Over the course of a year (June 2016 – June 2017), I interviewed an incredible line-up of contemporary designers, artists, product developers, and writers—56 in all. I purposely sought a unique hook for each interview to learn something new about each person, most of whom have been interviewed and featured countless times.
Below is a sampling of some of the interviews. To see the full text, follow the links below:
If you haven’t yet watched “Abstract: The Art of Design,” which features eight extraordinary designers, practicing different disciplines, then set aside a day for an inspiring binge-watching experience. The making of the series is as complex and beautiful as the people portrayed. Executive producer Scott Dadich discusses the two-year journey to make the series, and reveals some of his favorite moments in the process.
John Fluevog has been crafting high quality, funky shoes for more than 46 years, yet he’s not a household name like Jimmy Choo, Jessica Simpson, or Steve Madden. Mainly because his shoes are not sold in department stores, and the designs are bizarrely unconventional. Let’s just say, when you wear a pair of Fluevogs, expect to get noticed. People either love them or they don’t know what to think of them, which is precisely what Mr. Fluevog has intended.
The political discourse in this country has been at a fervent pitch for months, up until the shocking outcome last week. Political cartoonists and illustrators have been having a field day, but none more so than Edel Rodriguez who has created two of the most talked about cover images in recent times. As a Cuban immigrant he has a great appreciation for the artistic freedom he is allowed in America, and he has a lot to say in his work.
As a guy who rose to popularity for his crude album cover designs for bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, The Sonics, and Mudhoney nearly three decades ago, Art Chantry is still trying to figure out the design world. In fact, he’s adverse to most design these days and resists technology as much possible. The man prefers to work with his hands, manipulating materials, images, and type in a way that the computer just can’t do, in his opinion.
When most of us watch movies, we don’t even think about the miscellaneous props in the scene such as paintings or photos on walls, furniture, dishes, papers, etc., unless something looks out of place. It takes a lot of effort to achieve this invisibility, and Ross MacDonald is one of the best in the business.
News coverage of the 2016 Presidential Election was overbearing and underwhelming. Late night television provided some of the best comic relief, but one of the greatest characters taking on the election was Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, aka Robert Smigel, in “Triumph’s Summer Election Special 2016,” on Hulu.
Tosh Hall: Stop Redesigning Brands Every Few Years!
Tosh Hall has a problem with companies that try to redefine themselves every three years, and the agencies that convince them to do it. In a world of constant change and upheaval, isn’t it comforting to be able to pick out your favorite brand of cereal on the shelf because of its easily identifiable colors and markings? When brands do big overhauls there’s always the risk they will alienate customers, so why take this chance? Hall will tell you, stick to what works.
After spending nearly 22 years at the creative helm of Martha Stewart Living, Gael Towey left in late 2012 to pursue something different, though she didn’t know what that would be at the time. She and Martha had practically invented the DIY revolution, encouraging their readers to craft their own lives, from cooking to sewing to entertaining. Towey led the brand strategy for everything Martha, including magazines, books, and products.
As the most prolific person in graphic design ever, Steven Heller is questioning his own relevance. He just can’t stop writing about design, designers, design history, design criticism (in my estimation, about a book a month), so how can that be?
Stefan Bucher: Retooling his Skillset
Stefan Bucher has never shied away from a challenge. In fact, the guy relishes creative challenges that push him in completely new directions. It started with his Daily Monsters, which quickly grew in popularity and eventually turned into a book and an animated film. The duress of daily creation, while painful at times, gave him great satisfaction and a fair amount of press.