When did you realize you had a passion for graphic arts? Somewhere between playing Neopets and having a MySpace. After using other people’s codes and graphics on your user lookup pages and profile, I realized that I could probably do all of the designing myself – and I’ve never been the same since.
What are your favorite types of design projects to work on? I definitely enjoy doing publication design the best, although that’s what I work on the least. I really enjoy working on t-shirt designs too, because at the end of it all, it’s cool to see a bunch of people wear your design.
Who/what inspires you? BRANDON YUNG!! A lot of my successors from Interact Club really inspire me though; they keep doing what they do and that makes me want to do what I like to do… if that makes sense. But oh man, I follow a lot of people on Dribbble too; that’s usually my go to place to find inspiration.
How often do you experience designer’s block, and how do you get around it? I don’t experience designer’s block often, but when I do, it’s for long-ass periods of time – and that’s not cool. To get around it, I just have to be productive in life, do other things, – eventually ideas come to me, but it definitely takes time.
In what type of work environment are you most productive? I’m definitely a coffee-shop kind of worker; nothing better than some espresso to calm the nerves, get you through the day, and spark some inspiration here and there.
Favorite Font? Zulia Pro… or Novecento… or Comic Neue… there’s just so much to choose from…
Biggest pet peeve of the design world? How some designers get so pretentious and uppity about everything in the world of design – it’s contagious… I’m sorry for everyone I’ve ever offended…
What is your strongest piece and why? When I was in High School I was part of Interact Club and part of it’s District Council – and one of the events we had was this overnight leadership retreat. My partner and I got to work together to make posters, a booklet with personal blurbs and worksheets, a shirt and some pins – it was the whole shabang! It was a lot to do, but it’s definitely something I look back on a lot.
What is the most fulfilling part about being a graphic artist? Ah you know, I kinda like the fact that an artist’s work is never really done – there’s always just more to add, change, and do. Like maybe I can finish a piece and feel satisfied, but maybe I’ll wake up the next day and want do change it or even start over. It’s weird, but that’s what I like; that there’s always more to do.