Benjamin Palmer

Posted on September 19, 2011 by reb22

Benjamin Palmer

Benjamin Palmer leads barbarians. In other words, he is the visionary leader of one of the coolest interactive advertising agencies on the planet — The Barbarian Group. Benjamin is cofounder and CEO of the shop, which was recently recognized by Fast Company as one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies. As a testament to his creative and cultural fortitude, Benjamin was just elected as the Art Directors Club’s new president, where he will undoubtedly push the needle forward with his signature spark. See what inspires this digital guru in Benjamin’s 10 Answers below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Making quality internet.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Brian Eno.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
A little bit more of everything.

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Geoff Green

Posted on September 6, 2011 by reb22

geoff green

When it comes to capturing people’s beauty, nothing is out of the picture for Geoff Green. The NYC-based photographer constantly explores new neighborhoods and people with his camera in tow, always aiming to depict the moments when subjects from sidewalk dwellers to Art Director’s Club judges to mega celebrities are at their most enthralling. His work has earned features in publications like The New York Times and Der Spiegel, and his talents have been employed for the advertising campaigns of clients ranging from NYC theater companies to AT&T. See what keeps this stunning photog focused in today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
I’ve always felt uncomfortable describing my work, but – honest, personal and careful.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Robert Frank, Walker Evans, many of the old masters. Jay Maisel, my mentor and former employer, who continues to amaze me every time I stop by his studio. My friends.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 Complain there still isn’t enough time in the day! Then get some editing done and finish that New Yorker article.

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Happy End-Of-Summer!

Posted on August 23, 2011 by reb22

Thank you for visiting! 10 ANSWERS is taking a hiatus for summer maintenance, but will return September 6 with exciting new interviews.

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Marc Johns

Posted on August 9, 2011 by reb22

Marc Johns

Ever imagine what inanimate objects would say if they could speak? Marc Johns does. His simple, whimsical drawings explore the fabricated personalities of pens, blobs, fish, and even a pipe that’s trying to quit smoking. These charming and humorous illustrations have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, WIRED, Newsweek and his own beautifully designed book, Serious Drawings. Hear what this animated artist has to say about inspiration in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Drawings, sometimes funny.

2. Who is your creative role model?
My influences are constantly changing. Right now it’s Maurice Sendak.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Read, write more, draw more, learn web coding, get organized, sleep… Wait! Can I have more than an extra hour?

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Daniel Friedman

Posted on August 8, 2011 by reb22

daniel friedman design

Daniel Friedman does complete, floor-to-ceiling revamping of New York City apartments. Daniel can turn ordinary lightbulbs into one-of-a-kind chandeliers and mundane walls into floor-to-ceiling artwork. And Daniel used to be unknown – that is, until Alli Goldberg convinced him that a blog showcasing his creative designs would help promote his work. Now, Alli has gone from Daniel’s biggest fan to his one-person PR department. This is great news for the rest of us, who can now view Daniel’s inventive remodeling and original pieces as he continues to establish himself as a maven of interior architecture. With affordable rates and tremendous results, Daniel is consistently transforming ho-hum apartments into ooh-la-la abodes. Hear from the artist himself on where inspiration comes from, and what keeps giving Alli something to write home [renovations] about.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Everyday spaces, re-imagined.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Samuel Mockbee. He ran an innovative design studio in Alabama pairing inexperienced architecture students with poor landowners in desperate need of new housing. He taught me sustainable design continues to evolve long after the designer is hands-off. The most elegant spaces are those refined and matured by the people who enjoy them.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 I’d work a little slower.

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Shannon Jensen

Posted on July 26, 2011 by reb22

Shannon Jensen

If you’re looking to take an intimate journey through multiple areas of East Africa in a single day, look no further than Shannon Jensen’s stunning photographs. She’ll show you the emotions of ethnically Southern Sudanese returning “home” after decades of being displaced, the jagged hilltops of Uganda’s Rwenzori mountains, and the emerging basketball culture of Southern Sudan (their unusually tall height makes them a natural fit). Her artistic talent, ability to capture personal moments and innate storytelling abilities have earned her publications in the New York Times, Die Zeit and The Guardian. Get a picture of what inspires this phenomenally gifted photographer in today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
I aspire to create work that is compelling, insightful and worthwhile. Definitely not there yet.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 People who creatively inspire me include brilliant storytellers like Ira Glass and Brian Storm, art photographers like Taryn Simon and Chris Jordan, and many photojournalists – most recently Stephanie Sinclair’s child bride work and Moises Saman’s coverage of the Arab spring, particularly under tough conditions in Libya.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Write more emails, mail more postcards. I spend a lot of time away from home, so maintaining relationships requires diligence.

