Jessica Walsh

Posted on March 31, 2011 by reb22

jessica walsh

It’s difficult to summarize Jessica Walsh’s talents. The multi-talented, multi-disciplinary designer has accomplished so much for being so young. Since graduating from RISD, Jessica has worked at NYC super-studios like Sagmeister Inc, Pentagram Design, and Print Magazine. And she has designed stunning work for clients like the The New York Times & NYT Magazine, AIGA, Computer Arts, I.D. Magazine, and many others. Her photo illustrations for Print’s Regional Design Annual artwork are a particular delight. The art created an identity for each region through use of stereotypical objects that represent each area. The objects were gathered, spray-painted white, and photographed. Start following this go-getter now with her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Ideas. Play. Passion.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Stefan Sagmeister is one of the most talented, genuine, and kind people that I know. I am so fortunate to work with him.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Read and learn more about astronomy, psychology, and other non-design related topics. There are so many things I’m interested in learning but not enough time in the day to do everything. Until I figure out how to clone myself.

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Doogie Horner

Posted on March 29, 2011 by reb22

doogie horner

Graphic design, writing, and comedy are three powerful genres in the publishing world. The trio is made even stronger when woven together, which is exactly what Doogie Horner does in his work. As an Art Director at Quirk Books, he has designed countless book covers including Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. As a writer, he has contributed to publications like McSweeney’s, Wired and Fast Company. And as a comedian, he was declared Philadelphia’s Funniest by Helium comedy club. He recently rolled all three of his talents together in his new book, . The collection features over 200 meticulously designed charts that aim to make sense of life’s mysteries, like an illustrated matrix of WWF finishing moves and heavy metal band name taxonomy. Get inspired by this talented multi-tasker in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Humorous, complex, arcane.

2. Who is your creative role model?
For infographic design, I don’t really have one. For copywriting I like Ben Schott and John Hodgman. For book cover design I like Paul Sahre and Peter Mendelsund.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Probably read or write.

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Josh Cochran

Posted on March 28, 2011 by reb22

josh cochran

“Citizen of the world” is illustrator Josh Cochran’s self-proclaimed nationality. But maybe he should change that to “citizen of real and fantasy worlds” based on his recent Zombies Vs. Unicorn book cover, which won a Society of Illustrators award. This Taiwanese-turned-Brooklynite artist creates other worldly designs for editorial, advertising, broadcast and web clients like The New York Times, Nike, Wired, and Pentagram. Learn more about this out-of-this-world artist in Josh’s 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Layered, rough, impulsive.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Hokusai, Cy Twombly and Wong Kar Wai.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would probably make really time consuming meals involving spam.

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Jerome Corgier

Posted on March 22, 2011 by reb22

jerome corgier

The alphabet never looked better. And that’s because French artist Jerome Corgier styles his ABC’s with a twist. Jerome creates custom 3-D letters by layering colored paper in different graphic patterns. Each letter is a unique object. Check out what this talented artist has to say in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Sculptural paper typography.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Wow, so lot of people… My engines are my ex-teachers Cathy Beauvallet and Celine Chrétien. My inspirations at this moment are Ansel Adams, Paul Cox, Saul Steinberg, and Michel Bouvet…

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

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Åsa Kärner

Posted on March 18, 2011 by reb22

alvi design

Åsa Kärner’s designs sit well with people (or is it the other way around?) because this Swedish designer creates beautiful and unconventional furniture. Her recent Alvisilkchair was constructed by combining silk thread in and through an oak frame, which formed an elegant play on traditional weaving. All of Asa’s designs use environmentally friendly materials with a focus on sustainable production methods and humane working conditions. Now that’s something everyone can get comfortable with. Learn more about this refreshing designer in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Environment-friendly, artistic/playfull, elegant/simple.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Frida Kahlo and Antoni Gaudí.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Be with family and friends.

