Questionable Characters

What is the first step you take to get started on a project?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:45:06 -0500

What is the first step you take to get started on a project?

Ben Says:

RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH. This comes in many forms but always includes one or more of the following: talking to the client directly whenever possible and asking lots of questions, doing lots of Google searches, and going to a actual library in real life! I can’t stress the importance of this last one enough. Libraries are huge amazing resources far to many designers neglect out of laziness.

Frank Says:

If it’s an illustration job, I’ll read the article if I can, and make some notes. Do I have any personal experience or connection to the story that I can hang my idea off of? After that, there’s typically a lot of questions I have that need to be answered. That’s either done by my own research, or through directly asking the client.

How do you keep yourself organized?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:45:57 -0500

How do you keep yourself organized?

Ben Says:

Microsoft Entourage, iPhone, and a healthy dose of Post-It notes. I tend to think that if I’m not working on a design problem I’m not really working, as a result I often have to remind myself that answering emails and prioritizing lists is actually extremely helpful.

Frank Says:

I write things down. I keep a to-do list. I file things in folders. I keep a calendar. No special secrets here, but what I’ve found is that if you don’t over-extend yourself, it’s much easier to stay organized.

What is your favorite color combination?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:46:15 -0500

What is your favorite color combination?

Ben Says:

Black and white. Maximum contrast.

Frank Says:

I like blues and greens. They go so well together, almost like they were made out of one another.

How do you make yourself stand out in an interview?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:46:47 -0500

How do you make yourself stand out in an interview?

Ben Says:

Have a portfolio full of badass work, be articulate, and be interested.

Frank Says:

Do stand-out work, and be yourself.

What designers do you look up to the most?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:47:33 -0500

What designers do you look up to the most?

Ben Says:

From a historical perspective I admire the work done by people like Rudolf Modley, Lester Beall, Alvin Lustig, Ladislav Sutnar, and James Victore.

On a more personal level I would have to say my mentors Christian Helms and Michael Newhouse who have had a huge impact on my development and growth as a designer.

Frank Says:

I’m a big fan of the multi-dimensional designers that were practicing towards the middle of the century. Guys like Paul Rand, Saul Bass, Alvin Lustig, Alexander Girard, and Stig Lindberg. They tackled everything from patterns, to packaging, to print, to interiors, to textiles to movie sequences.

What skill does a designer NEED in order to succeed?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:48:07 -0500

What skill does a designer NEED in order to succeed?

Ben Says:

The ability to gather and interpret information in meaningful ways.

Frank Says:

Just one? Curiosity.
If you’re looking for more, I’d say passion, smarts, xacto-cutting skills, a wide knowledge of a bunch of different things, a desire to make things, an understanding of how to achieve clarity, and stick-to-it-ness. Also, word-making-up abilities.

Do you have any strange tricks that help you think of new ideas?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:48:44 -0500

Do you have any strange tricks that help you think of new ideas?

Ben Says:

No I don’t think any of them are strange. Mostly I just draw a lot and make a lot of word lists. I find that if I’ve put the proper effort into research that problems tend to solve themselves.

Frank Says:

I typically walk away from what I’m working on. Typically a bit of distance is healthy, especially if I’m stuck. This takes a couple different forms: laying down on the couch at the studio, walking around the corner to get some coffee, rapping my pencil on the table, or pretending like I’m driving a race car in my rolley chair.

Also, I think talking to people is incredibly helpful for me. I particularly make an effort to talk to friends that aren’t designer types. They give me a great perspective as to what the core goals or message for whatever I’m working on should be. These conversations typically are me explaining the project to them, and saying a lot Does that make sense at all?

What is a well-known font that you think is over used?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:49:06 -0500

What is a well-known font that you think is over used?

Ben Says:

Who cares? Designers complaining about particular fonts or bad typography annoy the hell out of me. There are much more important things to worry about.

Frank Says:

If a typeface is well designed, I think it’s okay to be overused. Gotham’s everywhere now. Helvetica’s been everywhere for a long while. I’m cool with that. If you’re asking What font would I choose to banish off the face of the earth? I’d probably say Papyrus. Yugh.

