLeeDesign.com. I want this one to be more fun, not as corporate as the Mayhem Studios website.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I would have to say my Identity Package: website, letterhead, envelope and business card. It's pretty tough to design something for yourself. You never seem to be satisfied or happy when it comes to your own design. I am pretty happy with mine. It took me a while to get there, about 3 years. I kind of stumbled upon it, it seemed to design itself. I am proud of it because it is all mine.
I also enjoyed working on the Makeup Media website,
http://makeupmedia.net/. It's a Special FX and Makeup Artist Studio for Movies/Television. I liked the theme of the site, the cool creatures and monster FX. It made working on the site a lot more fun. This isn't really a specific project but I really like designing logos/identity. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the fact that a mark says a lot about a company.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I still want to maybe get into comic books in some way. Inking and coloring comic books in Photoshop interests me. I know it will be time consuming but have more control over the medium on how everything comes out.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Having an education and degree is very important. Even though your success depends on your design skills and concepts. In corporate America, that's what they look at. They use it when selecting potential candidates to hire. One has to work harder to find a job without a degree but it can be done. I know this from experience. Also know your craft and continue to educate yourself and grow as a designer.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
In my opinion, all the elements in the piece need to be unified as one. Choosing the right colors, fonts, photos, etc. It has to be dynamic to catch peoples attention, not just to make something look pretty. What really catches my eye is nice and clean and minimalistic. Design with a lot of white space. I also like busy designs when it's well done.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Oftentimes I have to step away from the computer and designing. Engage myself in an activity that is totally different than design. Working out, going to the movies, being outside and enjoying life helps. Looking at other designers work also helps me keep motivated. I enjoy browsing through design books, magazines and websites. I can be found at Border Books or at Barnes & Noble almost every week. I have design books piled all over the house. I can't seem to find enough room to store all my books.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Hmm, I haven't been watching to much TV lately. When I do, I like watching more cable shows then the local programming. Lately, I have been into the new Dennis Leary show "Rescue Me" on the FX Network. The show focuses on the professional and personal lives of N.Y firefighters.
I also like Law & Order: Criminal Intent. I really like the way they put the clues together to solve a crime. The main detective is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes. If he doesn't have the evidence on you, he'll make you believe he does until you confess. I have to say my all time favorite show is Macgyver. He can get out of any sticky situation with what's in his pockets. He has disarmed a bomb with a pair of hockey tickets. Gotta love that.
Related links:
http://www.mayhemstudios.com/http://calvinleedesign.com/http://www.themusclecafe.com/Recent Work:
RANDY HILL
Hill Design Studios is a Pacific Northwest based multidisciplinary design studio formed in 1986 by Austin, Texas native Randy Hill. Hill Design Studios specializes in developing cross-media branding campaigns that include identity systems, entertainment design, print and web. Clients include, Word Records, Nari Records, Lake Austin Blues Festival, Winthrop Records, Alvin Guggenheim and Associates, Texas Monthly Press and Key magazine.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
It seems like I've always been interested in art. I started drawing when I was a young boy growing up in a farming community in central Texas. I was also attracted to typefaces at a pretty young age, which seems strange to me now. I loved looking at old posters and advertisements printed back in the 1800s. Growing up in Texas I was naturally attracted to anything having to do with the old west and country music. Music was another hugely strong influence on my life. I have played drums for various bands over the last 26 years or so. Some of my first design"projects" were for the garage bands I was in. I would come up with the band logo and all of the promotional materials. It just seemed to happen naturally. One of my first really "professional" projects was an album cover design for ABC/Word Records in London in the mid 1970s. One of my early dreams in elementary school was being a set designer for motion pictures. Weird dream for a 9 or 10 year old, huh?
Who or what inspires you?
My wife Dawn is my biggest inspiration. Sounds corny I know, but it's true. She gave me the self confidence to go in directions artistically that I would have never done on my own. I had a terrible self esteem problem when we first got married (31 years ago!) and she has always been my biggest cheerleader. She jokingly tells people that I give her a quarter for every compliment she gives me, but she has really and truly helped to make me what I am today.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I am completely self-taught. I have always tried to consciously make an effort to gain more and more graphic design knowledge whenever and wherever I can. After almost 30 years as a graphic artist I still sometimes feel like a second class citizen compared to someone who has gone to school to gain the experience. A traditional education wasn't meant to be for me and I entered a very long "school of hard knocks." I've worked on just about every imaginable project, LPs, CDs, logos, brochures, books, magazines, posters, websites and billboards. You name the type of project and I've probably worked on it at some point along the line.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I continually read magazines and books on the subject of graphic design. I love logo design, so I'm always looking at logo books and at various products and their logos. Compact disc design is another favorite of mine. I can spend hours in a book or music store looking at CD covers.
