DAVE PASCIUTO

Dave Pasciuto has been working professionally in the entertainment industry for over twelve years on various projects for film, broadcast, video games, web, print and illustration. Dave worked as a senior designer and animator for Reality Check Studios on many projects for CBS, ABC and ESPN, including: the Super Bowl XXXVIII Stadium Open, Hellboy, X-Men 2 and Terminator 3 commercial spots, Jersey Girl, Harold and Kumar goes to White Castle and 50 First Dates effects and compositing. Also Toon Disney Rebrand and HBO's Inside the NFL for New Wave Entertainment.
Prior to his film and broadcast work, Dave spent eight years in the video game industry as a lead artist for several popular titles including: Electronic Arts NBA Live ’96, '99 and 2000, PGA Tour ’96, '98 and over eleven other "old school" games for the Sega Genesis and GameGear. He has also designed over 25 websites including projects for First Media Works, ClearChannel Radio and The Gnomon Workshop. Currently Dave has returned to the video game industry and is working at Electonic Arts Chicago as an Environment Artist on Fight Night, Round 3.



When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator?

Ya know there wasn't a point in time where the sky flashed and lightning came down and BAM! There it was clear as day. I was never like, "I’m gunna be an illustrator!" I was put here with a gift-and I always knew it. It was what I was supposed to do without question. It was all I COULD do, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be given that gift. Art has always been a part of my life since I was a little punk ass bitch.

I have also been very lucky to have parents that supported the arts- even though I’m a product of an art teacher and a truck driver- best of both worlds baby! :P Mom was always teaching me things-like sculpting a tree blindfolded or etching or printmaking...Dad was bringing me in the truck, letting me switch gears and I remember a guy on the CB talking’ about sticking’ a rainbow up someone’s @$$. I thought it was funny. Heh. Wait, what was the question again?


Was there a pivotal moment?

Nope. Not at all. I never thought about becoming anything else other than what I was. I believe that everyone is given something special. Some play music, some people can talk, some are athletic- mine happened to turn out to be art for some reason. My path was chosen for me, cos I never though about being or doing anything else. I dunno…my career choice was simple. I never had to figure out what I liked to do- so I saved lots of money on education I guess.


Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by traveling, the arts, culture and researching other things besides the design industry- that’s how things repeat- I’m not interested in that crap. But I really get inspired about things at the wrong time for the wrong project. Ill be working on one thing, and *pop* Ill get tons of ideas for something else I’m working on-which sucks, cos then I’m working on 2 things at once because I cant let that sauce go to waste. I also get inspired by the “why” and “how” things work. For example- reflections and caustics- we all know what they are, but HOW do they happen and WHY do they exist. Lighting has always fascinated me as well.

Also music, art and music are much related- I’m always listening to music and certain songs or genres trigger different moods which affects my art.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

When I was growing up, having a Mom for an artist gave me a huge jump on my artistic education. I was cutting woodblocks, sculpting and using pen and ink by the time I was 10.
Most kids were using crayons and crap, I had markers. I also had some great art teachers in
Public school- I was super lucky there. Mr. Fritz in Junior High really took an interest in me and a few friends and helped cultivate what we loved to do. Hell! My first paying gig was in 6th grade painting murals for the school at $4.26 an hour, that was back in like 85 or something- LOL I remember padding my hours too! Damn I was evil. : P

My first “real” education was at Gnomon in Hollywood and extension classes when I was 28, but that was for more 3d and to do Feature Movie work, but up until then it was education of working on the job-Which is better and a more accurate education model than school. Most teachers never worked a day in the “real” world, so the system sorta gets skewed there.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Freshness is extremely hard to keep in the entertainment industry. The world is so saturated by everything. Everything is becoming a blur. You can’t design or create something that CAN’T be
compared to something else that has been done. I mean were all inspired by the same stuff…
So how could it NOT influence what we do? I find that fine art and underground artists are more out of touch with the design world, so there is a refreshing flavor to it, I also constantly sketch-which I feel is my “own.”


What are some of your current projects?

Well at my job, I’m an Environment Artist for Electronic Arts, working on Fight Night Round 3 for Next Gen systems, XBOX 360 and Playstation 3. I have to say they are amazingly impressive, and these systems are finally bringing the “art” back into games.