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Seiko Kato

Posted on March 16, 2011 by reb22

sieko kato

Drawing inspiration from Victorian medical books, sketches and paraphernalia, Seiko Kato’s eerie art sets her apart. This artist/illustrator’s dolls are bizarre and beautiful at the same time, and her large collage works are equally impressive. It’s Seiko’s extreme attention to detail and her combined use of macabre and charming elements that pull you in and turn you out. Learn more about this maverick artist in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Intricate, surreal and macabre.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Visually: Hieronymus Bosch, but if I think about a more modern artist, it would have to be Jan Svankmajer because I like the sense of humour that runs through his work.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would have to say that I would like to play with kittens for an hour each day.

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Matt W. Moore

Posted on March 15, 2011 by reb22

matt moore

When Matt W. Moore shows his true colors, he does so on murals, clothing, bicycles, and well, pretty much everything. That’s because this immensely talented artist uses countless hues on innumerable surfaces. His signature “Vectorfunk” style combines geometric shapes with bold colors in an array of patterns that are charmingly eye-catching – or eye-adorning in the case of his Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses line, which sold out almost instantly. Whether on fonts or t-shirts or guitars or walls, Matt is making everything more colorful, including today’s 10 ANSWERS.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Abstract, Geometric, Vibrant.

2. Who is your creative role model?
MC Escher for his brilliance and work ethic. Picasso for his vision and business savvy. Sagmeister for his wit and work/life balance ethos.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I stretch days quite far already. I’d use my 25th hour for taking further bike rides and dog walks.

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Elle Kim

Posted on March 14, 2011 by reb22

Wood, yarn and metallic ink are just a few of the materials Elle Kim uses to communicate. That’s because this designer creates custom typography, free form lettering and illustrations with unexpected mediums to push her work in new directions. She develops entire installations focused on words that immerse and engage viewers, while also arranging playful and surprising illustrations for her audience. Recently, her brightly colored Art Directors Club (ADC) cube drawing brought shapes to life in celebration of the organization’s 90th year. The ADC isn’t new territory for Elle, though, as she was named a Young Gun by the Club last year. Check out what Elle has to say in her delightful 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Experimental-Obsessive-Ephemeral.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 There are so many people including mentors, friends, family, and other artists. But in general I get inspired by fellow designers/artists/makers who forge their own path with confidence and grace.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
 I would like to wake up an hour early and start my day with a walk and some fresh air, but honestly I might end up having that extra hour of sleep.

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Rafael Esquer

Posted on March 10, 2011 by reb22

Rafael Esquer

As the founder of Alfalfa Studio’s, Rafael Esquer promotes diversity. He encourages diversity in their design capabilities; virtually every graphic medium is represented in their project portfolio, from print and web to motion graphics and environmental design. He seeks diversity in their clients; doing work for Björk, The New York Times Magazine and Museo del Barrio. And perhaps most importantly, he promotes the diversity of graphic designers. Rafael currently sits on the Advisory Board for AIGA’s Diversity Archives as a curator for the first exhibition of contemporary and twentieth-century work by minority graphic designers. See what else this talented creative is up to in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
 Human, surprising, playful.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Eiko Ishioka. Her art and vision knows no boundaries.

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

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Matt Shlian

Posted on March 9, 2011 by reb22

matthew shlian

It’s one thing to look good on paper, it’s another thing to look good with paper. Paper engineer Matt Shlian does both. He uses his scientific knowledge to meticulously create three-dimensional pop-up books, packaging designs and elaborate sculptures out of architected sheets. His paper fractals, geometric flowers and unfolding spirals highlight his mastery of the interaction between science and art. Unfold the magic behind Matt in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Seeing is forgetting.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Brian Eno, Lothar Meggendorfer, El-P, Dondi White, Christian Marclay, Ren Weschler, Buckminster Fuller, Edward R. Tufte…

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I’d love to say that I’d do something constructive, but I’d probably spend it doing more of the same.