What are some of your current projects?
I just finished a CD project for a new country music artist by the name of "Becca" for Nari Records out of Los Angeles. I am also doing some work for an attorney in Austin, Texas and for a ministry out of Portland,Oregon that works with disadvantaged youth.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I have posted most of my favorite pieces on my website at http://www.hilldesignstudios.com/. I am particularly proud of my logo designs. I did a logo for a pest control company in Austin, Texas back in the 1980s that I thought came out pretty good. You can still see the logo on the side of their trucks today. It's satisfying to me to know that it is still working for them after all these years and I'm not embarrassed when I see it!
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I have yet to learn Flash. I will learn that application soon. I am a very visual person and theFlash manuals have gotten me absolutely nowhere. I need to actually watch someone working on the software to learn I think.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Always strive to do excellent work. Learn as much as you possibly can at every opportunity. Don't be afraid to try new software or new techniques. Ask questions. Be humble.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
When I think I have arrived at a creative solution and the client agrees. There's nothing like seeing a client get really excited over something that I have come up with. I think it goes without saying that the ultimate test of success is how it performs in the marketplace.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Sometime I get so sick of graphic design I could spit. That's when I turn to one of my hobbies to switch mental gears. I love drums. I love genealogy. I'm an avid photography buff. I collect arrowheads. Any one of these creative avenues can turn my burn-out around.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I love the show "Lost." I get bummed whenever I miss an episode. Other than that show, I love old reruns of Andy Griffith and the Twilight Zone. It's hard to beat a good Andy Griffith episode though! I will laugh at it no matter how many times I've seen it.
Related Links:
http://www.hilldesignstudios.com/
Recent Work:
MELISSA MORRIS
Hello, my name is Melissa Morris. I enjoy long walks on the beach, all Apple computer products, and peanut butter flavored ice cream. My turn ons include shopping at AC Moore, hot glue guns, and retractable erasers. My turn offs include making logos bigger, pms 349, and Bikerfox.
On a more serious note, let's talk about hospice. Depressing? Uh, yeah, that's my life. I work as the inhouse designer for a pharmaceutical company that provides medication management to hospices around the country. My target audience? 50 year old hospice nurses. And according to my boss, they can't read anything smaller than 14 pt type. (oh, I am dead serious.) In my spare time, I try to actually do something creative. I went through a stint of making handmade cards. Here's a peek at that: http://www.melissahead.com/store.html But I think what I really need to do is finish my design website, http://www.melissahead.com/, and get myself some portfolio worthy design work!
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
Absolutely. I went to college to be an elementary school teacher. One day, the summer before my sophomore year, I was a hostess at Applebee's and this young girl came up to me and told me all about her dance recital. After that conversation, I realized I didn't really like kids! So, I was in the market for a new major. I liked to write and I liked to draw. I went back and forth between journalism and design. The only thing that scared me about design was the fact that I hadn't taken an art class since 6th grade, so I felt like I'd be way behind. Turns out I wasn't. I've had no regrets since.
Who or what inspires you?
Great design inspires me. Paging through a CA design annual and thinking about all the things I could do to get myself to that level. And my design friends, of course. They not only inspire me, they actually help me to achieve my goals of bettering myself in my profession.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Like I mentioned earlier, I was a design major in college. I got a BFA in design at The College of New Jersey. Not exactly known for its art program, but I still learned so much. Before that, I didn't have any training, other than elementary school "art" class. Since I was an only child, I had a lot of alone time growing up. Drawing was a way I occupied myself. I remember how I used to create "projects" for myself when I was little. After we got our first computer, I think I was 12 or so, I spent an entire day designing labels for my school books using Paintbrush. Much of what I've learned has been through trial and error....lots of errors.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
The best thing I can do is observe. See what's going on in design books and magazines. See what my friends have been working on lately. Check out some interesting websites, much like this one!
What are some of your current projects?