Outside on my own time, there is http://www.3leggedmen.com/, which is just a stupid fun T-shirt endeavor; I also am putting together a 32 page sketchbook, which is a montage of my art and words. Its entitled “Spilled Imaginos, Volume One.” Those are the most current that will be finished by next summer. But other stuff is on the list, but I gotta have some order in the chaos.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

The ones I’m most proud of are personal works, cos I know I didn’t have to listen to some “art director” or deal with any sorta limitations. I just run with what I think. I’m really proud of the sketchbook stuff I’m doing. It’s so raw and it’s just me “spilling” shit out, so there’s a lot of truth and conviction in it. I guess it’s the artist in me trying to be let out. LOL Jeez, what a bunch of crap. : P
I’m proud of everything though; I’ve worked with some amazing talent, and have picked up a wealth of knowledge along the way from others. I’m lucky to get paid at something I love to do.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you? Have yet to try?

There are thousands of techniques to do anything; all of them help give insight to something else that you’re doing. I’ve used most mediums. Oil painting has interested me, Mom used to use them- I found them stinky and hard to work with. I loved watercolors, so I wanna get back to traditional painting. I also haven’t worked in the comic book industry yet, I think I’ve got them all covered except that one. Id love to color a comic, or even ink one, but that’s another project.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

No one should tell you to draw or do assignments. If you truly love to draw, do art, design or whatever- you’ll just do it all the time- then you know you’re passionate about it. That’s half the battle. If you never draw or design unless you HAVE to, then it’s not your calling. Honestly.

Also learn traditional foundation FIRST, design is all based off of traditional arts. Once you know those principles-then design is A LOT easier to understand and EVERYTHING makes sense. I’m a purist, so stay away from computers until you have to use them. They’re evil.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

If the piece is executed well, and it’s easy to “read.” Ya take one look at it, and you understand the concept or the message. If you can’t figure that out, then it’s unsuccessful. Your eye should be able to pick up exactly what’s happening in the ad, photo or illustration. You shouldn’t have to think “is that an elbow or an ass?” Or better yet, “what’s he doing with his ass?” : P


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Everyone needs an outlet. I have my sketchbook, and I play competitive volleyball- every dude needs some way to release pent up aggression and emotion. Same with females, we all know that it feels great after a workout or beatin’ someone down playin’ football or a sport. You need to get away from stuff we do to clear our head, most of the time you come back and see everything in a new light.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I don’t watch that much TV really, but I was a fan of “The Surreal Life” and “Tommy goes to College” is pretty funny. I know he’s boned that tutor of his. LOL I really love to escape in movies-oh ya and porn. LOL j/k err… ya. :P

Related Links:

http://www.davpunk.com/
http://www.davpunk.com/news/index.html
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/dvds/dpa01.html
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/gallery/pasciuto.html


Recent Work:

SHERI AUDETTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls—STOP. Hmm ok that’s a bit much. I’m Sheri and I’m a graphic designer with over 15 years experience (sound like an AA meeting?). My career began in Anchorage, Alaska then to Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California and here I am back in the igloo (oh wait mLu has that spot, I’m out here on the damn iceberg). I’ve worked in industries from rock stars to realty and now I’m the Senior Graphic Designer at The Alaska Club, Alaska’s largest fitness club. I love to cook and the look and feel of great paper. I paint and make a mess when I do it, only way to really feel what you are painting. I have a tendancy to be lippy, but in a fun non-abusive way. I live here in Anchorage, Alaska with my two daughters, our dog, cat, and koi.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I believe the decision was made when I was still in diapers­—one day I took mine off, smeared the contents on the wall and proceeded to draw... what other pivotal moment do you need! I’ve always been a magnet to some facet of design. Whether it be fashion, architecture, interior, typography... you name it I loved the visual aspect and was hungry for the backstage drama. When I was young I created posters and signage for a lot of things and I painted also. When I was 12 I went to NY—talk about true love, I thought I would go to fashion design school there but that didn’t happen. Over the years when I “grew up” I continued doing things for others and then got into creating logos, signage and graphics on clothing for local bands. Friends and family were always raving and told me I needed to step up. It took a horrific situation for me to break out and go to art school.


