ALBERTO ARIZA
Hi my name is Alberto Ariza but since I was little everyone called me Beto (Bert) after the Sesame Street Show. I am from and live in Bogota, Colombia where I enjoy going across my country to view each and everyone of its landscapes since its geographical form varies. My country is pleasant and most of the time the people are good, yet we’re in a state of armed conflict which has carried over from years ago and it’s not easy to live under these conditions, but these experiences allows us to be different and view life in different form. I enjoy photography and I wish I could evolve in this as a profession, travel and take pictures where I would be financially rewarded. I have 8 years of experience… and when I finished my university course we were in the middle of a change between manual design and Internet Communications. My current professional position is web development/design, where I implement my love for photography, illustration as a pro-bono freelancer. I have never been paid for any of my projects.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
Since I was little I would watch my mother paint and every now and then she would allow me to throw in a few brush strokes of my own. On my own initiative I always loved to recreate animations that I watched on TV and I would develop spaceships or motorcycles with unique scraps of non-working parts I had around me. All these events always made me think that I needed to specialize professionally in a similar field.
Who or what inspires you?
The universe inspires me, to think that we are in this planet and out there, there is so much more; nature inspires me, the immensity and largeness of Earth. Love also moves me and it puts at the disposal of making the best of everything and to view the good side of life. The desire to move forward and to each day be the best that I can be.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I majored in Graphic Design in the University of Jorge Tadeo Lozano, along with various workshops in reference to analysis and interpretation of cinematography. The studies had a lot of emphasis in illustration and I’ve always loved photography, so in the university they taught us many design programs but once I finished school, after, I had to learn a lot of the softwares on my own.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
By constantly reviewing the internet, television, movie animations and the every day life and the events that happen around me. I also think it involves being active in the various disciplines of creating unity and fusion in different forms. And obviously, to remain in contact with people by reading, knowing the events that are taking place and how things are happening around you.
What are some of your current projects?
In this very moment I am finishing up a multimedia project about “April 9th and Jorge Eliécer Gaitan” and I’m also starting to develop a design studio,
http://www.graphicusers.com/. I would like to project and present it to the public. I would like to develop a design portal for South America. I have the name in place but making it happen also involves financial support.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
One of the projects that I’m the most proud of is the one mentioned above: “Jorge Eliécer Gaitan”. He is a Colombian icon and represents so many social and political areas. I think that for any designer it would be a pleasure to able to work in this particular project. It represents so much of the country and it is also a tool that carries his message to the future generations. I feel so much pride to be able to leave a legacy for the people, to be able to make it happen and to have been able to design it and be part of it.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
Yes. I would like to work on movies, television, apply animation in these mediums. I would also like to become a photographer and to make this my primary profession. I would like to combine all the mediums of my knowledge such as illustration along with photography.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
To always be on the move, both in mind and body. To absorb both the good and the bad. To visualize the future and that which they love to do the most. To develop both long-term and short-term goals. To never resist doing the things you want and view the beautiful side of life at all times.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
It’s all about that first visual impact that it has, that moment, which compliments the concept.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
My motivation is to always do everything better than the last time. To think that one day my children will see that I was always in constant growth, development, evolving and in this being able to share the rewards which I obtain from making my goals happen by working hard. I would like for them to see that you always have to move forward. To be in constant motion, to think as a designer and build those projects I’ve always wanted to do or would like to do. To always keep the mind thinking in “design mode”. Also by turning myself into a working tool for each and every client and project.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
My favorite show is called “Redes” from “Radio Televisión Española”. It’s a show about scientific themes that always deal with popular and well-known award winning specialists from around the world. If interested visit:
http://www.rtve.es/tve/b/redes/.
Related Link:
http://www.armatrostes.comRecent Work:
***Special thanks to my friend, Maria Singleton , for her help in translating Alberto's wonderful interview to english for me. Thanks again Maria!!***
CHIP MARUCCI
When Chip speaks of his childhood, he talks of things like hiding under his deck for an entire day while he watched his parents search frantically for him thinking he had been kidnapped. Or how he remembers spending his entire first grade year as a non stop party where he spent his days hiding under desks throwing things and grabbing kids feet. Well things haven't changed much and Chip is still living his life by his own rules. He's the type of bad dude that you'll catch ice grillin' you on the subway with three fake gold chains on and a neon sweatshirt. He's the type of guy that spends his time on company work trips by sliding bars of hotel soap off the window to see what kind of noise it'll make. Basically he's on this tip where he pays close attention to the finer things in life like staying well dipped and rollin' deep with Sharks and Dinos.
- Danny DiamondsWhen did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
You could say there was somewhat of a "moment" to it, but looking back the desire's always been there. I've always focused & examined my surroundings, critiquing everything that passes through my periphery. So being a designer seems almost second nature. The idea of creating something is very exciting for me.
Growing up I never thought about my future or "career goals." As a teenager my life revolved around skateboarding, graffiti, punk/hardcore/hip hop music & that was it. Design came as an extension of all of this. I began getting into screen printing around 16 or so, as well as teaching myself computer software & observing type treatments. I began printing on skateboards and t- shirts, I even dabbled in embroidering all still while I was in high school. My part time jobs would fund all of this, until I began printing in bulk and distribution my stuff to shops and kids all over central New York.
I was offered a scholarship to a state college by doing this (lord knows I wasn't pulling straight A's or anything, haha). That was when I began to think that this is what I want to do for a living.
Who or what inspires you?
The skateboarder / artist Mark Gonzalez - he just oozes style and creativity. Loads of designers, I could list them all but I won't. Find your own inspiration, it's everywhere.
What inspires me : People who struggle & make major sacrifices to peruse what they love. People who are passionate/focused/determined for what they do (design related or not). People who struggling to get by, to pay rent, to eat. Real survivors - who don't take anything for granted. I see a lot of pretentious people in this industry who are too comfortable & just kind of get by, that doesn't sit well with me. I've slept on plenty of couches before getting to where I am right now, ramen & hotdogs were daily meals for me. Being down & out really brings out the best (or worst) in people, you have no time to slip up, so everything you do needs to be on point. These are the people who inspire me, keep me on my feet for sure.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Okay.. if we're being completely real here, I'm going to say self taught 98% I did graduate from college, but that really means nothing to me. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know or could figure out on my own. I took a bunch of courses that I will never need nor did I ever care about ever. I graduated with a bunch of dimwits who are going into the real world with no sense of good design. The only reason I went to school was to get a piece of paper that for some reason makes me more desirable for employers. I never went to any prestigious school or anything, I was accepted to RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) but couldn't attend because it was out of my financial range. I went to a state school on a design scholarship. Although I may feel that it was a waste of time & money, I am happy with my decisions to put up with it, I did score some super good friends & great times in the process, so it wasn't a total waste.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I Make it a point to checkout at least 2 new magazines a day. They can be about anything, but I like to stay very current. I take inspiration from everything I see so I like to expose myself to a really broad spectrum of information.
