This week, our DJ by Night/Web Developer by Day poses questions to our PUNgeon Master/Senior Art Director.
Now that you are a Senior Art Director, is there any advice that you wish you had when you started as a designer?
I don’t know if there is anything specific I wish I had known as a designer other than to just have confidence in your abilities and what unique qualities you bring to the table. When I was younger, I was always doubting myself as a professional, concerned that I wasn’t good enough for an open position, comparing myself too harshly against my peers and even just questioning design decisions while I was actively doing them.
That feeling went away as I found mentors and bosses who knew how to positively reinforce me. Not everyone needs to be approached like this, but I found that it allowed me to worry less, take more chances, work faster and overall produce better work. As a result, I try to incorporate a positive and supportive attitude when I critique other creatives.
I admire how well organized and methodical you are. Do you have a morning routine, or, if not, do you have an ideal routine you wish you had?
I don’t have much of a morning routine. In fact, I’m pretty much on autopilot-zombie mode until I get into the office and have a cup of coffee. One thing I have found beneficial, however, is to use the first 15 minutes of work to compile a list of the things that have to be done that day. I prefer to use an application, Todoist, in order to do this. I write every assignment down, log when they are due and identify which co-workers are my partners on the project. Then, throughout the day, I make sure to do the same with any additional request that comes across my desk. Since I make my list in an app, I’m able to reorder things on the list if their urgency shifts throughout the day.
If I were to improve on my routine, I would try to include more time to meditate or breathe. I don’t want to seem to “new-agey,” but I have found that when I allow a couple of minutes to clear my head, I’m more sharp and organized in response.
As a person that could also be considered a foodie, how much does your visual design sense affect how you enjoy or experience food?
I like a well-plated dish. It doesn’t have to look like it’s from Alinea or something ridiculous like that, but food always tastes better when it’s presented with a little care. It gives it intention and elevates it from being just fuel. Also, not to lean too heavily on my Japanese or design identity, but I really like the compartmentalization of food, like in bento boxes. Everything seems so neat and tidy, which I find attractive.
As someone who is learning Spanish and the piano in his free time, what is the next skill that you would teach yourself, if time was no object?
I would pick back up a martial art. I used to take karate as a kid, but I really think I would appreciate it more as an adult. Ideally, I’d like to take two contrasting forms. Something like tai-chi in order to relax and then something like jiu-jitsu so that I could defend myself in case I run my mouth too much at a bar.
You are very knowledgeable about pop culture trivia. Is there a movie, book or song that you identify with the most? (Side question: Are there any subjects that you are proud not to know and actively stay ignorant of? E.g., I refuse to learn Lord of the Rings trivia.)
I hate to give such a typical millennial, hipster answer, but I would say Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There is something so amazing about explaining something as familiar as a broken heart in such a surreal and mind-bending way. It can be dizzying and at times confusing, but the film does such a great job of feeling personal and relatable. Every time I see it, it impresses me while at the same time pulling at my heartstrings.
Side answer: Still haven’t seen Titanic and have no intention of doing so.
For a person that is as aware of pop culture as you are, how much do you look to pop culture to inspire your design and keep you relevant? And how much are you able to disconnect from yourself as a designer when consuming pop culture?
I don’t look to pop culture for inspiration; it just happens to stick. That is the greatest aspect of pop culture and why it is perhaps the truest reflection of our society. We’d all like to think of ourselves as more “highbrow” or sophisticated in our tastes, but when it comes down to it, pop is king. It is the art of the masses and it is easily discussed and impersonated, so it makes for good conversation. As a designer, I see pop culture as a solution intended for a particular audience… and sometimes that audience is everyone.
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
African or European swallow?