Who or what inspires you?

Life. I’m inspired by the images in the stucco ceilings and the clouds. I’m inspired by the different character of people I pass. I’m inspired by the blood that gushes from a cut to the color and texture of dinner. Life is a true inspiration. You can learn from a text book but experience is THE teacher. I put myself in situations that are out of my personality comfort area and taste so that I can experience what others feel and see. You can gather references from books etc. but to really live that reference brings you so much a step further when you design.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

Before attending the Art Institute of Seattle I dived into Illustrator, Photoshop & Pagemaker head first and never looked back. I was asked to help create a local newspaper here in Alaska to which I had no clue what to do but I just figured it out and did it, that made me learn about printing specs as well as layout, type, etc. Again life=experience.


How do you keep “fresh” within your industry?

Fresh, she’s so fresh. I can’t say this enough—look around, above and below. Experience what you NEVER normally would do (not too freaky now!) Yes I look at the industry mags, sites, books and the work of my peers. What keeps my mind fresh is expanding my horizons, living outside of the box. Sometimes I feel that we as designers limit ourselves and just keep within the design community and view what is going on there rather than the rest of the world. I know I am guilty of that and I have to shake it off and remember there’s more to life than just us designers.


What are some of your current projects?

At work— schedules up the a** which get color/some style changes season to season, directing the others in our department to maintain our companys identity. Evolving the oh so clean identity of The Alaska Club without disturbing the upper hand bubble too much. I also maintain the companies website www.thealaskaclub.com which I redesigned (the old one was peach & teal, you can imagine).Personal side— I have this thing goin’ on, it’s a 3’ x 4’ painting, even at the stage it’s in it’s beautiful but it has taken longer to complete that I would have liked, it’s for someone very special so the time is worth it. I also freelance on projects on my own and with someone out of TX - designing logos and identities for various small businesses.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I’m very proud to be a contributor in the re-birth of The Alaska Clubs identity. We took the company from “whatever the mood was at the time” to “this is us”. The flow isn’t quite throughout the company yet (have to train those admins!) Re-designing The Alaska Clubs website with nearly no site design/technical experience is/was a great accomplishment—which again made me learn by experience, trial & error and the programs necessary.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I have been very fortunate to design for many mediums and industries. I would love to do some great packaging, the type you just have to save just because you love it. Painting more is something that really makes me warm and tingly. Aside from the painting I’m working on I have sketches for a series of paintings that I want to get going on and complete in this lifetime.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Free your mind. Your personal taste may bring a niche to your design but never limit yourself. AND... you will fail - it happens - don’t let it bring you down, learn and grow from the failure and never think there isn’t anyone better than you.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

The damn process. The blood, sweat and tears of it, and then that ONE second of fame with the final product.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Burn-out is a given, no way around it. I step back or just stop, drop and roll. You have to give yourself a break. If your mind gets overloaded then you’ll just spin and start sketching/designing the same concept a million ways, sure that may sound great but it’s one concept. I really have to remove myself and as I said before, put ME in a strange place. Oh yea and a drink or two or a few help as well!

And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Oh hell — don’t laugh — alright already.... uuuummmm I like American’s Top Model and R U the Girl. Also COPS & CSI.... I just got cable so I flip. LOVE my HGtv and the Food Network.... but when I really can’t sleep I watch the Gastineau Girls (at least it’s not Jerry!) - I don’t really watch much of these shows just here and there when I get a break sometimes.

The End or Just the Beginning...the choice will always be yours.

Recent Work:

MARIA SINGLETON

Hola! Me llamo Maria de los Angeles Santos-Singleton…. Vivo en Surprise, Arizona. Okay, okay I stop! You know my name now, which is the longest. Yes I’m a saint, a little angel. You can just call me Maria, Marie, Chiquita, and I’m a graphic designer currently aiming to accomplish the never-ending dreams. I reside in Surprise, Arizona with my wonderful husband of almost 6 years, Jamel and beautiful daughters Isabelle and Olivia. For the past few years I’ve been working as an in-house graphic designer for an inkjet recycling and OEM packaging company. During my free time I enjoy freelancing, collaging, baking fresh and delicious chocolate chip cookies and of course spending time with my family! I decided to go with a casual introduction, I’m not very “clever” when it comes to writing about me. Enjoy the read!


