August Heffner

Can a MoMA advertisement or gallery design ever be as beautiful as the masterful work it promotes? Yes, if August Heffner is involved. This MoMA art director has created stunning exhibition identities for shows like “Abstract Expressionist New York” and “Bauhaus.” His typographic designs have transformed what could be basic text introductions into masterpieces that draw viewers into the gallery experience. And when he isn’t managing design for MoMA, he’s producing book and magazine covers for popular publications like Diner Journal and Stephen Colbert’s “I am American (and so can you!)”. Learn more about this multi-talented artist in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Words, colors, ideas (hopefully at least 2 out of 3).

2. Who is your creative role model?
Stephen Doyle taught me most of the things I know. (runners up include: Matteo Bologna, Julia Hoffman, Richard Wilde, Andrew Tarlow and every single one of my friends.)

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Save ‘em up and go out camping with my friends.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
It’s Friday, February 4, 2011. I can’t stop thinking about Egypt.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I’d like to be a really, really famous artist for a day. Seems like that wouldn’t be a bad day. I’d also like to be . Looks like that was a fun day.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Pickles. (runners up: Jam, mixtapes)

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My copy of The Last Whole Earth Catalog. (runners up: A Charly Harper Silkscreen, and my girlfriend gave me Nirvana’s Nevermind on vinyl for my birthday last year. It was the best gift/object I’d ever received)

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t stop breathing (Yoko Ono wrote this on the wall in MoMA’s contemporary galleries). Sometimes I forget to breathe.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Nothing is New, Reference Library, An Ambitious Project Collapsing, 10 ANSWERS, Imprint.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When it’s due.