Another thing that keeps me fresh is getting out and experiencing life any way you can. It's a real balance with the workload that comes in but it's important to feel alive. I like to walk around talk to people & take pictures / ride my bike through city streets / & go skateboarding. The biggest killer is when you start to live your life through "screens". Wake up, watch tv in a screen, drive to work, looking through the windshield screen, go to work sit in front of your computer screen, come home, eat and watch more tv.. Life is too precious to waste it like that.
What are some of your current projects?
My title at Puma is Color & Graphic designer of Heritage. These are the most common sneakers when you think of Pumas. I am in charge of creating the colorways for several categories of footwear as well as creating story packages & limited edition series within the categories. I also work with creating any patterns & graphics that may be applied to the sneaker, this is cool because it allows me to work not only with silk screen as a medium but with embroidery, emboss / deboss, heat cut, & laser etching as well.
I'm also working on keeping it EXTRA REAL!
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I am very happy with my
Fresh Meat promotional booklet. I made this when I was down & out looking for work. I was interviewing places and decided to design a creative yet economical package/booklet to send out to potential job perspectives. I figured It would give me an edge on the massive piles of resumes that never even get looked at, plus it allows for them to know who I am as not only a designer but a person.
The Festival du Nouveau Cinema et Nouveau Media du Montreal campaign was also very satisfying. I worked with a buddy of mine and really dedicated ourselves to the event. Compiling research & demographics to best reach the audience, not only did we win awards with this campaign it was a total blast. It made working long nights & weekends totally worth it.
I am also proud of what is coming out of the Puma camp on my side of things as well, I can't really go into details but thing's are lovely over here.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I've been quite fortunate so far. My job allows me to sample of ideas on a wide variety of materials and techniques.
One thing that I have dabbled in that I would one day like to fully immerse myself in is the more print media side of things, that's where my heart is. My last print ad's were for Fischer Skis a little while back & it's such a rush knowing that your ad is in hundreds of thousands of magazines.
I would also like to do some more photography & video production work. That would be amazing.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
To be successful at anything in life you have to be willing to sacrifice for it. It really takes dedication to your craft, make friends not enemies whenever possible. Connect with other designers & events. Do it because you love it, not because it's a cool career or an easy way to get through school or anything. Stay up to date & current with trends & lastly know that there are tons of designers out there who want the same thing as you,they eat sleep & breathe design, so don't slip.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Balance, ability to evoke human emotion, but I'd have to say when in doubt use Comic Sans.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
It's really a hard balance to make, to stay at the top of your game but at the same time maintain your sanity and somehow try to scrap together a social life. I guess I'm still working on that myself. Quality time goes so much further than just "time off". I guess just making all your time really count both when designing & your time off. Also realizing that mental & physical health are way more important that some crappy layout or logo or whatever you're working on.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
On Sundays you can usually catch some great infomercials. A favorite of mine is the magic bullet, or any Ronco product that's on the market at the moment.
I also like watching this channel Nickoledon GAS (stands for Games & Sports)It features old Nick game shows that I grew up with like Double Dare, Guts! & Finders Keepers, I love it!!
Other than that.. I like watching Court TV stuff.. The Food Network, Miami Ink on TLC.. I try to limit my tv watching until the weather gets bad, THEN IT'S ON!!!
Related Link:
www.livedefiant.comRecent Work:
ANDY VAN SOLKEMA
Hello, I am art director/founder of Visualhero Design, an award-winning design service for clients large and small. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design. After a number of design and art direction jobs, and a little nudge from my beautiful wife I started Visualhero Design. I take an honest almost blue collar approach to everything i do, work hard, be honest, an live life. I love the rush creating gives me, especially when I spark a wonderful solution. But If there’s one thing yours truly appreciates more than the rush of a great idea, it’s the art of being able to harness that energy. To channel it in ways that evoke emotion and fuel thought while giving reasoning and equity to a brand or project.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I have always created, when I was 10 I concepted an entire fictitious BaseBall league, uniforms, logos, schedule and all. My Brother and I then played out the entire season in our front yard. And as long as I can remember I would have random bursts of inspiration that would lead to me sketching and creating. In hIgh school, I was formally introduced to design, and fortunate to have Graphic Design class which is how I jump into college. I grabbed on and I never looked back. Numerous people in my life recognized my need to create, design, draw and think—they are the individuals who influenced me and gave me the drive to pursue this dream of mine.
Who or what inspires you?
Obviously other artist inspire me, flipping thru design magazines and annuals, or walking thru an art or photo gallery, it all gets my wheels turning. Getting out and viewing is a great way for me to get inspired, primarily outdoor settings, urban, or rural, I see nature settings as a pondering place to wonder and Urban and rural settings as society's canvas.
But more importantly than other artist or nature is people. People in general and how they interact and contribute to this major dance of the world. Musicians, movie makers, engineers, cooks, maple syrup producers (hi dad), anything that takes initiative and creativity to make something happen. I would like to have someone look at my work some day and ponder, wonder and be inspired as I am with everything.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
College gave me a boost, taught me to think critically, analyze, defend, and challenge. I then took what college gave me and watched, learned and am continually learning more. Challenging myself is an intricate part of growth as a person and designer.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Vaguely stated I recognize what I see great and push it. Whether it is corporate, non corporate, or personal, it all works on a different level, and recognizing what level your project requires is the first step, being able to push it into something new, smart, and wonderful is the next. I also allow myself to refresh. Sometimes doing nothing that has anything to do with your project is a great way to work out the kinks and get excited about it again.
What are some of your current projects?
Some of my current projects require a level of privacy, so I will outline them in a basic manner giving you the gist of what I am working on.
* I am branding an athletic product to assist athletes in training, which includes: identity, print marketing and website.
* I am creating a new identity for a toy company and consulting on the packaging of the recreational toy product.
* I am also working on a number of Identities and web/ interface designs for small to midsize companies as needed that are part of the important group of work coming across my desk daily.
* I am also excited to be included in a project to create a number of online animated tutorials for design students for a local College Courses.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
An interactive marketing piece I did for the Steelcase 2005 Neocon Show and Dealer Showrooms turned out great. I really feel like the image and essence of what was being said and captured in this piece, and it was very well received by Steelcase.
Also Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course website that I designed and art directed (while employed at FM) captured the essence of the course. It was very successfully for the target audience.