How do you decide on your color palettes?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:49:55 -0500

How do you decide on your color palettes?

Ben Says:

I never really give it a whole lot of thought. It’s usually just whatever colors make sense to communicate whatever idea I’m working on.

Frank Says:

Everyone prefers certain colors. I prefer the ones that I use.

What is it about design that keeps you interested in the field?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:50:20 -0500

What is it about design that keeps you interested in the field?

Ben Says:

I get to learn, draw, create, interpret, communicate ideas in meaningful ways, and that there are no rules on how to do any of those things.

I also believe designers are in a unique position to help inspire social change on a large scale and this is what keeps me up at night.

Frank Says:

I’ve done so much learning in this industry, about about our profession, but more importantly, about lots of things outside of it. I think that’s my favorite thing about being a designer and illustrator and what keeps me interested. I’ve been fortunate enough to do illustrations for articles I can’t say half the words in about subjects I had never heard of before. You get a lot of exposure to many interesting things.

Also, I think certain people have an internal desire to just make things. With this job, I kind of get to make a living by fulfilling that need. It’s great.

How do you keep yourself current in the design business?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:50:45 -0500

How do you keep yourself current in the design business?

Ben Says:

I don’t ever really read design magazines, but do I check some design related message boards and blogs on a daily or weekly basis. I think it’s important to know what’s going on but instead of reading about the cool stuff someone is doing I’d rather be doing it.

Frank Says:

Mostly through the web. Mostly through peeking at what my friends are working on. I wish I could say I was constantly up to my ears in industry magazines, but for the most part, I just don’t read them. I think it’s invariably more important to be current in almost everything. A wide net of curiosity is going to benefit any kind of designer, illustrator or creative professional more than any particular industry knowledge.

What are some of your passions outside of design?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:25 -0500

What are some of your passions outside of design?

Ben Says:

Well, I enjoy scouring antique stores and book stores. I also like to screen print which certainly has a lot to do with being a designer. Lastly, I really love cycling. It agrees with me philosophically and it’s just fun.

Frank Says:

Wait. That’s allowed?

If Obama�s logo were ugly would he have still won?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:08:26 -0500

If Obama�s logo were ugly would he have still won?

Ben Says:

Well I certainly don’t believe it was his logo that won him the election. I do however believe that his overall presentation skills had a huge impact. This includes the design, messaging, and public speaking. None of this would have mattered if he had lacked ideas and substance.

I believe one of the presidents primary jobs should be to set the tone and goals of the nation and inspire people to move in that direction. In this regard based on how his campaign was run I think he has the potential to have a huge impact.

Frank Says:

Content > Style

How important is coffee in your creative life?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:09:35 -0500

How important is coffee in your creative life?

Ben Says:

Well Higglesbee...if that is indeed your real name...I don’t actually drink coffee. Sometimes I drink tea, but it is not an important part of my life.

Frank Says:

Don�t either of you find this to be a bit pretentious?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:13:07 -0500

Don�t either of you find this to be a bit pretentious?

Ben Says:

I do not. After answering multiple emails a week with similar questions over and over it became obvious that people wanted information. I believe a lot in openness and transparency of information and the exchange of ideas, and this website allows for that. How is it any more pretentious than any other design blog that publishes their opinions and agenda? Here at least other people have a much more active role in the site by submitting questions they help determine the content of the site.

Frank Says:

How do you guys settle creative disputes?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:37:27 -0500

How do you guys settle creative disputes?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

How much for a puppy?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:58:19 -0500

How much for a puppy?

Ben Says:

L@@K!

$5000 per puppy.
Sent 2nd or 3rd day USPS Priority Mail. US Buyers only, please.

Frank Says:

5 Star. Excellent Seller. Fast Shipping. Would Buy Again.

Where do you find inspiration?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:43:27 -0500

Where do you find inspiration?

Ben Says:

Mostly in the people and books I choose to surround myself with, but really like Frank says it can come from anywhere. I mean I’ve never thought to myself OK, now it’s time to go find some inspiration.