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Jonathan Adler

Posted on March 8, 2011 by reb22

Jonathan Adler

“You have no talent. Go be a lawyer.” It’s hard to imagine anyone saying that to superstar designer Jonathan Adler, but that’s exactly what his pottery professor told him many years ago. That statement was all the motivation Jonathan needed to successfully launch his mega-popular eponymous line of furniture and accessories in 1993. His signature “Happy Chic” style combines graphic patterns with modern shapes on decorative objects, tabletop collections, bath accessories, bedding, candles, furniture, rugs, pillows, and lighting. Although he never became an attorney, Jonathan’s company motto offers a playful take on inheritance law: “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it.” See what else motivates this sensational design guru in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Craft. Design. Style.

2. Who is your creative role model?
My hubby, Simon Doonan, continues to surprise me (16 years later) with his endless creativity and surprising vision.  I hope he doesn’t read this because I’ll never hear the end of it, but it’s true.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I suppose I would probably just fritter it away watching tv to be honest.  But what I should do is read more.  I read lots of books but I also watch lots of tv.

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Dan Funderburgh

Posted on March 4, 2011 by reb22

Dan Funderburgh

Designer Dan Funderburgh’s work is off the wall, even though it mostly exists on the wall. That’s because Dan creates awe inspiring wallpaper designs through his partnership with the Flavorpaper studio, where his designs are hand screen printed to turn ordinary walls into masterpieces. His clever designs have been featured at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair and at Pulse Miami and are a part of the Cooper-Hewitt’s permanent collection. Occasional collaborations with companies like Brooks, Furni, and Gravis have even allowed the work to live on bicycle seats, furniture, and luggage as well. See what keeps Dan from hitting the inspirational wall in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Historical ornament misremembered.

2. Who is your creative role model?
William Morris.

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

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Gary Taxali

Posted on March 2, 2011 by reb22

gary taxali

Gary Taxali’s illustrations epitomize the saying, “what’s old is new again.” He draws inspiration from the past to create characters and styles that are inventive, clever and satirical. His charming creations have propelled him to be one of today’s most prolific and acclaimed illustrators. Gary created the cover art and inside illustrations for Aimee Mann’s latest album @#%&*! Smilers, which earned a 2009 Grammy Award Nomination for Best Package Design. And he just released his first children’s book entitled . See what keeps Gary from drawing blanks by reading his inspirational 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Funny, serious and Awww.

2. Who is your creative role model?
 Andy Warhol.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Draw some more.
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Maggie Austin LaBaugh

Posted on March 1, 2011 by reb22

maggie austin cake

Maggie Austin LaBaugh’s phenomenal paintings take the cake, literally. The former ballet sensation has drawn inspiration from her dancing days to create whimsical one-of-a-kind cake designs. Maggie hand paints desserts with incredible detail, making them an indulgence for the mouth and eyes alike. Even her cookies take on clever styling, drafting off influences from impressionist, Bauhaus, and art nouveau movements. Sweeten up your morning with inspiration from Maggie in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Clean. Elegant. Cheeky.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Thomas Keller, Alexander McQueen, Phillipe Starck, Pim Van Den Akker, and Aran Goyoaga.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Watch NBA basketball on a big screen in HD.

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Ken Barber

Posted on February 28, 2011 by reb22

ken barber

“Carefully chosen typefaces can educate, entertain, inform or simply add aesthetic value to design,” explains rockstar type designer and letterer Ken Barber. As a designer at House Industries, Ken creates everything from a typeface based on the Eames aesthetic to quirky t-shirt illustrations. In his spare time, he conducts lettering workshops and teaches at the Maryland Institute College of Art, for which he originally created his informative blog, Type and Lettering. Even though Ken didn’t design the typeface for today’s 10 ANSWERS, you can still learn about what he may have done by reading his responses below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Wait, is that three words or two?

2. Who is your creative role model?
Too many to list. But making the top ten would definitely be: Ed Benguiat,
Doyald Young and Andy Cruz.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Read. I never seem to be able to find enough time in the day for it.

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