Like most creative types, VP of Strategy for AgencyNet, Garett Bugda joined the Marine Corps right after high school? One thing led to another and he met a beautiful woman, left the Corps, moved to Florida and entered the world of commercial Web design.
10.31.07
Design Your Life
What site do you visit daily? The Design Town.
What's the subject/topic of it? It's a site full of interesting toys, accessories and office supplies that appeal to anyone who enjoys clever design.
What's so great about it? It torments my soul. I visit the site, stare at the item of the day and openly debate myself regarding the pros and cons of making a purchase. Usually I don't buy anything. Unfortunately when I go back the next day, I wind up kicking myself in the pants.
What makes it technically compelling? I wouldn't say it is overly compelling from a technical standpoint, yet I am drawn to it everyday. It has become my daily right of passage. By the way, I usually fail.
How would you improve it? Or would you? Aside from adding a button that would transport me back in time to yesterday, I wouldn't change it at all. It is so simple in its purpose; there is no confusion about what to do or why you are there.
What's your job? After serving as creative director for four years, I was recently promoted to VP of Strategy for AgencyNet.
Where do you work? I work with a phenomenal group of people in an amazing three story building in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (about five miles from the beach). Our space is the perfect breeding ground for innovation.
If you have a degree in what field is it? I have a BS in E-Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
How did you get involved in this industry? Well like most creative types, I joined the Marine Corps right after high school. One thing led to another and I met a beautiful woman, left the Corps, moved to Florida and entered the world of commercial Web design. I began in 1995 by reading and experimenting with HTML (in SimpleText), using Photoshop v2.5, and viewing the Web in a Lynx browser.
What's your biggest Web (design) turn-off? When technology gets in the way of great content.
Who, in this industry (or not), has been your biggest inspiration? I started in the business in 1995. So I have really gone through an evolution of inspiration. When I first began in the industry, I really admired Clement Mok and Studio Archetype. Today, I am inspired by my children. My son is ten and he continually impresses me with his command of the Internet. I run most of my ideas past him.
What's the weirdest thing you've bought online? I wouldn't say it was the weirdest thing, but I did buy a pair of size 10.5 Nikes from eBay once, only to get them in the mail and find out they were a size 10.5, for infants. Everyone in the office still laughs about it.
What do you do in your spare time? Um, what's that? I spend time with my wife and three children mostly. When I am not doing that, I write children's poetry, comic book scripts and play guitar badly.
What music are you listening to right now? I love movie soundtracks, especially Memoirs of a Geisha and The Last Samurai.
What product/gadget can you not live without? My pacemaker (joking). My laptop. It goes everywhere with me.
What's your dream computer set-up? I would love a MacBook Pro with 600GB of RAM an adjustable screen that I could keep small when I'm on the road but pull out the edges to make a 42" wide screen when I'm in the office.