Frank Says:

The interesting thing about this question is that everyone answers it the same, yet everyone still asks it. So, I’ll fulfill my obligation and say: Oh, you know. Just everything in my day-to-day life and the people that surround me. The grocery store, walking down the sidewalk, the leaves on the trees, that one article I read in the New Yorker last week, that one album by that one band, and a conversation I had with a friend yesterday at that one place.

Batman or Superman?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:07:36 -0500

Batman or Superman?

Ben Says:

Launch Youtube Video

Frank Says:

Launch Youtube Video

Have you ever stolen a taco, or other delicious ethnic food?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:06:23 -0500

Have you ever stolen a taco, or other delicious ethnic food?

Ben Says:

You can’t prove a thing Helms!!

Frank Says:

Launch Youtube Video

What wine pairs with turducken?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:54:37 -0500

What wine pairs with turducken?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

Merlovignonfindel

Non-photo blue pencil... Live by it, or just don�t care?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:04:19 -0500

Non-photo blue pencil... Live by it, or just don�t care?

Ben Says:

Never actually used one...or a photostat camera for that matter. Both are a little before my time, but I can totally see this becoming the next must-have hip designer accessory. I mean I guess I have go get one now that Frank has challenged my street cred.

I wouldn’t jump in front of any trains but I do like and use these quite a bit, mostly because they’re cheap and pretty easy to find.

Frank Says:

I’ve only used one a few times. Don’t swear by it or anything, but I don’t really do a lot of inking or anything. I have used a stat camera a couple times though, making me have more street cred than Ben, though.

If I were pressed to name a drawing utensil I’d jump in front of trains for, it’d be the ultra fine-tipped Sharpie.

Does Ben really have a mustache like that?

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:23:36 -0500

Does Ben really have a mustache like that?

Ben Says:

It’s a work in progress.

Frank Says:

If Ben had a mustache like that, I’d insist he become an old-timey baseball player, instead of a graphic designer.

Which is better, Mac or PC?

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:02:51 -0500

Which is better, Mac or PC?

Ben Says:

I prefer Mac, but a certain computer does not make you a better or worse designer. I used a PC when I was in design school.

Frank Says:

I use a Mac, but it doesn’t matter. A lot of my design heros would run circles around me with colored paper and a pair of scissors.

What would you do if a meteroite was going to hit the earth?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:26:56 -0500

What would you do if a meteroite was going to hit the earth?

Ben Says:

Launch Youtube Video

Frank Says:

I’d probably feel obliged to help organize an effort to get some men that worked on an off-shore oil rig to join a mission. The purpose of that mission would be to land on the meteoroid, drill in to it and then plant a bomb. I hope it goes okay, and I hope everyone survives the mission.

What are your opinions on the current conventions of font pricing?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:44:00 -0500

What are your opinions on the current conventions of font pricing?

Ben Says:

Having designed a fair amount of my own type I understand how much time and effort it takes to develop a good font family. I think most fonts are reasonably priced for large projects and businesses, but I know it’s very difficult for small design firms and freelancers to always purchase type. I think part of the problem is that it can be extremely difficult or unrealistic to convince small business clients of the value a specific typeface can bring to their project, but I don’t think most designers want to rip off or undervalue the work of type designers.

That said I don’t think it’s realistic to expect students to purchase type. They already have so many expenses that dropping hundreds of dollars for a font to use on a non-commercial project just isn’t realistic.

On a side note I heard Rich Roat from House Industries speak a couple years ago and he was talking about a website they were developing for a photo lettering catalog they had acquired and were digitizing. What he said was that they were making a site where you could log in and set the word or phrase you needed and view it in all of their typefaces. Once you found the one you wanted you could purchase the type on a letter by letter basis and the site would output an EPS file for you to use in your work instead of purchasing the entire font. I don’t know what the cost will be per letter but this seems like a wonderful solution for display typefaces where you don’t need to set large amounts of copy and don’t have the budget to purchase an entire font. This might not the the best and final solution to the font stealing problem that plagues our industry but it has the most potential of any ideas I’ve heard so far. I haven’t heard or seen anything about this since Rich’s presentation but I’m hopeful they’re still working on it.