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

While he doesn't know it, my older brother inspired my drawing interest. His work moved me in an emotional level most careers never did. I recall this piece he did when my cousin died in a car accident. My brother has never been one to express emotions. Through this piece he did. It was done on a gray stone colored paper, black ink, a man kneeling over in a cemetery with a wind flowing coat... it was so emotional. I wanted to do art that moved people they way his piece moved me. I think my whole life I’ve had a creative heart. However my desire to be in the art/design industry came to me through that piece my brother did.


Who or what inspires you?

I believe this question has an endless answer. I can easily be inspired by the way my imagination creates possibilities and then making those possibilities happen. The possibility of a good outcome or a catastrophic one. I also find a great deal of inspiration through travel - this inspires me the most because I'm open to the possibilities of the unknown. I draw inspiration from those experiences and apply them to my work. In the end I find the most inspiration through emotional connections. If I have an emotional connection with a particular item, I buy it because it inspires me. If I run into word, lyrics, poetry that mesmerizes me emotionally, I find a way to post it where I see it all the time so that I can remain in the moment of inspiration as often as possible.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

My education started at The Art Institute of Phoenix... or did it? Really I find that even when you attend schooling your training comes from you. At least for me that was the case. I think I was a late bloomer, if that's the term. It took me forever to "get" graphic design during my schooling. The moment I got it, I really got it. I spent a lot of time doing tutorials, sketching, looking at art books, resources, reading - my training happened the moment I stepped out of class. My training happened through me. I took a simple taught lesson and evolved it on my own. So in the end I rather say that I'm self-taught. School taught me basic software and computer understanding, I taught me to be creative, to think "concept", to practice the craft and to have fun with my career.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Wow, I'm ashamed to say that I don't feel worthy of this question. I haven't felt too fresh these days. However I do my best (as mentioned above) I buy things that inspire me such as music, toys, poetry, and books. I try to not "follow" what others are doing in design but do things that satisfy me visually. Keeping fresh means sketching a lot, staying in touch with the world and the events taking place at the moment, looking at things through the past and the future and being open minded about these!


What are some of your current projects?

I work for as an in-house inkjet recycling company. It is a job that wouldn’t appeal to most graphic designers. This coming month I will be working on some packaging materials. I'm very excited about this project. Our company does a lot of packaging services but the clients usually have their own design groups so this will be a great opportunity. I think it will be fun to approach this new project from this industry's (inkjets) point of view. I also do work for myself. I've been thriving to put together some "pin-up" girl shirts. And while this might not be for a client, I find that I design the best when it's for "me". My husband and I also recently moved to a new home and I'm contemplating doing murals for my daughter's rooms. Those count as projects right?


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I haven’t been doing much these days. I loved my 1st and 2nd submission for the Howiezine (www.howiezine.com). I’m proud of the TV one because it was done without a computer. I tinted the background with acrylics, cut the paper, aged it, did it all away from that design crutch of mine aka “the computer”. The 2nd piece was for the “Naked” theme. I had an emotional connection with this one because I was expressing a very dark event in my life but in the end to express it on my work, well it’s now one of my favorites!


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

Wow I have so many areas yet to cover!!!! I am very passionate about collage work and I would love to try it some more! I have always wanted to design my own font/s. But more than anything – one of my goals is to have my own greeting card business. I’ve been talking with my good friend and wonderful greeting card designer, Melissa Morris (http://www.melissahead.com/). I’d like to have both of us join forces and design some cards. We’d kick ass!!! I know these are pretty attainable goals, however time is something I lack these days with two daughters, so I hope to do this sometime in the near future!


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Well it’s hard to say! I’d say don’t believe everything your instructor’s told you! Read Jeff Fisher’s book… “The Savvy Designer's Guide To Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career”. It’s an extraordinary introduction into the world of graphic design. Communicate in a professional manner. If you don’t have manners, learn them. Nobody likes cocky designers, know it all designers so check your ego at the door! Be a team player! Have a listening attitude, an “I can do it” attitude… and draw!