Nothing good. Everyday it's the same at my job. Clean up someone's powerpoint or whip up some step down brochure in 2 hours. It's nothing that I would be proud of. Of course, the "outside of work" stuff that I'm working on will hopefully be much more fulfilling! I'm really trying to get back into sketching as much as I can. And you know, there's always that whole card-making thing which has sort of been on hold for now. I'm determined to build up my portfolio and since I'm not getting any portfolio-worthy work from my job, I need to create some projects.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I don't know if I've ever done anything I was really proud of. There were some school projects that I enjoyed, but nothing that I would be like, "Hey! You gotta see this!" about. I did this sketch a few days ago (and it's now my forum avatar), but I kind of like the way it turned out. Just something done quickly:
And the other day I made a few postcards. I just love sitting at a table with scissors, glue, ribbon and going to town. Sometimes I feel like I'm more of a "crafter" than a designer.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
Uh yeah, like everything! Anything not related to hospice! I'll tell ya, those pharmacists and nurses are nice and all, but they've got some ugly taste! I'd love to do something cool for once. Something modern. Something actually designed instead of thrown together. Something with an unlimited budget! ;-) One thing that I really want to try is screen printing. I don't know how to do it, or even how it works, but it seems like something I could have a lot of fun with.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Be humble. It hurts to get a critique sometimes, but people that have been in the business a while do know better than you...no matter what you may think! I'm still a novice, but when I look back even a few years I think to myself, oh god, why did I ever think it was a good idea to use that typeface!
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
When it gets the approval of other designers? Haha, just kidding. Actually, I'm not sure. This is one that I can't really explain. I can see if I like the way something looks, aesthetically, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's following proper design rules or anything. I hope to learn the answer to this question eventually. It could help me out.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
I can't avoid burn-out. In fact, I'm at that point right now. My solution has been to sketch, relax, get some alone time, find myself. It's almost impossible to not let work stress you out, and I need to learn to leave work at work. But I'm trying. I also try to think about my goals. There are places I'd like to be eventually. I won't give myself a timeline, but I'll tell you this, I'm not staying at this company forever!
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Hmm, tough call. Well, I'd have to say, as embarrassing as it is, I'm an OC addict. Watch that show once and you're hooked! But I'm a big fan of Scrubs and the Family Guy. Although while it's baseball season, I don't get much control of the remote.
Related Links:
http://www.melissahead.com/http://www.melissahead.com/store.html
JEFF FISHER
Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland, OR-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, has worked as a graphic design professional since the late 1970's. In 1995 he shifted the focus of his design work to identity design. He has since received over 475 regional, national and international graphic design awards for his logo and corporate identity efforts and his work has been featured in more than 75 publications on the design of logos, the business of graphic design, and small business marketing.The designer spends a great deal of time writing about aspects of design for industry publications and related web sites. He often speaks to student groups, business organizations and design conferences about the profession. Fisher is a member of the HOW Magazine Editorial Advisory Board and is also on the 2006 HOW Design Conference Advisory Council. His book, “The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success (
http://tinyurl.com/5o7ud ),” was released by HOW Design Books in late 2004. More information about Jeff Fisher LogoMotives is available at
http://www.jfisherlogomotives.comWhen did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
From the time I was a young boy I was interested in drawing and painting. In high school I was the first student in the city to be put on independent study in art - which included silkscreen printing, jewelry design, pottery, painting and other forms. As a high school senior, in 1974, I came across a copy of Milton Glaser's new book "Graphic Design." The book gave a name to what I really wanted to do in regards to a potential career - and showed doubters that an individual could make a very decent living in such a profession.
Who or what inspires you?
