Jeromie Neidlinger's eye for life-size communication started early while painting 14' x 40' Pepsi cans and Checkers hamburgers for a local billboard agency in Dothan, Alabama.
Soon after receiving a visual communications degree in Atlanta he became creative director for an interactive firm working with clients such as Coke, AT&T, MCI and UPS. After breaking away in 2002 Jeromie formed the award-winning Web design and branding company PrimaryTheory. In the past few years, he's put together a virtual team of illustrators, Flash gurus, developers, writers and managers to help him orchestrate creative solutions for large and small companies alike. He currently resides in the Atlanta area where he quietly paddles upriver in some of the most beautifully remote locations of the Southeast.
09.01.09
Utterly Beautiful Solitude
If you have a degree in what field is it? Visual communications.
What's the best site you’ve seen lately? What's so great about it? I actually see a lot of sites I like, but overall I’d have to say Blurb is my current favorite. I love books and this was a place where I could design one (albeit in a limited format). The site is a nice mix of form and function that creates an inviting playground for people who may not be technically savvy. This “friendly” concept extends into the functionality of their book-creating software and full printing process. My only hope is that, in the near future, they include a sustainable way of making books.
If you were to change professions, what would you choose to do? Direct films, design books and movie posters, become a landscape artist, work at Blockbuster (I’m mesmerized by all the DVD cover art).
Design or technology? Which is more important? Why? Depends on what you want to achieve. I give respect to both, and think a case could be made about the increased importance of either. It’s the chicken and egg scenario right?
From where do your best ideas originate? Everywhere. I try not to be superstitious about how or where they come from, but will admit that being surrounded by nature has been a significant source of inspiration throughout my life.
How do you overcome a creative block? In the past few years I’ve taken to exploring the surrounding rivers finding complete and utterly beautiful solitude.
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new project? New.
What well-known site is most desperately in need of a redesign? YouTube.
Do you have creative outlets other than Web design? Conceptual art, taking photos, sketching and collecting weathered and dated items.
What music are you listening to right now? Bon Iver, MGMT, M.Ward, The Twilight Singers, Dredg, Mishka, Blitzen Trapper, Santogold, Fleet Foxes, Cat Stevens, M83, Peaches, Talkdemonic and whatever Pandora sends me on my iPhone.
What product/gadget can you not live without? My Pentax Optio W60 waterproof camera.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve bought online? A phone?
What’s your favorite quote? It’s a habit of mine to sort of collect quotes and look to them for continual enlightenment, so it’s difficult to pick just one. But something my father said has always resonated with me... “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time.”
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Find a great mentor and watch, listen and learn. And don’t forget to check your ego, often.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? Life is short, laugh hard.