What kind of degree do you have and what field is it in? I have an AS degree from Cazenovia College in Advertising Design and a BS degree in Graphic Design from Buffalo State. My education at Caz helped me refine my fundamental drawing and rendering skills while focusing on layout and production. At Buffalo I continued this training while expanding into the development of broader ad campaigns, typography and graphic design.
Have you always been able to draw or was it a skill you learned in college? I started drawing at a young age and my mom always encouraged me to go to art school. Growing up I thought I would be a cartoonist because my drawings always ended up looking "cartoony" and I would create superheros and comic strips. In college I had professors who tried to break me out of this style. But I always tried to focus more on the idea behind what I was communicating. I think clients still appreciate a hand-drawn comp. I try to make sketching a habit in the early stages of every project I work on.
What was your first paid assignment? After graduation I worked on a logo design for a new coffee shop in town called "Moonbeans".... The owner was a friend of mine and he haggled with me on the initial estimate. Negotiating price was uncharted territory for me, but I went with it --- concentrating on the design. By the end I was beat up pretty good with more hours than I could track, but when the logo was finally in the window I was extremely proud. I learned some valuable lessons with that experience.
Which designer (or artist) do you most admire? One that immediately jumps to the top of the list is local designer, Kurt Ketchum. I met him when I attended a portfolio showcase at Nazareth College in Rochester. His style is deep and truly original. I was drawn to his illustrative style that he incorporates into his design. He is the type of artist who has taken his vision of design to a place I only dream I could go.
What would you be doing if you weren't a designer? There was a time when I thought I could be a professional bass player while moonlighting as a designer. I created artwork for my band and for my friends' and clients in bands --- and still do. Music and graphic art always went hand-in-hand for me. Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam is a musician and artist who I admire and I thought I could model my career from.
From where do your best ideas originate? A sunny brisk morning with a warm cup of coffee. I feel the most settled and open to free thought at that time. If I have a new project to start on I try to find moments of calm to allow for some "cosmic" intervention as I like to call it. Sometimes unexpected quiet moments work for me when I least expect it.
How do you overcome a creative block? It happens when I have too much going on --- no question. Sometimes breaking up creative block can be as simple as taking a day off or taking a trip to Barnes & Noble to disappear and breeze through some books and magazines. If I'm pressed for time, a take a walk and try to clear my head.
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new assignment? Stoked!
Do you have a personal philosophy? My general personal philosophy is to have a healthy balance of work and play. Professionally: Always have an open mind to the power of simplicity.
Do you have creative interests other than design? One near and dear to my heart is tattooing. I'm finding that it is a lifelong commitment in different ways aside than the obvious. For the past 8 years I have worked on completing several pieces which are based on the Japanese style. The subject matter of Japanese tattooing is rooted in the mythological and spirtual and I've always been drawn to it. The imagery is simply amazing and timeless. Truly, what can be more expressive than this artistic medium? I'm fascinated by it.
What music are you listening to? This changes everyday --- every hour! Some of my favorite bands are Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, while some new bands I like are Taking Back Sunday and MUSE.