Milton Glaser is probably the first designer who truly inspired me with his work - and it still has the same impact on me over 30 years later. Paul Rand, Art Chantry, Saul Bass, Ivan Chermayeff & Tom Geismar, Nigel Holmes, Seymour Chwast, Michael Schwab, and Rick Tharp have been great influences on my work and career. My college instructor Roy Paul Nelson provided me more inspiration than he will ever realize. I also get a lot of inspiration from the magazines I browse on a regular basis, travel, books I read, movies I view, art, my passion for gardening, and traveling around the world. The influence of foreign travel often seems to appear subconsciously in some future projects.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Initially much of my drawing skills were self taught. The study of various art disciplines in high school provided a great base for my college education. At the University of Oregon I entered the graphic design track within the Fine Arts school - and was immediately frustrated by the restrictions of the faculty and the focus of many on their personal projects/interests. I considered quitting school until a friend suggested I speak with Roy Paul Nelson, a professor in the Journalism School. Nelson, who wrote the books "Design of Advertising" and "Publication Design" (among others) encouraged me to take the Journalism course work, which included ad design, publication design, cartooning, typography and other classes. I was also required to take journalistic writing, public relations writing, advertising copywriting and additional courses that have always been valuable in my work. At the same time, I maintained my Art History studies, including courses in architecture history, furniture design, interior design and museology. While in college I had an internship in exhibit design at the university's Museum of Art and was the graphic designer for the advertising department of the daily college newspaper.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
The "freshness" comes my way in the variety of projects. Prior to focusing on identity design I found myself getting bogged down by projects such as initially designing a publication and then producing it for at least a couple years. The jobs began to feel as if a chimpanzee could be trained to execute them and I was not challenged as a designer. Each new identity project brings a whole new set of requirements and challenges with it. Many times such projects are an introduction to an industry that is foreign to me. Literally having a global marketplace for my work, via the Internet, adds to keeping my work "fresh" after 27 years.
What are some of your current projects?
These days my work seems to be divided between writing and design. In addition to the never-ending, behind-the-scenes update of my own website, I am currently working on identity designs for a play, a deli, a motivational program for women and others. I typically design between 30 and 40 logos a year for a variety of organizations and businesses. I also write the monthly "Logo Notions" column for CreativeLatitude.com and contribute articles each month to the marketing web site Commpiled.com. In addition, I am currently writing articles for the sites CreativeRefuge.com and DiversityBuilder.com. Three different publishers have also expressed interest in having me write future books.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
The projects bringing me the greatest personal satisfaction are often the ones bringing me little, or no, income. There are a great many non-profit efforts I have completed over the years that have resulted in a lot of good being done for causes in which I have strong convictions or personal interests. I’d rather work for free with a nonprofit client in whose cause I truly believe, than for a big budget client I don’t like.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
At some point I would like to get involved directly with letterpress printing. It's always enjoy designing for letterpress and it is a real interest of mine. I would also like to get back to some of the art mediums in which I have worked in the past for pleasure and profit - drawing, painting, silkscreen printing, wood and linoleum block printing, pottery, raku, jewelry making and stained glass work. I feeling a real desire to spend some time and energy focusing on the fine arts at this stage in my career.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
"Work less, charge more" is the advice I gave the audience of a session at the HOW Design Conference in New Orleans a few years ago - and I was serious about that comment. Most designers, or illustrators, initially (and continuously) undervalue their own work, and because of that fact find themselves having to work much longer - and much harder - to make a living. I also feel that designers should learn as much as possible, in traditional education situations or through self learning, about the business of design. Too many novices focus on what they consider the artistic aspects of what is actually an industry and career option. It's great to make things pretty. However, in the process you need to be able to make a living. One of the best ways to learn how (or how not) to be successful as a design business person is to spent some time working for someone else. In addition, to be successful in design or illustration I feel an individual must have a historical context for their work. Unfortunately, too few schools teach a solid history of design or illustration, and it is necessary for the student, or novice, to seek out much of that historical perspective on their own. I am constantly amazed how few graphic designers have an educated understanding of typography. For many, typography is simply font manipulation using a computer program - and it comes across in less than ideal design. I would also recommend that the novice not place restrictions or limitations on themselves and their career efforts. Clients, and others, will do enough of that for them. I often get emails from industry professionals expressing their frustration at not being able to find work or project in their local market. My first question - "Why are you limiting yourself to the local market? - is often something they have not even considered. Be a sponge; be constantly absorbing all that is available to learn about the business of design, the history of design, typography and other aspects of the profession. As I often say, "the real world will kick you in the ass as you walk out those school doors for the last time - and your design education will finally begin."