And thirdly many of the identities I have done because I enjoy doing them so much. But specifically a recent identity for Soccerloft. The foreground and background play well and the progressive shapes and text really establish this mark.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I have yet to jump into television, motion graphics such as After Effects. They are inspiring and fascinating, and would love to learn more as I have time, for now the closest thing I have is Flash. I also really enjoy photography and neglect playing with it due to time (poor excuse.) I would also like to dabble with screen printing personal art.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Be open. Understand that this is a subjective field and that everyone does and will have an opinion. Learn from everyone, but if you have something you really believe in try it. If it doesn't work or is not sold, oh well— next time it may, and that feel is twice as sweet. Also open those eyes and take it all in, everything was created by someone.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Tough one—along with the obvious, visually appealing, smart design, intuitive in nature. Success is based upon audience, does it work for who its for, is it setting them apart? Is it doing so in a timeless manor or will it have to be totally re-thunk in 1 year, rather than refined or revised. Is the design or concept inspiring for the times? Is it intuitive? The right combination creates success. Finding that combination is the tough job we have.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Personal work. Sometimes its sketching, sometimes its designing, other-times its cutting my grass differently or building something. Keep creating, doing, thinking, no matter what it is.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Amazing Race... because it looks fun. My Name is Earl and The Office, I love the eccentric characters and stories and I like to laugh. I also love Miami Ink on TLC, great to see creativity at use by other artists.
Related Link:
www.visualhero.comRecent Work:
BRANDON DAWLEY
My name is Brandon. I don't speak about myself in the 3rd person. Therefore, you will feel that this is a personal letter for you, the reader. Please enjoy. Brandon, I mean, I am one of the sorts that was drawing pictures as soon as I could hold a pencil in my chubby little hands. And now that my hands have developed proportionately, I feel confident enough to take myself seriously and make money from drawing pictures.I started with comic books. Illustrating sequences until I didn't need to copy the stylings of John Byrne, Rick Leonardi or Mike Mignola anymore. Once my style developed to where I feel I could do good in the world, I moved towards storyboarding and character design. Worked for a couple film companies and animation studios. Donating my skills for a couple of years and then decided I wanted to learn more about design and how I could incorporate my illustrations. I infiltrated a T-shirt design company in Athens, GA where I learned more about design than I thought I could. It was great. Until it wasn't. From there I decided to work from home, anticipating that my future wife will need to be able to relocate to where the work was and if I'm freelance, this will be easier for us.The hardest thing I've ever had to do is market myself. It's easy to learn programs and apply techniques. Selling oneself is much like balancing your checkbook. It sucks at the time, but once you've figured out where everything goes, and you see the payback where everything lines up, the puzzle is complete and no one can tell you how to make a banana split. I hate analogies. Any questions?
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator?
Was there a pivotal moment? Ah, yes. I became a "professional" graphic artist/illustrator in '95. A direct side effect of a broken hip joint, which was replaced. This jarred me from my slumber. I wasn't literally sleeping. That would be weird. I spent most of my time, up to that point, managing music or comic shops. I was 23. I think. (I'm not good with math.)
Who or what inspires you?
Good storytelling. Less description. Unusual situations. Vague answers. You there, with the hat.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Self taught. Some mentors here and there, but mostly self taught.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Old magazines. New magazines. Film. Antique shows are key. I also try to learn something new, either in a program or technique, every week. I would do this daily, but I'm busy saving the World in the latest Splinter Cell. It's important. For the Nation. I also like to play video games.
What are some of your current projects?
Currently developing a "Krampus Kard" for a client in Upstate NY to give to their friends and family. This is a Winter holiday greeting card I started making for myself last year ('04) and it was quite popular (I received an award for it. wooHoo!). It depicts the Euro-mythological character that accompanies St. Nikolaus on his trip around globe. But, instead of delivering gifts, the Krampus, or Black Peter, delivers beatings or kidnaps the naughty children. It's a joyously whimsical story.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
The projects I'm most proud of are the ones that make me proud. I guess this is my biggest problem. Being prideful of my work. Let's just say I am proud of all my work and let's move on to the next question.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I would like to expand on web design and animation. Although I've dabbled in both, I don't feel I know enough to say that I tackled them. (Please note that I used a sports reference which rarely happens to me.)
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Keep up the good work. Learn from the bad. Remember that only YOU can prevent an excess of revisions. Know what the client wants by getting to know the client.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
I think it has to do with a variety of things. Much like music or movies, any designed piece success rate is connected to it's cultural climate (economical, political, theological etc.) at the time. Example: A piece reflecting on the war in Iraq may be successful in some places but "played-out" in others. Depending on the angle and interpretation of the viewer(s). But that's only part of it.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
I tend to throw myself into situations unusual to my everyday routine. Say, if someone needs to go to a field and pick rocks. I will ask them to describe it in vivid detail and have them videotape the event if need be. Sometimes they see Amish folk. This either triggers something right away or days, months later. Just thinking about getting my hands dirty inspires me. Doing it will only get my hands dirty. And that's yucky.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Arrested Development
Related Link:
www.brandondawley.comRecent Work:
METIN SEVEN
Hi, my name is Metin Seven and I am a freelance designer and illustrator from the Netherlands. I'm active in the visual field since 1989 and since a few years I am working together with my wife -a motivated freelance webdesigner- in our modest building in the city of Hilversum, the Netherlands. Hilversum is located not far from Amsterdam and is known as the Dutch media capital. All important broadcast companies reside here, and more and more multimedia companies establish themselves in Hilversum as well.
Together with a programmer and a music composer I started my career as a computer game designer and graphic artist for the Commodore Amiga computer system. Our threesome was among the first commercial game creators based in the Netherlands. In the early Nineties two of our games became an international success: the platform action game Hoi and the puzzle game Clockwiser. The drawback of that success was that both foreign publishers (one from the United States and one from the United Kingdom) turned out to be unreliable and did not pay our revenues. We did receive a lot of reassuring recognition from the international computer game press though. Subsequently I gradually shifted my activities to full-time freelance design, illustration and animation work for several Dutch companies / publishers.
Nowadays I happily divide my energy between two main activities: magazine illustrations and 3D design for tangible purposes. You can find a selection of my magazine illustrations and miscellaneous work in my online portfolio
www.sevensheaven.nl. Regarding the 3D design a partner of mine and I design retail displays, business gifts and miscellaneous products, but what I love even more is original 3D character design for tangible purposes, such as toy figures, custom character design for corporate assignments, character-based product design, and so on. I have collected most of my character-related work in my online project
www.figurefarm.com . You are heartily invited for a visit.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
Definitely. Initially I always wanted to become a writer / journalist. After graduating I started as an editor at the only commercial Dutch magazine for the Commodore Amiga computer system, which was still very popular in the late Eighties. But after a short while I realized that editing computer-related articles was not very motivating. Around the same time I got in touch with a Dutch agency for illustrators and animators called Comic House, whom I could assist in creating an animated series for Dutch television, using the Amiga. Working at the Comic House studio a fabulous new chapter commenced and the inspiring people at Comic House made me realize that creating imagery is what I want to do with my life.
Who or what inspires you?
Firstly I am very inspired by the seemingly endless creative possibilities of the digital era. I'm working with the 3ds Max software suite on a daily basis for seven years now and I have not become bored by it for a single moment. 3ds Max forms the most powerful extension of my imagination I could wish for.