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

Each of us define good design in many different ways. Of course this might be based on skill level too. I think design is successful when it delivers the message that it’s supposed to. Meaning reaching your audience, appealing visually, and forcing the execution from the customer weather it’s buying, enrolling, emotional connections, etc. I think if your piece executes the purpose that it was intended for, then it’s good design. Good design to me doesn’t always mean “pretty”. Good design happens when the piece is “effective” as a whole.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

As far as burn-out goes, I wish I could avoid it! I don’t think one “can” avoid burn-out. At this very moment I feel burnt-out. I find a way to “get-away”. I step away from that very thing that’s causing the burn-out. Of course sometimes work is deadline driven so you can’t walk away from it, but even if it’s for a 30 minute vacation, you will be much more effective when you return to it after taking that vacation. Now motivation is more so side by side with inspiration. I keep motivated by looking at magazines that inspire me, looking at design pieces from fellow designers that move me… these give me a kick on the butt to get in gear! I journal my ideas and reference them too, my own “creative” to do list.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I don’t really watch TV right now. However I love Nip Tuck on FX, which we’ll be starting back up next week… that’s the only one thing I watch. I use to watch Battlestar Gallactica on the Sci-Fi Channel but once the season started I got bored with it. I have the hardest time sitting still, so that explains my inability to watch TV for long periods of time. I’m more of a DVD movie watcher too.

Recent Work:

RYAN BOOTH

Ryan, a Toronto based designer, has over 6 years of experience in a wide range of projects. He loves all things Mac and can often be found at the local Apple store drooling over the 30" cinema display. By day, Ryan is an in-house designer at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club in downtown Toronto. Outside of his day job, Ryan takes on freelance work including custom invitations, identities and stationery programs. He also has an interest in photography and takes a lot of mediocre photographs. Ryan has been married for almost 1 year and he and his wife have the world's weirdest cat named Fred. While not officially diagnosed, Ryan is convinced that Fred suffers from an inner ear problem which seriously affects his balance and depth perception.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer? Was there a pivotal moment?

It all started the day my preschool teacher called my mom "concerned" that I only used black paint. Actually, I think I had two pivotal moments. My parents strongly encouraged my creative side as a child (they knew I just liked black) but the day my mother told me I'd never put food on the table by simply drawing was probably the first time I had to seriously think about how I could be creative and still make a living. The second moment was around the same time we had a designer come and present in our 11 th grade art class. He talked about his work and about design in general. I think my decision to become a designer came after those two experiences.


Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by great design work.

Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I went to St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada . It was so cold in the winter we had nothing else to do but work on our projects! We didn't see a computer until almost our third year and for that I'm grateful. At the time I cursed the manual training we received - I despised rubylith, hand-rendering our letterforms and the patience it all took. There was no undo, if you screwed up, you had to start all over. As much as it pains me to say it, those experiences have helped to make me the designer I am today. I'm glad that I was exposed to those processes and think I'm a better designer today for it.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

I'm constantly reading, design magazines, newspapers, websites, anything. I try not to follow trends. I think you can get so stuck trying to keep up with the latest fads that you'll never create anything original.


What are some of your current projects?

Outside of the Club's monthly magazine, I also have a coffee table book and I'm working with a team to create a new RCYC website. I just finished a logo for an addictions treatment program. I'm going to be starting a set of wedding invitations for a friend while working through plans to start my own invitation company, a huge undertaking. Finally, I've been working on my own website and stationery package for about 6 years - I think it's finally time to finish those. I've started posting some work on my blog - http://graphista.blogspot.com/


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

The one project I'm most proud of is our own wedding invitations. I was initially stressed wondering if people would like them and whether they would turn out as anticipated. All worries aside, they turned out great and everyone was surprised at the fact that we had created them. I have to give art direction credit to my wife. She had veto power over everything and it made our invite that much better.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I'm definitely interested in screen printing. I've always been interested in creating a clothing company with great silk screened shirts – not silk shirts. I'm also a very amateur photographer and I'd love to get more involved with that as well. I'd love to have the opportunity to show my photos, maybe even sell one or two.