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
There are several different levels of success to be considered with any design or illustration effort. The work needs to meet the requirements/goals of the client for whom it was created. The piece should also move the viewer to act/react in the desired manner. Then there is also the personal satisfaction of a job well done. The "gravy" is being recognized for the work with design awards or inclusion in an industry related book.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
In the mid-1990's I was experiencing a major career burn-out due to having taking on all design projects coming my way for the previous 17 years. In a conversation with my sister, the owner of an ad agency and public relations firm, she made the simple statement "Why aren't you doing what you enjoy the most?" Her off-the-cuff comment resulted in my primary focus changing to logo and identity design - an aspect of design I had thoroughly enjoyed since high school. My favorite forms of "self therapy," gardening and travel, are great tools in helping to avoid major burnout. Time spent writing and speaking also breaks up any monotony in my work and presents new creative outlets.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I really don't watch a great deal of prime-time television. "The West Wing" is one of the few shows I watch on a regular basis. My new recent favorite show to be Tivo-ed weekly is chef/author Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel. I tend to watch a variety of shows on PBS, HGTV, the Food Network and a great many movies on DVD.
Related Links:
www.jfisherlogomotives.com
KEITH BOWMAN
Keith Bowman is a Philadelphia based graphic designer and illustrator with over 15 years of professional experience in the industry. He is the owner and principal designer of The Design Bureau of Amerika. His work has recently been featured in HOW, Super 7 and Design Graphics magazines. He is also being featured in an upcoming Super 7 artshow, and a book "Batteries Not Included" due in early 2006. Lastly, he also has some work appearing in an upcoming Fontmaster book. Keith lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife Jennifer and their two cats.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I was in college taking 3d animation classes in the early 90’s. Unfortunately I’m dyslexic so the X,Y and Z planes really screwed with my brain. I decided to take a page layout class and from there never looked back.
Who or what inspires you?
That is pretty hard for me to anwser. When I was in 6th grade, my english class had a debate on the pros and cons of hunting. I chose con because at that time I couldn’t see a purpose in killing animals. What I failed to factor in was I was living in a rural part of PA. Most of my classmate came from farming families. The day of the debate, I stood up and offered some pretty weak points on the evils of killing “Bambi”. My arguments were based almost solely on my emotional reaction to the topic. After I was done, a kid on the side of pro hunting stood up and destroyed me. He had all sorts of facts to support the need for hunting including population control, destruction of crops etc…I was humilated.
I made a decision at that time that I never wanted to be that mis-informed again. I realized that to be able to defend a point of view, I had to fully understand the other side of the issue.
I began to absorb everything I possible could. One week Iwas reading Lord of the Rings and the next it was Leon Uris’s Trinity or Kafka’s The Trial. My music collection went from Pink Flyod, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle and AC/DC to Echo and the Bunnymen, Violent Femmes, New Order and the Cure to Hank Willams Sr., Johnny Cash, Blue Rodeo and Patsy Cline. My favorite movies were Casablanca, It Happened One Night, Better Off Dead and Godzilla vs Megalon.
I really believe that that choice to try to be as well rounded a person as I could be, really helps me when I approach a design project. I try to be as open minded towards things as possible. I do have very strong opinions on things but I never claim that my opinions are right or better than anyone elses. When someone presents a idea, whether it be on a social or political theme or in a design execution, if it’s something that surprises me or makes me re-evaluate my position, then that inspires me. It challenges me. It reminds me that I need to continue to push myself to learn new things.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I’m mostly self taught. I bounced in and out of colleges and community colleges whenever I could afford to take a class here and there. When I was taking a few design classes at a local college, one of the teacher’s was fired and I was asked to take over his classes. That was pretty surreal for me to be taking a class one day and then teaching it the next. I spent the next four years teaching and loved every minute of it.
I think people who take classes to learn a software application are wasting their time. Anyone can go to a bookstore and get a decent book or dvd on how to use just about any graphic application. I think college / art school is important for developing skills of conceptual thinking and learning and applying the principles of design. That can’t be learned from reading a book. Every designer should experience a crit of their work where they get ripped apart. Understanding why a design fails on a conceptual level and how to fix it is much harder than fixing a design that fails because of it’s technical execution.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Well I try to shower once a day. Other than that I’m not sure. I still absorb as much as my brain can store but that comes from everywhere. I’ve tried to limit the amount of design annuals that I look at or design magazines I buy. The industry is flooded with outstanding talent and I find that when I look at others work I’m intimidated on how great it is. It sometimes makes me feel like I’m starting all over again. So I’ve found that my best designs come when I design in a vaccuum. I’ve been doing this long enough that I am comfortable in my techniques. I just design to my instinct. Some days (sometimes weeks at a time) I just get designer’s block. There was a time when it used to scare and worry me but now I just let it go and wait for the right inspiration to come. Sometimes it’s a song or a package design.