Secondly there are definitely a number of people that create such beautiful things that they keep enchanting and inspiring me time after time. A fine example of such an inspiring person is my respected and multi-talented friend Pieter Hogenbirk (
www.cartoony.nl). His art never bores me. On an international level I simply adore the beauteous art of Lorenzo Mattotti, Dave McKean and the German comic artist Uli Oesterle. Their work is pure visual poetry and is endlessly inspiring to me. Last but not least Pixar makes me very happy. They have managed to recreate the quality, magic and innovation of the early Disney days.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I am self-taught, and confident that everyone who has a bit of talent and the right amount of determination to sufficiently study and practice can become a fine artist. Of course art education is a good thing, but personally I prefer to teach myself. Whenever I walk outside I automatically study what I see, sometimes consciously, but often subconsciously. When I am sitting in the train I study how reflections and refractions behave, how light falls upon different materials, how shadows diverge into softness, and so on. Reality is all around us and provides the best subject matter there is.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
By trying to keep reinventing myself, experimenting with different styles, trying not to be afraid to keep learning new techniques, to let yourself be inspired again and again, by old and by new talent. Sooner or later I often become bored when I try to stick to a certain style, so variation is the magic word that keeps me going.
What are some of your current projects?
I am currently designing a number of lion characters to function as a moneybox for customers of the Dutch Postbank. Furthermore I create a number of monthly illustrations for several magazines, such as Esquire, SQ [Society Quarterly] Magazine and the Dutch ‘ComputerTotaal’ magazine by IDG Communications.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I am very proud of the animated children's series TattleToons, which I co-created. Back in 2000 the series pioneered in the field of interactive television, utilizing an online chatbox where children discussed how the story should continue. The next day we animated the best ideas that came out of the chatbox and once a week the result was shown on national television. The project was well-received by the international press and even became covered in Time Magazine (March 2001). You can find some of my TattleToons character animation tests over here:
http://www.sevensheaven.nl/3d_animations_stylized.htm (click on the thumbnail with the ladybug character and the one with the mouth that is wide open).
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you
have yet to try?
Well, lately I am rediscovering traditional techniques. I used to draw on paper a lot, but when the computer was introduced to my life it became hard to pull myself away from the digital canvas. Nowadays I am developing a certain sense of guilt, convincing myself that I may only call myself a true illustrator if I could also survive with a piece of paper and charcoal. And so a few times a week I turn off the computer and pleasantly get my hands dirty again. I know that one of my art heroes Lorenzo Mattotti dislikes the sterile nature of digital art, because an artist is not really physically connected with his medium anymore.
Any advice to the novice designer / illustrator?
To young artists-to-be I would like to say: don't get discouraged by interviewed artists who proudly emphasize that they have been drawing "as long as I can remember" or "ever since I was able to pick up a pencil". It is never too late to become a great artist. All it takes is interest and determination to study and practice. I liked to draw on paper as a kid, but technically my drawings were crappy and I was not drawing whenever I had the chance. Instead I went outside and played with my friends whenever I had the chance. By the time I really started trying to improve the quality of my visual work I was at least seventeen years old, and it took me no less than three years to finally become a bit satisfied with what I created. So please be patient and don't expect to be a natural born artist, because no-one really is. Even Rembrandt undoubtedly had to practice a lot before he was able to create his masterpieces.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
In one word: love. If you succeed to really love what you're creating, the result will eternally radiate the love that has once gone into it. I once saw a photograph by the famous old black and white photographer Isis. It portrays a little girl that was sitting on a wooden horse in an old carrousel. The dreamy glance in her eyes radiates such a perfect happiness that the photo really touched a sensitive chord when I experienced it. The photographer had definitely succeeded to capture the little girl with a love that had become part of the image. Even only thinking of the photo already gives me goosebumps again.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
It's in my nature to feel the urge to create. If I don't create for a while my happiness starts to fade away. Creating keeps me alive and happy, it keeps me going like a neverending fuel source. All I have to do is to give in to the urge, although of course not everything I create is satisfying. But if I don't create I will definitely not be satisfied, so essentially I am a slave of art, but a happy slave.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Well, it may sound boring, but I am actually mainly a news and current affairs programmes aficionado. Most other television programmes quickly bore me because of the passivity of television in general. You just sit down in front of that screen and don't actively participate, as opposed to creating in front of your monitor screen. But there are a few exceptions. My wife is currently addicted to two television series: Lost and Desperate Housewives, and I have to admit that the series are top-notch entertainment. So to finally concretely answer your question: personally I think that Lost is the best thing on prime-time tv right now, at least in the Netherlands.
Related Links:
www.sevensheaven.nlwww.studioseven.nlwww.figurefarm.comRecent Work:
ANDREW BASS
Hey there. Where do I start? The name is Bass…Andrew Bass. I am the Principal/ Creative Director of my own graphic design studio, adbass:designs with experience that spans over 16 years. My studio focus is on print—ranging from corporate identities, promotion, print collateral to publication design. I got my start in an industry that still makes folk talk—the adult industry. I used to art direct several adult magazines when I first started. The funny thing is that the adult industry is like every other business so there were no wild and crazy antics in our offices. My career has taken me through many companies such as McGraw-Hill, CMP Media, and Essence Communications. My studio is based in New York (Long Island, NY to be specific…kind of still hard to say since I was born and raised in Brooklyn) and that is where I live with my wife, Karen, who runs her own PR/marketing firm and my son, Sebastian. In addition to my studio, I am also an adjunct instructor at New York City College of Technology teaching Typographic Design I and III. It has also been a goal of mine to teach one day and I got the opportunity this fall. Man, I am geeked about it. Challenging but I enjoy it. OK, what else you wanna know? I am a big James Bond fan; big sci-fi fan; big, big, Yankee fan (let’s go YANKEES!)…basically I am just a big guy…’cause I’m 6’6”. Well, onto the thread…
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I decided to be a graphic designer in college sitting in my advertising class. I realized when my professor was spewing her profanity-laced lecture that advertising bored the shit out of me. I lost track of what my professor was saying because I was daydreaming about my logo project. BAM! It hit me…I was totally turned on by my design classes. From that time on, design has been my mistress. She has always been there for me through thick and thin. Shhh! Just don’t tell my wife.
Who or what inspires you?
Good question. I ask myself this everyday. Ordinary folks who face a myriad of obstacles but never let them stop their quest. Those stories are what inspire me since growing up I had to endure many hardships but I never let them interfere with my plans or goals. That is why I got a tattoo on my right forearm of an African Sankofa symbol meaning “one who can withstand hardships”. Passion for an interest is also what inspires me. Reading or hearing about someone’s unquenchable desire to do something is very inspirational to me. A lot of abstract feelings and actions inspire me. I tend to like the “unnormal” aspects of life. Being predictable is uninspiring.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Well, I spent a year in community college then transferred in my sophomore year to Pratt Institute where I got my BFA. Starting working in the industry while still at Pratt so the bulk of my training came from on the job. I poured through tons of design books and annuals to see what others where doing and what was being recognized. Still do the same thing as the mounds of books/magazines in my office show.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
Can I answer that? Am I fresh? All I can do is just keep my mind as open as possible, read EVERYTHING, expose myself to EVERYTHING, learn from EVERYTHING, and try not to dismiss any idea no matter how idiotic I feel it is. Never settle into a familiar, comfortable space. Always challenge you opinions, thoughts and feelings. Push the button…who knows who will answer.