Frank Says:

You know, I think typefaces are generally priced fairly. Creating a typeface is hard, time-consuming work. Also, their applications are wide-spread. Both should be valid reasons for their prices. If the price of a typeface is prohibitive for you, the solution is simple: you just don’t buy it.

But honestly, when’s the last time you used all of those fonts in you’ve accumulated? I’d like to assume if you’re any kind of designer worth your salt, you’ve got ten to twenty work horses that are doing a ton of work for you.

Is it dishonest to create fictional projects for a portfolio?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:36 -0500

Is it dishonest to create fictional projects for a portfolio?

Ben Says:

Not at ALL if you’re a student. Even as a young professional I think self-initiated design projects are a great way to try out new ideas or techniques.

That said, one of the most important qualities of a good professional designer is the ability to sell his or her ideas to a client. If your entire portfolio consists of self-initiated projects it doesn’t show your ability to do this so I personally always try to find a balance.

Frank Says:

I think it’s completely reasonable to expect young designers and illustrators to have fictional projects in their portfolio. It allows younger, less experienced students and designers tackle the issues inherent in large, multi-dimensional projects that would be difficult for someone with little experience to do professionally. Consider it the batting cages.

With that being said though, I think there’s an obligation for the designer or illustrator to clearly mark these projects as pilot projects or fictional projects inside of their portfolio.

If you could be reborn as a movie star, who would you be?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:56:29 -0500

If you could be reborn as a movie star, who would you be?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

Do you ever look at other peoples work and wish you had done it?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:21:33 -0500

Do you ever look at other peoples work and wish you had done it?

Ben Says:

Of course it happens, but I think competition can be a good and healthy thing if you don’t let it consume you. It keeps you humble and gives you something to work toward.

I personally can’t draw very well, so I often get hung up on technical issues of drafting and craftsmanship. The way I look at it though is that if someone else can do something there is no reason why I shouldn’t be able to either, I just have to work harder.

Currently, I get physically ill when looking at Jessica Hische’s work because it’s soo good.

Frank Says:

Sure. I think creative envy, when in check, plays an important role in self-improvement. I never try to directly compare my work to other people’s though, because I can never be sure if the goals I have for my own work are the same as others.

I think I’m getting more comfortable in my own shoes as I go along, though. I know what makes sense for me and makes the things that I make my own. I’m having that envy feeling less and less, and it’s being replaced by a certain feeling of marvel and wonder, which I much prefer. Rather than looking at great work and saying I wish I made that, its changing little by little to That’s wonderful. I’m really glad someone made this.

What blogs do you check on a day to day basis?

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:14:11 -0500

What blogs do you check on a day to day basis?

Ben Says:

I don’t really check any on a daily basis but I usually keep track of:
Post Secret
Wooster Collective
Overheard in New York
Brand New
FFFFOUND!

Frank Says:

Kottke
Drawn!
It’s Nice That
Thinking for a Living

What is the difference between a good idea and a great one?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:09:44 -0500

What is the difference between a good idea and a great one?

Ben Says:

Having never had any great ideas I don’t feel qualified to answer this.

Frank Says:

It’s either sweat or hype. I haven’t decided which one yet.

The Internet: Friend or foe?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:49:25 -0500

The Internet: Friend or foe?

Ben Says:

I think it’s a bit of both for me. Like Frank I am hugely indebted to the internet for a lot of my education, self promotion, career, friendships. This is even more relevant at the moment as I’m working for one of the largest websites in the world.

It’s amazing to me the ease with which we can share information and ideas with one another. At the same time I say it’s a bit of an enemy because it is a huge distraction in my life because the amount of information is so totally overwhelming. Rather than just focusing on being a good designer I now focus on being a good designer, illustrator, typographer, photographer, book binder, screen printer, computer programmer, animator, carpenter, etc, etc... The internet and other technologies have made it far easier for me to divide my time among many different skill sets. Sometimes it’s hard to process it all and keep up.

Frank Says:

Friend! I’m hugely indebted to the internet for my livelihood. It allows me to share my work in ways that I never thought possible and to work for people I wouldn’t be able to otherwise.