Any advice to the novice designer?

Be curious, read and experiment. If you're a student, don't take a film class thinking it's a no-brainer, find something easier. The last thing you need is a paper dissecting the symbolism of Apocalypse Now the same day your final typography project is due. Trust me!


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

I've finished many projects and thought – "that looks great" but it really means nothing unless it connects with your target audience. That should be the goal from the outset. I always want my work to look great but it needs to garner a response to be fully successful.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I pick up my camera. I'm sure I've taken many more bad photos than good but it's that one really good shot that's exciting.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

I think LOST it's really good show. The Simpson's are always good for a laugh. I like to flip more than anything.


Related Links:

http://graphista.blogspot.com/

Recent Work:

MICHELLE UNDERWOOD

Michelle graduated from The Art Institute of Seattle in 2003 with an applied degree in graphic design. Within a month of graduation, she was hired as an in-house graphic designer for The Alaska Club, the most popular (alright, ONLY) fitness chain in Alaska. And has been working there ever since. She currently lives in Wasilla, Alaska and spends her free-time dreaming of warmer climates.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I was 14 I think, flipping through the pages of a Transworld Snowboarding magazine, and I found myself looking more at the ads than the rest of the magazine.. realized that someone actually gets PAID to do that. Was always drawn to interesting layout and typography. So it just fit. That's where I wanted to go for my career.


Who or what inspires you?

Nature, music, other people.. Anything can be inspiration, just depends on what you have to accomplish and how open you are to everything around you, I guess. As for other designers, I like Sagmeister a lot. He pushes boundaries a little bit, tries to stay away from designing on the computer until he HAS to use it. I feel like in some ways we think alike, except he's way more advanced than I am of course, and has great ideas that make you think: "Why didn't I think of that?" And he keeps a great sense of humor.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

Sadly enough, The Art Institute of Seattle. Bleh. (so pretty much self taught you could say).


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

Try angles that haven't been tried before. Add experimental elements. Keep my eyes open to new things.


What are some of your current projects?

Schedules for the gyms and pools (swim lessons, etc.), flyers, posters... We are getting ready for our "Open House" season, where each one of the 10 local clubs have a big event and live coverage from local radio stations, so there's all kinds of fun stuff going on with those. Direct mail pieces, offer inserts in the member billing.. There's so many things.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I just gave our member handbooks a HUGE makeover, and I'm pretty proud of how it looks now. Received a bunch of compliments on it as well. Unfortunately, just our old handbook is featured on the website at the moment. Most of my work is just printed and distributed. I don't know of anything that is on our website that I'm responsible for.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I REALLY want to get into screenprinting shirts. Not really sure where to start with it though. Books I guess, right? :) Not many shops are willing to just let me stop in and see how it works. I think they are afraid I'm going to steal business from them or something.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Try interning for a while first. Never stop learning or searching for inspiration. Learn from your mistakes. Try to stay positive. Accept constructive criticism from other designers, and thank them - even if you don't agree.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

Depends on what kind of market you're in. At my job, the more compliments you hear from members or other employees, the better the piece is. Word makes it's way up the ladder, and does nothing but good.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Take a break to breath or work out. Enjoy the weekends and stay organized. Frequent visits to the HOW forum. :)


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Like I have time to watch TV. :P


Recent Work:

CALVIN LEE

Calvin Lee, a native of Los Angeles, designer and owner of Mayhem Studios. Calvin is a relatively new in the design world with 5 years of experience in the business. Mostly self taught and attending local schools. Calvin is also a member of the Platt College Advisory Board as a way of giving back to the community, which he's learned so much from.
Three business card designs by Calvin Lee of Mayhem Studios will be featured in "The Big Book of Business Cards", due out late this year.


When did you first decide to become a graphic designer/ illustrator? Was there a pivotal moment?

I knew since I was a kid that I would be doing something in the art field. It really started when I picked up my first comic book. I loved how it brought you into another world. I thought, someday I will be drawing comics myself. Then I realized years later that I wasn't that great an illustrator and not cut out to be a comic book artist. So, I went in the direction of architecture, and found that it wasn't my cup of tea either. Finally, I ended up at a community college taking some Commerical Art classes. I really liked the idea of solving problems through visual communications. I discovered this was my calling.