I also have a system where on Jan. 1st of each year, I go through all the work that I did the previous year and delete and destroy 95% of it. The 5% I save I delete the entire source material and just save the finished project. I found that for a time, I was just going back and regurgitating past work to help get me through my “dry spells”. I think that was making my work stagnant. I find it more challenging and exciting to start with a clean slate every year and see where the journey takes me.
What are some of your current projects?
I am currently working on a 32-page book of black and white illustrations. I am also beginning to put together a body of work for an art gallery show.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
Right now it’s hard to say. I basically hate everything I do about 15 minutes after it’s completion. That might sound unhealthy but I find that it helps keep me motivated to keep trying to create that one piece that is just spot on. I guess I should clarify that I don’t hate everything, I just always feel that I can find ways to make it better…. although I do end up hating a lot of what I do, which makes it easy to destroy at the end of the year. One piece that I think will make the cut this year and I completed recently (and still like) is an illustration of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I was recently given an old letterpress that when I get a house (hopefully in the next year), I plan on building a bigger studio and take a course of how to use my letterpress. It’s a very long and difficult process but I really would love to have the chance to try it.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Dedicate your life to the craft and respect the designers who came before you. I used to tell my students that they have to be willing to design no matter what drama is going on in their life and no matter what they doing. I used to say that once they graduate, if they don’t get a job as a designer right away that doesn’t mean they stop designing.
I spent a few months working for an ad agency that was pure hell. They didn’t care about good design; they just cared about the profit. I was asked to do ridiculous things like put bevels on everything and drops shadows on 12 point type that was on a path! I was making great money but after about 2 months of this I couldn’t live with myself anymore. I didn’t see the point of spending all those years learning my craft just to compromise my designs for the comfort of a steady paycheck. So I quit and got a 3rd shift job in a grocery store stocking shelves. I took the 3rd shift so I could spend all day on my freelance work. One night as I was stocking dog food and baby diapers, I ran into a former student. I could see the confusion on his face when he saw me. He told me that after he graduated, he couldn’t find a design job so he gave it up and now was working construction. I explained to him that I was working freelance and had a few projects going. I will admit that I was briefly embarrassed that I was stocking diapers at 3 am but at the same time I had the satisfaction of knowing that in a few short hours I would be back at my studio working on design. That’s the only thing that is important to me.
Money can always be made. It doesn’t have to be from design jobs to validate someone as a designer. Working on design and your craft no matter what because you would be miserable if you couldn’t that is what makes a true designer in my eyes.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
There comes a time, for me it is usually in the early hours of the morning before the sun comes up. I ‘m usually on my 2nd or 3rd pot of coffee and through half a pack of smokes…at that time I like to listen to the jazz heavyweights like Lady Day or Coltrane. I finish up a project I’ve been working on (sometimes for days straight) and as I look at the finished work, the corners of my mouth start to curl up every so slightly. It’s an unconscious and involuntary reaction. It just happens. I just sit there and stare at it. Looking at every little detail, I think back on all the effort that was put into it. It’s at that moment. Just for a brief few minutes…I enjoy what I just labored to create. Those few minutes, however fleeting, are what I live for and what I design for. I then go to bed and wake up an hour or two later and look at it again. More times than not, I don’t like it anymore or start to think about what could be done to make it better. Sometimes I decide to start all over from scratch. It doesn’t really matter to me though because I had those few moments of clarity and now I just work for the next moments.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
For me I think it helps to realize that there is always going to be someone who is “better” than me, someone will be taking design and art into uncharted territories. For me I just worry about what project that I am working on and make sure that I am pushing it and myself to be the best solution that I can create.
I don’t avoid burn-out, it just happens. Sometimes it’s longer than other times. It just makes me appreciate the times when I’m “on” and the design is something I can be proud of.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Right now? Or in general? I will admit I’m a big fan of “Lost”. I think it was one of the best written and acted dramas to come along in years…but I’m sure they will screw it up this season or jump the shark. Also I’m secure enough in my masculinity to admit I really enjoy The Gilmore Girls. It has some great writing and reminds me of the screwball comedies of the 30’s and 40’s.
Related links:
The Design Bureau of Amerika™
Von has worked in the communication arts industry for 19 years as a Senior Designer, Art Director and Creative Director. His fresh, exuberant graphics—for both in-house art departments and medium to large creative agencies—have won numerous design and illustration awards along the way.