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Christian Cota

Posted on July 19, 2011 by reb22

christian cota

Blake Lively,  Elizabeth Banks and Tina Fey are just a few of the notable actresses who have donned Christian Cota’s designs, which has put his career in the spotlight as well. This rising star founded his eponymous fashion label in 2007, and was named a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue in 2010. One peek at his Fall 2011 collection and it’s easy to see why he’s raking in the accolades. His funky details, unusual mix of textures (think fox fur & lamb skin) and precise tailoring make him a talent to follow. After all, if you can’t look like Eva Mendes you might as well dress like her. Rack up inspiration with Christian’s 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Artistic. Sophisticated. Passionate.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Karl Lagerfeld.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Visit parts of the city that I don’t have time to otherwise.

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Jesse Tise

Posted on July 18, 2011 by reb22

Jesse Tise

“When in doubt, go to nature” is the best advice illustrator Jesse Tise ever received. Looking at his psychedelic illustrations, featuring images of mythical robotic creatures running through the jungle, it’s clear he took this wisdom to heart. All of Jesse’s boldly colored pieces – whether they are prints, paintings or 3-dimensional toys – incorporate organic elements with a zany twist. He always pushes himself to explore imagery in new mediums, like the 26-page booklets he created to showcase the his ‘Flora, Fauna, and Freaks‘ series of illustrations or the set of Six Sculpey Figures he created to bring his odd characters to life. Learn how Jesse’s preternatural character designs come naturally in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Colorful, bizarre, playful. Slippery, slimy, and squishy works too, though.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Flying Lotus. If I could channel my thoughts and imaginings into music, it would probably sound like this guy’s woozy, electronic / instrumental haze.  I always play his stuff while I’m working.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 Finish reading Roald Dahl’s of short stories. I still have about three quarters left of it.

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Anne Ulku

Posted on July 14, 2011 by reb22

anne ulku

“Didn’t think he would go there.” So goes one of the many Six Word Story Every Day projects from designer Anne Ulku and her writing partner, Van Horgen. The two collaborated to generate beautifully illustrated six-word tales with stunning typography. The duo has completed their yearlong endeavor, and have now opened the project to outside contributors. In addition to fun daily projects, Anne puts her talents to good use with colorful and type driven logos, patterns and identities. Hear how Anne gets inspired (in more than six words) in today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Typographic. Vibrant. Patterned.

2. Who is your creative role model?
I’m not sure there is only one person that I consider a role model. I’m influenced by creativity and culture around me, and by what my peers are making. I strive off of others ambition – if that may be considered a role model.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Ideally, my answer should be sleep. But that would waste about 15 days a year; I could complete a whole new project with that time. Instead, I would like to just sit there, daydream, and absorb thoughts. Because it – like sleeping – would reenergize and refuel your mind. I’d have a pen and sketch book, and jot down and illustrate every thought, phrase, word or idea that comes to mind. Like documenting dreaming while awake.

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Amanda Hesser

Posted on July 13, 2011 by reb22

Amanda Hesser Food52

Super-foodie Amanda Hesser humbly began her culinary career delivering bread at dawn from a bakery. It would be an understatement (and probably a bad pun) to say that her career has risen incredibly since then. Her first book, , catapulted Amanda into the role of food reporter at The New York Times. While there, she wrote more than 800 food-related stories and went on to publish her , which won the 2011 James Beard Award in the General Cooking category. Through the experience writing her blockbuster book, Amanda (with co-founder Merrill Stubbs) conceived of her current project, Food52 – a social hub for food lovers to share projects, recipes and more. Get a taste of what inspires Amanda in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Connections. Ideas. Humor.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Ted Meuhling. If I could create food the way he creates objects, I’d be happy.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 Talk with my kids. Hug my husband. Work more. 20 minutes each!