Who or what inspires you?

I don't a have a specific person that inspires me. I think designers inspire me, nature inspires me, friends inspire me, life inspires me. Oftentimes things not relating to design inspires me. I may be working out or on a walk, and all of a sudden, I get a flood of ideas and inspiration. Funny how the mind works.


Where does your training come from? Self-taught? College/Art School?

I have a little of both, mostly self-taught. I attended a local community college for Commerical Art. It was all hand done back then. By the time I graduated, the computer age had come around. I had no computer skills. So I wasn't marketable. I fought it a couples of years. Until I was forced to buy a computer and learn all the the apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, in order to find any kind of work. I armed myself with a mountain of books and videos and learned it. I am continually trying to better myself as a designer.


How do you keep "fresh" within your industry?

It's hard to keep up with what is fresh sometimes. I think if you stick with design basic principles/elements you can stay pretty fresh. A lot of it comes from what is happening in the market. There are different design styles that pop up everyday. I think if you are on top of the trends. Incorporating some of what is out there will help. For me, looking through design annuals, design books, product design or anything out on the market gives me inspiration to stay fresh.


What are some of your current projects?

Currently working on website for a IT business. A 50-page ad book hopefully in the next month. My main goal is getting my name out there and promoting myself. Designing promotional postcards for myself. Setting up a second design website, CalvinLeeDesign.com. I want this one to be more fun, not as corporate as the Mayhem Studios website.


Which of your projects are you the most proud of? And why?

I would have to say my Identity Package: website, letterhead, envelope and business card. It's pretty tough to design something for yourself. You never seem to be satisfied or happy when it comes to your own design. I am pretty happy with mine. It took me a while to get there, about 3 years. I kind of stumbled upon it, it seemed to design itself. I am proud of it because it is all mine.
I also enjoyed working on the Makeup Media website, http://makeupmedia.net/. It's a Special FX and Makeup Artist Studio for Movies/Television. I liked the theme of the site, the cool creatures and monster FX. It made working on the site a lot more fun. This isn't really a specific project but I really like designing logos/identity. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the fact that a mark says a lot about a company.


Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I still want to maybe get into comic books in some way. Inking and coloring comic books in Photoshop interests me. I know it will be time consuming but have more control over the medium on how everything comes out.


Any advice to the novice designer/ illustrator?

Having an education and degree is very important. Even though your success depends on your design skills and concepts. In corporate America, that's what they look at. They use it when selecting potential candidates to hire. One has to work harder to find a job without a degree but it can be done. I know this from experience. Also know your craft and continue to educate yourself and grow as a designer.


What makes a designed piece or illustration successful?

In my opinion, all the elements in the piece need to be unified as one. Choosing the right colors, fonts, photos, etc. It has to be dynamic to catch peoples attention, not just to make something look pretty. What really catches my eye is nice and clean and minimalistic. Design with a lot of white space. I also like busy designs when it's well done.


What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

Oftentimes I have to step away from the computer and designing. Engage myself in an activity that is totally different than design. Working out, going to the movies, being outside and enjoying life helps. Looking at other designers work also helps me keep motivated. I enjoy browsing through design books, magazines and websites. I can be found at Border Books or at Barnes & Noble almost every week. I have design books piled all over the house. I can't seem to find enough room to store all my books.


And finally, what is the best thing on prime-time TV right now?

Hmm, I haven't been watching to much TV lately. When I do, I like watching more cable shows then the local programming. Lately, I have been into the new Dennis Leary show "Rescue Me" on the FX Network. The show focuses on the professional and personal lives of N.Y firefighters.
I also like Law & Order: Criminal Intent. I really like the way they put the clues together to solve a crime. The main detective is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes. If he doesn't have the evidence on you, he'll make you believe he does until you confess. I have to say my all time favorite show is Macgyver. He can get out of any sticky situation with what's in his pockets. He has disarmed a bomb with a pair of hockey tickets. Gotta love that.

Related links:

http://www.mayhemstudios.com/
http://calvinleedesign.com/
http://www.themusclecafe.com/

Recent Work: