Benjamin J. Mace graduated with a BFA in Communication Arts from VCU in Richmond, VA. Over the last ten years he's touched brands such as AOL, EA Sports, Royal Caribbean, Redken, Calvin Klein, Bic, Clinique, Reebok, ABC & Samsung. Benjamin's career spans design, art direction, development and animation; he's also a published author and an avid contributor to the design community through writing, speaking and open source. He is currently the interactive director at Grow Interactive in Norfolk, VA.
11.19.08
Inspiration in Everyday Events
If you have a degree in what field is it? I graduated in 1997 with a BFA in communication arts from VCU. My education focused on design fundamentals such as typography, color theory, design history and process.
What’s the best site you've seen lately? What's so great about it? Recently? probably Facebook. Every time I go I’m impressed with its functionality and leave happy. It has some excellent features, it’s easy to use and has a clean layout. Its iPhone counterpart is great as well.
If you were to change professions, what would you choose to do? I’d like to think I would do something totally different, even outside and more labor intensive. But in the end, I’m a perfectionist and would end up in the same boat I’m in now—working, long hours to make sure things are done right.
Design or technology? Which is more important? Why? Design. Technology requires design before it can be created.
From where do your best ideas originate? From everyday events. Some of my best ideas have come from things I was doing with my kids or have seen outside of the workplace.
How do you overcome a creative block? I have to completely step away, get some fresh air and do something totally unrelated to the problem at hand. Once I return, I usually have a new view of the issue.
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new project? Enthusiastic.
What well-known site is most desperately in need of a redesign? I really think Amazon could use a rework. While it has some great features and a simple checkout process, the layout and amount of information presented is, most of the time, overwhelming. Amazon can do just as well with half the number of promotions on the screen at a single time. I usually go there to buy one specific item and not something a stranger has recommended.
Do you have creative outlets other than Web design? I don’t. And I think it’s a major issue that I’m trying to change regarding my career. Work has me focusing on only two things—business and interactive. What little free time I have is devoted to family.
What music are you listening to right now? Everything: classic Eric B. & Rakim, Justice, Stereo Lab and Queens of The Stone Age.
What product/gadget can you not live without? I’d have to say my Macbook Pro although having just gotten an iPhone that opinion may change shortly.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve bought online? I’m drawing a blank.... Does that mean I’m boring?
What’s your favorite quote? We used a bunch on a site we just completed. My favorite was “Fortune favors the brave.” —Virgil, Aenid
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Surround yourself with talented, smart and professional people. Hopefully more good than bad will rub off on you and someone will always help pick you up when you fall.