“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.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Living in my workspace has been very inspiring to me. I thought I would have troubles separating the life/work balance- but it has only made me realize more that it’s not just work to me, it’s a lifestyle, and naturally a part of my day and night. My studio [in Minneapolis] reminds me of the little forts I used to build as a child where I’d read, color, sleep and hide my favorite things. The space is a place surrounded by things I’ve made and feel inspired by, and where I’m able to come up with any idea, and experiment with any material I wish to.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I would never change what I’m doing, but if so, I would probably pursue dance. I’ve always wanted to be a performer on Broadway or a Rockette (not tall enough) and be able to sing and dance at the same time (don’t ever ask me to sing). Some day in the far far future, I’m sure I’ll be one of those 80 year old grandmas tap dancing with a cane, top hat and fringe skirt.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Things I’ve made – such as, books, cards, posters, and baked goods. I mostly just like wrapping gifts and decorating packages like they should set on a shelf for display. I actually used to work as a professional gift-wrapper at a toy store, in my very early years of employment.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
I love my plants (when they’re alive). Having plants or flowers or herbs growing in my home is always so fresh and rejuvenating.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Be your own worst critic.” If you have the right amount of ambition and drive for your work, you are the one who is hardest on yourself. You learn from the mistakes you make, you work on something until you push an idea as far as it can go. You put enough pressure on yourself to make everything that much better than the last. Though it’s good advice, it’s troubling at times because it’s hard to feel a sense of completion with any project because it could always keep on going. And you become your own worst competitor.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I tend to find a lot of inspiration from color palettes. And usually color coming from photography- particularly, photography of architecture, nature and landscape, food, and also street fashion. No specific website or blog, my inspirations are all over the place whether it be from my own snapshots from my surroundings or travels, or random Google searches.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
It’s hard to say. I feel a sense of satisfaction even when I just get an idea sketched out. Once in a while, with some projects, I find myself going to back, taking pieces and bits and extending or repurposing the elements of the project for personal use, or just to see how far the project could reach, conceptually, without a client budget. But I suppose, since I do a lot of print work, once it’s printed and signed, it is complete. And thinking in the sense of client work- when the client’s expectations have been fulfilled and when they are excited about it, I feel complete.
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