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| As in so many other cities, there is a strong closed community in NYC. Was it easy for you to enter this circle? Regardless whether everyone works together or not, there is definitely a community of like-minded people out here. I was fortunate to meet people that gave me opportunities to do work when I was still fresh to NYC, so things kind of fell into place. You just can't take those things for granted and you got to work hard. You have been very busy with your work for Supreme, SSUR, etc., as well as your own projects Adorn and Priceless. How do you handle your work and the busy social schedule in NYC? I go through phases where I want to go out a lot or where I want to just stay in and work. I can't keep up with the all-out, all the time kids. I enjoy my time out, but I like to get stuff done. There is always another party or open bar. There are a lot of people out there who are known for being out all the time but at the end of the day what have they really gotten done. Maybe I'm just jealous. Has there ever been a moment when you wanted to escape all of this? Where is the best place to find rest? Australia. Professional Background How did you become a graphic designer? I used to work for Shepard during the summers when I was 16 screenprinting or around the design office. That planted the seed, design-wise for me. Before that I had no idea. My first year of college I just took whatever course looked interesting to me. |
Then one day I kind of just decided to transfer to art school. Then I dropped out. What do you remember about your first paid design job and what did it feel like to have to meet someone's expectations other than working free? I was working while in school doing mainly illustration-type things. First real thing was a bunch of portraits for "Book Magazine". I remember I was so broke when I got that check . The first stuff in this genre was graphics for SSUR. I kind of look at personal and client work in the same way. You always know when something works and is finished. Just make it look right and then you are done. I can't leave something a little "off". It bothers me too much. In your early days of designing who did you work with? Who was your mentor or inspiration? Are you in touch with this person, still? When I first came to NY I started assisting for KAWS painting in his studio. I learned a ton from just being around him, seeing the way he works and seeing how he approaches everything. He's helped me out a lot since then, directly and indirectly. It's nice working on projects together now that we've become better friends. Kevin Lyons was also a big influence on me. He shaped the way I look at design and how to approach projects. Any notable experience during that time that you had working on a project, with anyone? What was your best experience back then/greatest success? I always enjoy working with people on new projects so its hard to pick. Putting out the NeckFace book was fun. |
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