Aside from the things that I’ve produced, I’ve found so many awesome things and great people online. I still kind of hate YouTube comments though, and think that sometimes if online communities get too big, they cease to be communities and turn into degenerate masses.

But, on a happy note, I just bought some new socks online. And how can something that brings you socks be your foe?

What are your 5 go-to typefaces?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:30:47 -0500

What are your 5 go-to typefaces?

Ben Says:

Gotham
United
Soho
Vista Sans
DIN

Frank Says:

Gotham
Knockout
Adobe Caslon
Adobe Garamond
PMN Caecilia

How do you sleep at night?

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:43:15 -0500

How do you sleep at night?

Ben Says:

I’m nocturnal so this question isn’t relevant.

Frank Says:

Do you ever look at old work and wonder what you were thinking?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:23:44 -0500

Do you ever look at old work and wonder what you were thinking?

Ben Says:

I usually remember what I was thinking and why I was thinking what I did. I can be a bit stubborn about defending ideas and decisions I believe in, and I do sometimes look back and see that I was wrong. From a more purely aesthetic standpoint I always see things that I could have improved or redrawn one more time.

Frank Says:

Oh man. I teach at Missouri State University and decided to look through my student work one day to help me prep for a lesson. I think I was averaging about What the Hell Was I Thinking’s per hour.

What is the best way to gain exposure as a young designer?

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:17:56 -0500

What is the best way to gain exposure as a young designer?

Ben Says:

It was extremely valuable to me that I made friendships early on with older students in the design program. I also met lots of people though our student design club, professional organizations and student conferences. You have to be doing solid work but you also have to get out there and not be afraid to get out there and promote yourself. As far as getting my work out there the internet has been invaluable.

Frank Says:

You do quality work. Meet people, be personable. More than anything, you put your feet to the pavement and get moving. Some people will never believe it, but action is always better than inaction, no matter what the quality of your work.

Did you guys know that the RSS Feed isn�t working correctly?

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:32:16 -0500

Did you guys know that the RSS Feed isn�t working correctly?

Ben Says:

Yeah opps...my bad. Sorry it took so long to fix too, I’ve been putting it off. Should be working now, if you have issues please email me.

Frank Says:

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:48:08 -0500

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Ben Says:

Hopefully much smarter, humbler, more traveled, more well read, and more focused. The last one I think is key because I feel like I dabble in lots of areas of design and as a consequence I’ve gotten mediocre at a lot of things rather than really good at one or two things. I feel like I’m already taking steps toward this goal by learning to say no to projects and better manage my time and resources.

Ideally I would also like to get to the point where I am only working on meaningful projects that interest me. I actually feel like I am pretty close to achieving this already.

Perhaps a little bit farther out than 5 years or right around that mark I would very much like to start a small studio with some of the talented designers I know.

Frank Says:

Ideally, I’d love to diversify the projects I work on. There’s so many things that interest me that I’d eventually like to address in this little career of mine: interiors, patterns, product design, and animation.

Five years from now, I’d really love to be working on projects where I can tell stories with my work. The craft of story-telling is a subject I think I’ll always love, and I’d be thrilled if I could devote some time to think about and personally explore ways to make a cross section of that and design and illustration.

Oh, and I’d like to be writing more. And sleeping more. Just more of all the good stuff.

What are your resolutions for 2009?

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:34:07 -0500

What are your resolutions for 2009?

Ben Says:

1. Improve handwriting, drawing, and programming skills
2. Organize my digital assets (files, websites, accounts, backups etc...)
3. Visit Europe
4. No candy or soda for the entire year
5. Run a marathon
6. Go on 2 or more 30+ mile bike rides each month
7. Finish building my first project bike

Frank Says:

Learn.
Finish.
Say no more frequently.
Say yes more strategically.
Be good.
Be well.

East coast or west coast or somewhere in between?

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:31:15 -0500

East coast or west coast or somewhere in between?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

I’m actually in between right now.

How often is your first thought your best thought?

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:54:26 -0500

How often is your first thought your best thought?

Ben Says:

Almost never, although sometimes I think it is.

Frank Says:

~~No.~~ Yes.