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Curtis Popp

Posted on July 11, 2011 by reb22

Curtis Popp

“Furniture is a natural progression for me as a designer,” explains interior designer, Curtis Popp. That’s why the celebrated architecture and interior decor guru – who’s had work featured in Interior Design, Dwell, and Interni & Décor magazines – has begun directing his home-related design talents towards producing beautifully crafted furniture. The first offering in production by his CPopp Workshop is the Soft Side Table from the Soft Collection. The table and collection get their names from the items’ lack of hard edges, which Curtis designed to make the pieces feel more accessible. Welcome your week with Curtis’s inspiration in today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Thoughtful, timeless, playful.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Nick Cave for his darkness Erroll Morris for his honesty, Mies for his rigidity and Philippe Starck for his sense of humor.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 Read.

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Maricor & Maricar Manalo

Posted on July 7, 2011 by reb22

MaricorMaricar

Twin-sister tag-team designers Maricor and Maricar Manalo like to create things by hand. Their obsession with paper and patterns has led them to create funky paper cut-out illustrations and mesmerizing sewn artwork. Their hand-embroidered typography, like their  ’Go Play’ header for ESPN magazine, demonstrates the girls’ attention to detail and mastery of color, while their paper illustration for Anorak Magazine’s Food shows their sense of humor. Get two times the inspiration with their two cents in today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Intricately textured visuals.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Neil Gaiman, he’s not a designer, but a writer. We wish we were as witty and could weave imaginative stories like his.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 Cook. Or read a book, preferably outdoors away from our workspace.

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Brianna Harden

Posted on July 6, 2011 by reb22

brianna harden

“I lived for 18 years in a brown townhouse in the middle of the San Fernando Valley.” says artist Brianna Harden. With that simple fact Brianna’s seemingly odd combination of palm-tree and traffic motifs makes perfect sense. Her delicate illustrations and watercolor paintings that depict scenes from a childhood in Los Angeles caught the eye of GOOD Magazine, leading her to complete a lovely series of illustrations for their online articles. See what else Brianna has been up to in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Deliberate, detailed, designed.

2. Who is your creative role model?
I have a few, and they’re always changing as my personal goals change. A consistent one has been Maira Kalman—all of her work seems to be created from a place of happiness and purity of the spirit.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I have a handful of hobbies that I never get to spend enough time with, yet somehow I’m always taking on more. I would probably rotate between sewing, writing and photography. I also enjoy gardening, and I’m trying to learn how to play the ukulele!

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Emily Dubner

Posted on June 28, 2011 by reb22

baking for good

What if eating delicious desserts like chocolate chip cookies was actually good for you? Just ask Emily Dubner, who’s has made eating sweets good for everyone with her company, Baking for Good. The online bake-sale provides irresistible treats tailored for every occasion (July 4th cookies are on sale now!) and gives 15% of every purchase to the charitable cause of your choice. Every item is baked fresh for your order and delivered in charming, eco-friendly packaging that is almost as cute as the goodies inside. A homemade batch of brownies plus a donation to your favorite charity…what’s sweeter than that? See Emily’s 10 ANSWERS below, which are as delightful as her business.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Good, sweet, delicious.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Martha Stewart.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Make things. Crafty things. I would reupholster chairs and decoupage.

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Richard Catchweasel

Posted on June 27, 2011 by reb22

Richard Catchweasel

Richard Catchweasel can certainly see the wood for the trees. Using traditional cabinet-making techniques and UK native solid timbers, he designs and manufactures beautifully crafted handmade furniture. Through his eponymous British-based company, Richard creates one-of-kind pieces like chairs, end tables, cabinets and more in his distinct self-described modern English folk style. And thanks to a collaboration with a Kent-based tree surgeon, most of the lumber he uses comes from within a 30-mile radius of his South London workshop. Richard carefully chooses the most engaging pieces of timber to bring warmth and character to all of his custom work. Each of his creations are quirky and charming, just like his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Honest, strange and accidental.

2. Who is your creative role model?
I don’t think it’s a furniture maker or designer. It’d be the mongrel offspring of a 1960s Michael Caine and the director Terry Gilliam, mixed with a bit of unknown Mediaeval craftsman.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I’d spend more time riding my push bike downhill at high speed.

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