What are some of your current projects?
Getting my studio up and running. LOL! I have only been doing this now for about 2 months. Working on my direct mail pieces and my promotional brochure. Frak, it is so hard designing for yourself. Took me months and 3 redesigns to get my current website up. I just finished up an identity project for a company based in Florida and now doing some signage for them. Not a big deal but hoping it can lead to a repeat client and expose my studio to their connections. Major projects ahead: learning Flash, Motion, Indesign and figuring out how to pay for all my upgrades. Aaaggghhh!
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
One project was the redesign of the magazine I was art directing up until two months ago. Why? Because they were prepared to send it out to Roger Black’s studio and once they saw my presentation, they were floored. They didn’t expect any of their art directors to be able to produce designs that matched that caliber. I won an award earlier this year from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for Best Redesign and that felt fantastic.
http://www.adbassdesigns.com/pub1.htmlhttp://www.adbassdesigns.com/pub2.htmlAnother project was the media kit for Essence Communications in 2000. They had previously produced media kits that were poorly constructed, lack any design impact and had no direct message related to its main product, Essence magazine. It was a battle but I was able to convince the marketing director and associate publisher that economical advantage and impact of my proposed design. I also convinced them to move to a printer I had an established relationship with where I knew how tight the end product would be. Needless to say, once it came off press I didn’t have to go to battle for another project…at least not until 6 months after.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I would like to try more interactive design. I have been so immersed in the print arena for so long it would be cool to mix up the perspective. Also, I would like to tackle film/motion graphics…always thought about designing the opening to an obscure movie then moving that design over to its poster and other print components. Shamefully, I have not created any work using my own hand. I used to sketch, paint and shoot my own photos but as my career advanced, my time for personal pursuits shrank. Most definitely need to go back to it.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Read. Listen. Try everything. Research what you are trying to do. See what others have done. There is so much available to designers & illustrators now that you can take it for granted. DON’T! Use the resources around you. School is great but practical experience is what really gets you growing.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
Such a subjective question. My personal barometer of how successful a project is quite simple: if the project’s intended message is heard, if the client is happy they are getting what THEY asked for, if the project makes me proud to have my name attached to it. Most importantly what makes a piece successful, above all else, is if the project has a solid idea behind it. I know a radical thought process but a solid idea will go a long way then just a pretty piece. Are my students reading this?
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
This is an ongoing mission. I have gone through burn-out (or meltdown I like to call it) at least three times in my career. I just came off one now and it was because my old job was just that—a job. There was no longer any real creativity going on; I was just a highly paid layout artist. To avoid that, sometimes you have to lighten your load and carefully balance the work with your personal life. Always remember to live past the work because a meltdown will destroy your work and your life. It happened in my first marriage. Motivation comes to me through the ordinary stories I read day in and day out. If folks who are in such dire straits than me can persevere, then what the hell do I have to complain about. That is motivation enough for me.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I have just started watching prime-time TV again (usually I just check out HBO and other non-TV channels) and the shows that catch me are Girlfriends (yeah my wife watches but it sucked me in too), CSI, Law & Order, Night Stalker, Everyone Hates Chris. The best is still hands down the Law & Order collective…but only if the Yankees are not on.
Related Link:
www.adbassdesigns.comRecent Work:
ANETTE HEIBERG
Hi, I'm wynlen. I'm a Norwegian illustrator working mainly with ink and watercolors. My whimsical characters make people smile and bring magic to children and playful adults. After working as a graphic designer I followed my dream and began working freelance with design and illustration in 2001. I figured out that illustration is my true passion, so that's what I'm currently focusing on. I plan to make loads of colorful illustrations and children's books filled with happiness. I think it's fantastic to be able to create something every day, and most of the time you'll find me with my nose in a sketchbook, drawing or painting strange characters, or in front of my computer named Igor.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I've always been drawing a lot - and always loved it, so I was never in doubt what to do with my life. I worked with graphic design for a while, but understood that illustration is what I love the most. I found my own style and began to see a future as an illustrator.
Who or what inspires you?
I get most of my inspiration from watching the work of other illustrators and designers. I love children's books, labels, napkins, business cards, posters - everything with a design on it. I find most of my inspiration on the internet and in books. It's also inspiring to look at my old sketchbooks and get new ideas from old work.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I went to art school and I learned a lot there, but I consider myself mostly self-taught. I have always had a strong interest for drawing, design and colors, so I have gathered as much information as I can about the subject and done a lot of drawing to improve my skills. After I started out as a freelancer I have also become very interested in marketing, and I'm getting better at that from reading articles and books.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I don't worry about this. I think that as long as I do what I love - and make my illustrations the way I like, I will stay fresh because my personality will be a part of everything I make.
What are some of your current projects?
I've just finished a calendar for 2006, and I work on a children's picture book script and dummy that I will try to finish before the end of this year. One of my goals for next year is to get in touch with publishers who want to use my illustrations, so I have to plan a lot of promotion. Take a look at my blog (
http://www.wynlen.no/english/news.php) to keep updated about my latest drawings.
Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I'm very proud of my first children's picture book.I have both written and illustrated it, and now I'm in the long process of trying to get someone to publish it.
Another project I'm proud of is an animation I did for Norwegian TV2. I'm not an animator, so this was a huge project for me - and I was very pleased with myself when I had finished it.
When it comes to personal projects I'm proud of my journals. I started my first illustrated journal about 2 years ago and I got addicted. It's inspiring to look at the journals filled with my personality and vibrant colors, noticing how my skills are gradually growing.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
When I went to art school I got to try a lot of different mediums and techniques. Right now I'm focusing on my ink and watercolor work, but I hope to experiment a lot with different mediums and projects in the future. I know I would like to get better at painting with acrylics, and learn more about photography.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Believe in yourself and never give up. You will have days you think your work is good, and you will have days you think your work is bad. You'll make mistakes and get rejected, but if you love what you do you won't give up. It's also a good idea to learn as much as you can about your tools, the business and marketing.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
I think that has to do with personal taste. If I'm happy with something I have made I think it's successful (even if it's just a doodle in my journal), and it's great if others like it too.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
I remind myself how lucky I am working with what I love. I know I have to work hard to make a living of it - and I do work hard, but it's also important to relax a lot. It feels good to read great comments people have left me about my work, to talk to other creative people and to read articles.