Is there any type of design that you refuse to work on?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:44:43 -0500

Is there any type of design that you refuse to work on?

Ben Says:

I feel especially privileged so far in my short career that I feel the majority of the projects I’ve worked on were either fun or meaningful, and often both. Those are my main criteria for choosing to work for a company or on a specific project.

I don’t really want to start naming specifics, but there are things I am morally against and that I believe are detrimental to our society. I hope I don’t ever find myself in the situation of having to do these things in order to eat.

Frank Says:

I never want to work on a project where the end result would be an annoyance to the audience. I hate having my time wasted and patience tested, so my general guideline is to try not to do those things to others.

How do you come up with interesting designs?

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:30:59 -0500

How do you come up with interesting designs?

Ben Says:

By coming up with lots and lots of uninteresting designs first.

Frank Says:

Interesting designs start with interesting ideas.

And you get interesting ideas by having lots of them. There’s a lot of waste in gold mining.

Do you have any animals that hang out with you while working?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:02:48 -0500

Do you have any animals that hang out with you while working?

Ben Says:

Well...I wouldn’t have chosen the word animals to describe my coworkers but if the shoe fits...

Just kidding, but they are ferociously talented bunch.

I like cats more than dogs, and I usually really like other peoples pets, but don’t have any myself. I imagine they would be very distracting to me in a studio environment.

Frank Says:

There’s a kitty that hangs out here with me at the studio. Her name is Lisa. She came with the studio, and we’re mortal enemies.

What�s your perfect breakfast meal?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:53:20 -0500

What�s your perfect breakfast meal?

Ben Says:

Two big fluffy buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup. Two well done scrambled eggs. Two crispy strips of bacon. A big bowl of fresh pineapple. A glass of ice cold milk. An orange mango motion smoothie by Naked Juice. Served to me in a nice warm bed.

Frank Says:

One scrambled egg. One piece of french toast with orange marmalade in the middle. Granola with yogurt and mixed fruit. One sausage patty. (No links). A small glass of orange juice. A small glass of water. A mug of fresh roasted coffee with sugar in the raw and a hint of half and half. Served earlier in the morning, so as to correspond with CBS News Sunday Morning, and to be able to go back to bed afterwards.

Which one of you is the brains behind your operation?

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:06:57 -0500

Which one of you is the brains behind your operation?

Ben Says:

I am. Frank isn’t even real, I made him up.

Frank Says:

I am.

How do I give design feedback without offending?

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:19:35 -0500

How do I give design feedback without offending?

Ben Says:

Be humble and honest, your approach is not the only approach. All to often we as designers, and people in general, state things as facts when they are actually our opinions. Design aesthetics can be highly subjective, so I think it’s important to begin your statements with I think.... It’s also good practice to not use the word like, instead try to assess whether things are working or not working and articulate why.

Frank Says:

Sincerely, with a heavy dose of personal respect. Start with positive things, the things that are working. Then move on to the areas that can be improved upon. More than anything, be constructive. The purpose of feedback is to be helpful, not harmful.

Is it important for an illustrator to learn about typography?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:31:20 -0500

Is it important for an illustrator to learn about typography?

Ben Says:

I think it’s helpful for sure. I’ve seen bad type choices ruin otherwise beautiful illustrations. I don’t think you need to be a master typographer but your typography should not distract the viewer from your work.

I think every designer/illustrator/artist should read The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst and have a copy around to refer to.

Frank Says:

Yes! As an illustrator, it’s an important thing to at least know the basics of type. Often times as an illustrator, typography is your work’s neighbor. And who doesn’t like to know just a little bit about the company they keep?

Have you had conflicts with clients/co-workers because of your age?

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:35:50 -0400

Have you had conflicts with clients/co-workers because of your age?

Ben Says:

There has never been an issue on the side of my clients or co-workers that I was aware of. I know that I have learned a lot about how to manage my time and commitments over the years, and still have a long way to go in that area. There were definitely some freelance projects I did when I was in school where I dropped the ball, but thankfully I’ve always worked for and with wonderful understanding people.

