W+K Studio Blog

Holy crap he works here!!! YAY!

How did you get here?
I was lucky and got invited by my good pal Katie McHugh to participate in the Hand Pulled for Haiti poster benefit. The poster sold-out, and the following week I had an interview with Michele. I received some very constructive, and specific feedback on my portfolio, something I’ve never received from an interview, so I revisited my book, and worked extremely hard to fill the holes and address the feedback and came back to show it to a group of studio managers. The effort I spent on refining my book was well worth it.

Who/what inspires you?
I’m inspired by authenticity and genuine enthusiasm in people (Kate Bingaman-Burt). I’m often inspired by work that exhibits high levels of craftsmanship, but I also love stuff that’s just crazy creative and off the wall. I like creative duos and collectives, I find them more interesting than individuals. I like the group of dudes behind Thinking for a Living and all the interesting stuff that seems to be happening with PSU’s Graphic Design department. I went to the big student portfolio show (BE HONEST), and was floored by some of the work, and just the overall vibe of the program. I’m a big fan of the Hugo + Marie roster of artists, especially the talented, and well mannered Micah Lidberg. I’m super excited about the work coming from local duo Script & Seal – Gavin Potenza and Liz Meyer. I’m quite fond of London’s Evening Tweed collective, and NY’s Pencil Factory. Dig those Austin bros at Public School.

What do you work on here at Wieden+Kennedy?
I’m a designer working on Procter & Gamble.

Easy question, what do you do outside of work?
I’m a family guy, and spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids. We spend a ton of time hanging out at the parks. Kids need to run around, and I just enjoy being outside in the setting of kids playing and having fun— reminds me of my childhood, and makes me feel good. It’s a time of reflection and thoughtfulness for me.

What’s a random, fun fact that others would love to hear?
I have a Kuncle, or is it Cuncle? You know, a cousin-uncle. My cousin was adopted by my grandparents, is all really. It’s a common Idaho thing. When I was growing up, he was the coolest dude in the world, he was the first guy I ever knew who had a perm, he could shred every Metallica solo on the guitar, and made his own swords. A total badass. You could also say he was an inspiration.

What do you love to do?
Make things. Make music. Skateboard. Parent. Ride bikes. Eat food. Drink beer. Collaborate. Think. Look at pictures in books. Discuss. Listen. I could go on and on…

If you could interview one other person in the studio, who would it be and why?
Steve Denekas. His spirit is ancient and magical.

What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
My children, no doubt. In a way, I get to relive my childhood. I get to experience adventure, wonder, and witness how new everything is to them. I’ll never forget the first time I pushed my daughter in a swing, I suddenly realized, this is the first time she’s ever experienced this, and I get to share that with her, along with many more experiences as she grows up. Nothing is better than that.

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