Related Links:
http://www.wynlen.no/ or
http://www.wynlen.no/english/http://www.wynlen.no/english/news.phpRecent Work:
JASON GAYLOR
I'm Jason Gaylor, I'm a freelance designer and I work alongside software developers, other designers, and a marketing director. Together we collaborate on projects but maintain our independent contractor status. Soon we will be incorporated or LLC or something. We all work out of an office in downtown Springfield, MO, home of Bass Pro Shops and 30 minutes from the Country Music Capital of the World, Branson. Although we don't currently have any Branson projects on our roster, nor do we intend to. I like hot peppers and peanut-butter-and-honey sandwiches.
My portfolio (in need of updating):
http://www.jgaylor.comSome current work (I plan on adding to the portfolio soon):
http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/portfolioMy blog:
http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/blogMy Photoshop brushes:
http://www.brushes.designfruit.comWhen did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I wouldn't say there was a pivotal moment. I've always loved art classes. Art was the one thing I could actually focus on in school. So I took art classes in high school and college. During my partial college career I decided to major in Graphic Design, minor in Marketing, and drop out to be in a band. I continued to hone my skills doing flyers for our shows, CD packaging, posters, etc. I did some other CDs for bands along the way.
Who or what inspires you?
Just about anything can inspire me, but I'm most inspired by great design. I spend a lot of time "researching" or looking at others work. I think the more time you spend absorbing great work the more it will show in what you output. Bad design is also quite a motivator. When I see something that is not designed right such as a "resealable" bag that doesn't reseal, or a company name printed on the side of a truck misusing proper typography rules and punctuation, I feel out of control. I think design is good therapy for people who like to be in control.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I'm mostly self taught. As I said earlier, I didn't finish college. I did spend enough time there to learn a lot about composition and typography amongst many things that I most likely would not have picked up quickly such as when to use an Em dash.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I read a lot of books and subscribe to several magazines. My favorite is HOW. They provide articles containing highly useful information that I can apply to my daily life as a designer. They have several competitions such as the Interactive Design Competition and the Self-Promotion Competition. I love looking through all the work and getting ideas. I feel like most of the time I'm a follower, but as long as I'm following the right people then my work is fresh. I don't mind following trends. If you follow the trends then the Industry is always changing, keeps it "fresh" and interesting. I'll leave it up to someone else to start the trends. I'd rather use my free time to hang with friends.
What are some of your current projects?
Rabbit Fighter CD Packaging. I just completed a CD for a band called Rabbit Fighter. I was mostly inspired by the band photos that were taken at a friends house. The house in which they were taken is owned by a friend that designs and builds cabinets and old-world style carpentry. Everything he does is dark, robust, heavy and reminiscent of the quality work that you see in older homes. With the high ceilings and rich colors as backdrops, the band took on a look that I wanted to carry over into the art work. After recently seeing the band at House of Blues in Chicago and experiencing a similar architecture and quality of craftsmanship, I had plenty of ideas to start laying down. I was going for rich, regal, strong, ornamental presentation combined with a touch of modern. These days the distressed, worn look is fairly popular, and I think it's because it gives our modern canvases an aged dilapidated look that is appealing because it is unexpected.
Here's a link to the CD artwork:
http://www.designfruit.com/jasongaylor/portfolio/rabbitfighter.jpgRandy Bacon Photography Web site. Randy Bacon, a photographer in Springfield, MO approached me about doing a Web site. Since I created his last one I was extremely excited to work with him again. He's one of those clients designers dream of having. He's very open to new ideas, and basically lets you do whatever you think works. Randy is not just your average photographer, he takes pictures of people, but more than that he "freezes a moment in time." His philosophy is to change peoples lives through their experience with him. He wants to capture the preciousness of life and the reality in the lives of each individual. Sounds fun huh? The Web site needed to be alive and real, not forced or modern, but natural. I used a hand drawn technique for buttons. I combined rough edges with a cut-and-paste presentation that gives the site a soft organic look that is very alive. I didn't want it to compete with the photography, so I made most of the non-photography pieces neutral in color.
Here's a link to the site:
http://www.randybacon.comWhich of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?
I'm usually most proud of the projects I've just completed. Perhaps it is because they are so new, but when time wears off I suppose I'd say I'm most satisfied with all of the CD packaging I've done. Something about having so much design work packed into a neat little compartment supplemented by music is hard to top.
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
As with any profession there are infinite directions I could choose to take, so yes. However, I've read several books on Macromedia Flash and the use ofActionscript so I can continue to grow in the area of Interactive Flashdesign. I really think it's important to be good a many things as a designer in this day and age. Although it's impossible to learn everything, continuing education is a must. I would like to go back to college but I fear I've learned more since I dropped out, and I would only be spending money to learn something I could teach myself. Perhaps those Art History classes could help though.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
Design is like any other skill/craft. It takes years to develop your sensitivity to all the subtleties of composition, contrast, repetition, typography, etc. More than that though. Even if you are a great designer, you will have to sell yourself to the world. You can't just put a bunch of design up on the walls in your apartment and expect people to start calling. You've got to look for opportunities. Take part in interviews. Market yourself in forums on the Web by asking for critiques, etc. Get critiques from great designers that will tell you like it is and be honest. Take on some free work in the areas that you want to pursue. For example, I love doing CDs for bands, so it's pretty easy to walk up to a band in a club and say, "Can I do the artwork for your next CD for free." If you're just starting out, this is a great way to get some stuff in your book. On the contrary, if people are coming to you, don't be afraid to charge what your worth. There are books on this subject and articles on sites such as
creativepublic.com that help you figure those fees. Charging too little hurts you and the entire design community.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
I know in my heart when I'm ready to present something to a client. But you can't depend on that, you must be able to back up the reasons for your decisions. I think a successful piece solves a problem or issue, and presents it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Typical: Function meets Form. Mostly though, if the client is pleased, and I am pleased with the work I've created, and I was able to make a living doing so, then that is success to me.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Change. Embrace change. Go play tennis, or rock-climb, or something you've never done. Take walks. Create boundaries. Don't work all the time. Roll the idea of change into your work. Try different techniques. Scan random things in. Print out your work and rub it on the ground or pour water on it. Dry it out and scan it back in. Use the tools. Have fun.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?Arrested Development, The Office, Family Guy. Oh, I hate to say this, but I like the O.C..
DEVON BENDER
Is this thing on? *ahem* HI! I'm a 27 year old graphic designer from Erie, PA. I'm an in-house designer for a small company that deals with the outdoor industry. I've bounced around more agencies than I care to mention and I spend my crazy nights trying to figure out Metallica songs on my piano so I can impress my fiancé. My two cats are my life and I amuse myself by chopping their fur off. I travel on weekends to be with my future husband. I have an obsession with Totino's pizza rolls, Sour Altoids, and the color lime green. If you want to send me something lime green, or a picture of something lime green, please contact me and I'll give you my mailing address. I'm afraid of spiders. I am NOT afraid of cockroaches.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?
I actually decided .... wait I didn't decide!! I accidently took an Intro to Graphic Design course and was hooked ever since. It seemed like it would pay better than doing ceramics. I was so wrong.
Who or what inspires you?
Mmm...... my friends. My incredibly talented design friends, seeing really good work, and ideas that have never been executed. FRESH is the key.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
I went to Edinboro University of PA, and got my four year degree. Funny though, my internship taught me more than any formal course did. Even though the designer who worked there probably wanted to kill me. I was a bit "inquisitive." Aka "annoying." I owe him though.
How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?
I TRY to keep up with industry trends. I've never really been TOO trendy. I like to march to the beat of my own damn self. Plus, it's expensive to be trendy. The HOW conference was pretty amazing. I've met so many contacts and friends through that experience.
What are some of your current projects?
Weeeellll. I guess I've been obsessing over wedding invitations.... after all, I only have a YEAR to design them! OH. also, the HOWIEZINE is going to be due in a month. I believe the theme is "lost and found"... this could get interesting.
http://www.howiezine.com/Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I've really been interested in letterpress lately. I need to just bite the bullet and use my resources to try to get into it.
Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?
DON'T give up. If you're any good, persistence is the key to success.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
When it evokes something. A feeling, a memory, a thought, a smell......
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
What I WILL be doing is getting more sleep. ALWAYS have a goal. When you have nothing to push for, you end up stagnant. Stuck in a life rut.
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
I don't have cable.... (which proves to be extremely effective in getting stuff done around the house) but I enjoy, "So You Think You Can Dance!" Craig and I love us some Desperate Housewives though. We never miss it. JUICY!
Recent Work:
CHRISTIAN MESSER
Christian Messer has been in the design industry for several years and currently is at the helm of his own studio, Whiplash Design. Christian launched his company in 2001, partnering with clients ranging from Portland, Oregon’s oldest family owned auto specialist, Everist Brothers, to clients in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Recently, Christian refocused Whiplash Design to specialize and target the board-sports industry, marrying his passion for design and extreme sports. This year the studio also introduced dynamic web development services to small and medium sized businesses and offers marketing consulting, strategies and implementation.This year, Whiplash Design’s self-promotion piece, “The Tiki Book” was featured in the design book, “The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success,” written by award-winning designer Jeff Fisher. Christian believes in giving back to the community as an important part of a business model and has begun pro-bono work for and with the Portland Area Business Association; of which he is a member.
When did you first decide to become a graphic designer /illustrator? Was there a pivitol moment?
Always an interesting story, No matter what designer answers it. I was one of those 20 year olds who had lack of direction, and waited tables throughout my late teens and mid-20’s. I had excelled in creativity in many ways, many told me I was very talented, yet no one…gave me a clue about going back to school, or urged me in doing something with my talent. That was, until I got closer to my friend Bob (no pun intended.) I had known Bob for about 8 years. Around 1996, I moved back from Seattle after living there for three years. Everybody comes back to Portland, Oregon. Its like a spell weaved over you if you live and then move, you always find your way back.
At this time, I was doing a re-modeling/construction job with a friend, drywall/mudding, among other things. cement nails are cool when you hammer them, they spark, very cool. But I digress. This project or job was coming to a close and I didn’t know where I was going, what I wanted to do. I got a few other waiting jobs, but Bob kept needling me to look into going to school. Eventually, his persistence paid off. I picked up a local community college class catalog and looked through it. Now, some might say that a community college isn’t the best education for a designer, but what lie ahead was what I now know as fate. I say fate or that it was meant to be, because luck is one thing, this was too powerful and incredible to be just luck.
I took my first class, an introductory class, in the Summer of 1997. That is where the journey began and I will always be grateful for it. I was smitten with it, hook, line and sinker. I excelled at it, and got an A in the class, and proceeded to continue on the fall. Now, here’s the miracle part. If I had gone into the program a year before, I would not have received the education I did. The design program at PCC Sylvania was 25 years old, had not been gutted and re-vamped in quite a while. 1996 was the year when the department head decided to (or had to) retire and a new one took his place. At that point, she really did gut the program and re-designed it to bring it up to the modern, more work-intense program that it is today. I met many of my best friends there, from both alumni classes, that I would have never met had I gone to some other year. It was a two year program, I stayed 3 because I had never been to college and didn’t realize there were things called “requirement” classes you had to get through in order to graduate. Even though the class left that I went through the program with, and I was done, I still had my foot in the pool, taking a few classes within the program for extra measure and met my best girlfriend Sabrina because of it and would later create “The Tiki Book.”
90% of the alumni for that program for 1999 and 2000, didn’t need to continue their education to a four year. Some did. One of my other best girlfriend (yes, I have two!) got accepted to Art Center, a prestigous, high-calliber design school in Pasadena, California. That right there tells you how complete and incredible our design program was. No one got accepted to a school like that before. I still keep in touch with most people from there, teachers and all. It was a special time and place and we all knew it. The two groups were incredible people and we all relish how damn good it was. So there’s your answer…was that too long? I thought you said you wanted a novel! Oh…not enough time? Biscuits!
Who or what inspires you?
I am such a visual freak that I don’t think I could pinpoint one or two specific things or people that inspires me. The people on the HOW forum inspire me. Jeff Fisher inspires me to excel in my business, he’s my role model of the design entrepreneur, but then again, so is Von Glitschka. Von inspires me to cart my sketch book around with me. I will always remember what he said about getting better at illustrating. “I tell my daughters; the only way to get better is to continue doing it. Keeping picking up the pencil and do it every day.” Or at least the first part of that quote is right. Davpunk, Chimpy, (Dave Pasciuto I think is his non-monkey-mother name.) His work is inspiring. He has this incredible skill with light and shadow that is amazing. Chris Hayes is another, of No.e studios. His own wedding invitation was remarkable. Which reminds me, I need to get him a F.A.O Schwartz Gift Certificate or something for a copy of that. I could go on and on and on, and I am sure there would be someone left out, so I probably should stop with the HOW list. Ash is incredible with her books, so freakin' talented. Oh - one last couple. No…they aren’t a couple, but they are both photographers. Janet Little and Joseph Blend; both are masters of their own universe with their field of photography. I am constantly amazed at the talent.
I would say - as far as people who inspire me, they are the ones who have come before me, the ones who are established in their businesses. Especially the one’s who are entrepreneurs, because I relate to them, I am one myself. We all have this drive, this undying thirst to be
better, to reinvent, to continually create. I could never answer this question without mentioning those outside the design field. The Gert Boyle’s of the world. The pioneers of entrepreneurial spirit and success. They help me to remember that when I fall, to just get up, brush myself off and keep going. To do otherwise would be blasphemy!
Design to me is a lifestyle, not necessarily just a career. I’m sure others will agree with me that we, as designers, are drawn to well-designed stuff. Take Target; for example. I love Target. Why? Because they take the time and resources to implement design on every level of the customer’s experience. Heck, I even saw someone take cell phone photos of the illustrations that adorn all of their Halloween displays, simply because it was done so well. Does that say anything? I have a fascination and addiction to glass, especially cobalt blue glass. Vases, candle holders, anything really that in my eyes is a work of art. I go into Costco and massage wine labels and their bottles, call me crazy. Why do I like Apple products? Same thing…they respect
design and spend an incredible amount of time and energy using it to its potential.