Frank Says:

No. I have never run in to this. If my age or the number of years of experience I had were issues for a client, my assumption is that they wouldn’t have hired me to begin with. I work alone, so I don’t have co-workers.

How fast are sloths?

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:41:07 -0400

How fast are sloths?

Ben Says:

Based on my extensive research I estimate sloths are capable of an average speed of about 5000 miles per year.

Frank Says:

The wonderful thing about sloths is that they are exactly as fast as a sloth needs to be, and no faster.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:35:16 -0400

Do you keep a sketchbook?

Ben Says:

I keep all of them.

Seriously though I do use a sketchbook a lot. I recently accidentally left it in a friends car and was without it for a couple days and felt completely lost.

Frank Says:

Surprisingly, no! Most of my sketching for assignments occurs on loose paper I bind in a 3 ring binder. I don’t find myself drawing aimlessly too much. (Which now that I think about it, seems like a total shame.) I do carry around a small moleskin though, in which I write notes to myself, jot down quick ideas, and every once in a while draw pictures of horses galloping through fields of sunflowers. I also always draw on the tables at restaurants that use paper as table cloths.

What do you think is the one thing that gets in the way of a design?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:12:42 -0400

What do you think is the one thing that gets in the way of a design?

Ben Says:

Being lazy and trying to sacrifice research and process to get the job done quicker.

Frank Says:

You know, more often than not, when I’m working, I find myself getting in the way of things.

Should you always think about the �audience� when creating art?

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:27:08 -0400

Should you always think about the �audience� when creating art?

Ben Says:

If you’re talking about art in the general sense to mean the deliverable of a project then yes. If you’re talking about fine art then I don’t feel qualified to give a response since I don’t consider myself an artist in that sense (at the moment).

I believe a graphic designers job inherently involves making things for people, and if you stop thinking about how you can best serve those people then you’re not doing your job.

Frank Says:

Art? I’m not sure. Design and illustration? Absolutely, yes. In fact, I think more so than the client. (Although clients are very important as well.) Typically, what’s best for the audience is what’s best for the client as well.

Ultimately, I believe the highest allegiance of a visual communicator belongs to their client’s (or their own) audience. When communicating messages to our audience, we ask for their attention, consideration and trust. We should be so kind as to reciprocate that gift with something of great value, truth and dependency.

How did you feel when you graduated college?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:47:02 -0400

How did you feel when you graduated college?

Ben Says:

It took me a long time to graduate (6 years) and I didn’t feel like there was much build up to the end. One day it was just over. There was a little party and dinner with my family and that was that. At the time I was frantically raising money and preparing to go to Alabama for a month for Project M so there wasn’t really any time off.

It wasn’t until after Project M and after a month long job search that I was settled in Austin working for The Decoder Ring that it really started to sink in that I was in a new phase of my life. In school I was so focused on learning and becoming the best designer that I could that nothing else really mattered. Being done with that I started to find old hobbies I enjoyed and actually slept again. Life outside of school has been much much less stressful for me so far. I realized that there wasn’t something I was working towards anymore and that I could do anything I wanted. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what that is but it’s a pretty fun process.

Frank Says:

I felt exhausted, confused, liberated and directionless. It was awesome/horrible. I gave myself so much anxiety because I felt like there was so much to be done, but I had no idea what to do. There were a lot of decisions to be made, and I felt like I had to make them myself. And I was paralyzed. It was such a wide open world, but none of the choices felt like me.

When I graduated, I decided to live off of savings for a summer, start freelancing and take the 3 months to decide what I wanted to do with my life. Years later, I’m still freelancing, and starting to realize that maybe this, along with all the other things I’ve accidently stumbled into, are what I’m meant to do with my life.

What�s your favorite letter of the alphabet?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:35 -0400

What�s your favorite letter of the alphabet?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

If you were a logo, what logo would you be?

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:44:15 -0400

If you were a logo, what logo would you be?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

Jobs: Cash or satisfaction?

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:08:13 -0400

Jobs: Cash or satisfaction?

Ben Says:

Satisfaction over cash, but the trick is of course to find the balance between the two.

Frank Says:

Does it have to be one or the other? I hope not... if so, this is going to be one long career I have to slug through.

