Don Clark

Don Clark played in bands for 15 years. So it’s only natural that he began designing album covers when he stepped into the visual arts arena. Invisible Creature, the Seattle-based design shop that he co-runs with his brother Ryan, has been nominated for four Grammys and boasts clients like the Foo Fighters, Chris Cornell, and Billboard magazine. Make your Monday less manic with Don Clark’s 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Eclectic, conceptual & amusing.

2. Who is your creative role model?
My late grandfather, Alfred Paulsen.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
That’s an easy and obvious one … snuggle more with my kids.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
I’d have to say my home, the Northwest. My priorities/interests are different now than what they were even 5 years ago … just experiencing life with my family is the biggest and best inspiration. I played in bands for 15 years and toured the nation quite a bit. I had the opportunity to visit some pretty great places, but there was nothing like coming home. Seattle is a big city that feels small to me, and I love that. Oh, and we have lots of bookstores and coffee shops. And trees.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
As a child, I used to dream of playing first base for the Giants. So, let’s just say that.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I tend to draw a lot with my kids, so they are always getting silly character sketches and various monster doodles. At this point, they probably seem more like scrap paper to them rather than gifts …

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Hmmm. That’s a tough one as I’m a big hoarder, I mean collector, of many things. I think it may be a tie between my book collection and the shelf that holds them. Oh, one thing? Probably my couch.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Did you know that you can get paid to draw?”

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Here are 4 that I love …
Vintage Vanguard
Grain Edit
CandyCaneLand
Project Thirty-Three.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When my eyes are blurry. And the cursing stops.