I guess what I am saying is that I am inspired by my world, the things I encounter, and the people that I encounter along the way. The artists, the illustrators, the entrepreneurs. There you have it.
Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?
Answered this one in the pivotal moment…didn’t I? Oh yeah, I there’s more to that story. Not enough room on the blog to go on? GETOUT!
How do you keep “fresh” within your industry?
Hmm…O.K. - this ties into the self-taught, training question too, I saved it for this; I just knew you’d ask this one. There’s two halves to this entity, I call it my Whipped Mojo. One is moving forward as an entrepreneur. The other half is strictly design oriented. I keep fresh in the entrepreneur spirit by constantly looking for ways to improve my edge over the competition. I am always reading, always researching subjects on the web. I have a knack for obtaining and
filing information; some may call it an obsession. This, however, gives me an upper hand in the game, because I can latch onto new technology as it’s coming up the pike.
I can reveal some of the most recent success of this; ‘cause it’s on my web site. Others are industry secrets I can’t yet reveal. I figured out, somewhere along the way that I had to differentiate myself from other web developers if that was a field I wanted to tackle. What I
discovered is that most web sites are not cross-browser, cross-platform compatible. I saw this as an opportunity, bought a book or two, and taught myself to use XHTML and CSS to their fullest potential. I ditched Dreamweaver, which some might disagree with, but for me I wanted to banish using a program as a crutch. Now I can offer this to my clients and have a certain edge that others may not. The hardest part of this? I’m so right brain it isn’t even funny! Trying to stretch that left brain, by hand coding everything is a kicker.
Marketing has been something else I realized needed to be in my bag of tricks. I had been one of the “victims,” if you can call it that, of the economy tanking in 2001. I knew that I had find out how others were surviving, and discovered that I needed to find a niche. By accident, I found that I had an immense passion for board-sports, so this is now my niche that I focus on. The marketing aspect came about while doing research for a colleague who was hit by the web taking over her industry, she’s an independent travel agent. It was here that I realized that somehow, I became an expert at researching subjects on the internet. I’m sure I wasn’t born with it, but it is a talent nonetheless.
The second half of my Whipped Mojo, we have my field, graphic design. I think trusting your own instincts is the key. I have tried to keep away from looking at design annuals and such, because in the end, it is your vision, your creativity that clients hire you for. I do look at some stuff online, like the HOW forum. I also check out a gazillion web sites within the board-sports industry. I also have an incredible library of sites that have their pulse on trends, demographics, like teens, 25-30 year old men, etc. Damn, there’s the marketing thing again. You can’t hide from it, it’s always there no matter what your specific design field, you have to know your audience.
What are some of your current projects?
Well, lessee…there’s 4 web sites I am working on. The clients consist of an Estate attorney, a Spa on Wheels type company, my own Business and Life Coach’s site (we are in the process of a brand-new site) a graphic designer, and well, that’s it. I’m working on a logo for the Spa on wheels company as well. My own re-launch is still going strong, which means a ton of marketing.
Which projects are you most proud of? And why?
I would have to say, right now, “The Tiki Book” self-promotion piece I did for my own studio a couple of years ago. Why? Because it started as a design school project. It was so well received that one day, I thought, “Hmm…why can’t I do this for real?” It was such an intense process. I raised the bar for this version quite high. Hundreds (or so it seemed) of hours went into researching the history of Tiki, the genre and the people that it came from. It was a labor of love, and it was the biggest learning experience I could have ever self-started. It was well received by those who got one, and I am still in touch with some of those recipients. Did I mention I wrote the whole thing? Yeah -I wrote the whole book, so my writing really got stepped up a notch too during this process. Ah - writing another love, another talent…but that's a whole other barrel of Chimpy sticks.
The main reason I am proud of it is the fact that I never gave up, and now the damn thing has some incredible, edible legs! Because it was featured in Jeff Fisher’s book, I am getting way more out of it than I ever could have imagined at the time the idea was conceived! I thank
Jeff profusely for that opportunity. The only link I can provide is this:
http://www.whiplashdesign.com/richter.html, because the other main photo is within a PHP gallery section.
I also have to say my own web site in its current state. Link is here:
http://www.whiplashdesign.com Davepunk doesn’t think so, but he isn’t aware of the learning curve I had to tackle, the umpteen hours of studying and hand coding. Plus, now that this process is over, it all comes so easily now, and that is priceless. I even know PHP code because of it. Shut Up! Yes, shut up indeed. (K - a little valley girl speak, get over it.)
Are there any areas, techniques, mediums projects in your field that you have yet to try?
I have just recently begun to understand and use my “Eye” (that extra gift that the creator gave me, which I have not mentioned here yet) for photography and I love it. I want to continue down this road. This new aspect of viewing photography as an art form rather than a necessity,
is due on part to Joseph Blend. I do some painting and wish to continue that as well. I want to be fluent in many areas actually. I have the talent and ability, so why not? If that sounds conceited, well go hug a rainbow! I would like to sharpen my illustrating skills, and not the computer stuff, I do well at it, but it ain’t my bag of funky dust.
Any advice to the novice designer / illustrator?
I would say, get an education. Find your Passion! Find your passion, and go for it! Otherwise, you will die old and bitter. I know too many people, my relatives included, that hate what they do. They’re in retail or some other dead-end job. I wish that they had someone that could have moved them to pursue their passion, as I did. You will always be a work in progress, so never forget that learning is a bottomless goblet, it will never empty and you will never die of thirst (in this respect anyway.) Oh - and don’t go to the computer immediately with a design project.
Respect the graphic design history and the hands on skills that have been used for our profession, a piece of paper and pencil is your friend. Learn brainstorming techniques, if you don’t know where to start, buy a book. “The Do-It-Yourself-Lobotomy” is a good start.
What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?
CONCEPT. Period. Clarity is the sister to a concept. If you have a concept and clearly visually represent your message, and people “get it” right away, no questions asked…then you’ve done your job.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?
Balance in one’s life is important. If you let your career take over, work all hours of the day, and at lunch you find yourself doing work in front of your computer…you’re on your way to burnout. I learned this the hard way. You must do things outside, go to movies, to galleries, to dinner, whatever. But take those times for yourself and your loved ones. Take time for yourself as well, I call it “ME Time.”
And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?
Desperate Housewives, LOST and ALIAS. Alias is waning on me though - the pregnancy thing and Vaughn getting killed off was just too much to swallow. I just know they’ll pull another of their stunts and bring Vaughn back from the dead, which they would have jumped the shark. The others are my new favorites. I love JJ Abrahms, his Alias story lines are so intricate and tightly wound together, criss-crossing each other. He has (along with the others on the team) have done the same with Lost - Can ya tell I like the smart, “thinking-man’s” dramas??
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