Which is for real men: graphic design or illustration?

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:28:41 -0400

Which is for real men: graphic design or illustration?

Ben Says:

To me it’s not one or the other anymore, it’s about doing what is right for the project. For me personally doing a lot of my own illustrations happened out of necessity because most of the clients I worked with early in my career couldn’t afford to do photography or even hire another illustrator. I will say that at this point it’s become something I enjoy and seems to be working well for me.

Frank Says:

Real men combine them both.
I’d like to think what I do designery illustration.
Ben probably does something that could be considered illustrationish design.

How many dumb questions do people submit on a daily basis?

Tue, 26 May 2009 23:10:36 -0400

How many dumb questions do people submit on a daily basis?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

Do you ever feel upset about taking design breaks?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:59:40 -0400

Do you ever feel upset about taking design breaks?

Ben Says:

When I haven’t made anything for a long time I start to get restless. I frequently get into these long drawn out research and understanding phases. Given the work I’m currently doing it is totally necessary, but still I have a strong need to make stuff.

I don’t really consider this a break though, I’m still very much engaged in conceptual thinking.

Whenever I feel this way I try to make a book, screen print or letterpress something, or at least draw.

If I’m stuck all together in trying to come up with a concept I try to get away from thinking about design at all. I will usually go for a bike ride, to the library/book store.

Frank Says:

I think any time I’m not working ridiculously hard, I do feel a certain twinge of guilt course through my veins. I just have to remind myself though that life is more than work, taking breaks keeps me healthy (creatively, spiritually and, um, bodily), and that I’ll always be hardest on myself about my work ethic.

I’m finding that I usually spend my off time traveling and taking things in. It’s hard work always outputting, so it’s important to give yourself some time to take in some input.

Really, is this blog dead or what?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:43:12 -0400

Really, is this blog dead or what?

Ben Says:

It’s not you...it’s me.

Frank Says:

Can’t a dude go on vacation?

Do you believe in inspiration or just doing it?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:15:47 -0400

Do you believe in inspiration or just doing it?

Ben Says:

I’m not really sure what the difference is? I definitely believe in inspiration, and think it plays a role in everything I do as a creative person. If I find myself unsure of where to start I just draw whatever comes to mind first and go from there. It’s much easier to look at something and assess why it sucks than it is to try and do it brilliantly the first time.

Frank Says:

Both. Sometimes you get the kiss from God, and can make something wonderful in a jolt of inspiration. Other times, you just have to get started and let the process inspire you.

If you could have invented/designed one object from the last century, what would it be?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:24:29 -0400

If you could have invented/designed one object from the last century, what would it be?

Ben Says:

Frank Says:

The album cover. It was invented, as it’s currently understood, by Alex Steinweiss in 1939.

I spent the better part of my teenage years with my nose inside of liner notes and studying album covers. I’d like to think that the past few generations of creative folk did the same with the music they consumed.

What are your opinions on working for �free� when you�re first starting out as a designer/illustrator?

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:43:43 -0400

What are your opinions on working for �free� when you�re first starting out as a designer/illustrator?

Ben Says:

I did an unpaid internship when I was in school, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. I’ve heard many people who think it’s outrageous to not pay someone for their work, but life isn’t that black and white. I believe some learning opportunities like this are worth working for free for the experience.

When it comes to managing and dealing with your own clients I don’t have as much experience as Frank. I do frequently donate my time to charities and causes I believe in, but I would be hesitant to do anything for a business that I wasn’t being compensated for.

Frank Says:

Don’t work for free. Always try get something out of it, otherwise you’ll make yourself out to be of no value. (Which hopefully isn’t true.) This does not necessarily have to be a form of monetary payment though: you can work for trade or services. Typically, if you work hard enough to figure out something, these people can offer you something of value.

I do believe that there are certain situations though where a creative can choose to work for free or pro bono for causes they believe in. Examples would be non-profit organizations and charities. I would just hesitate to do this with any businesses that seek to make money.

Here’s a quick tip: if you’re in initial talks with someone about a project and they say the word exposure, run for the hills.