By David Schwarz
If you have a degree in what field is it? A masters in media design with a concentration in film and graphic design from Art Center College of Design.
Which designer (or design studio), other than yours, do you most admire? Sagmeister. Primarily because of his every-five-years sabbatical concept.
What’s the strangest request you've received from a client? “Can you have it done by next week?”
If you weren't working as a designer what would you be doing? I’d be a shrink.
What well-known identity is most desperately in need of a redesign? The GAP logo. Oops.
From where do your best ideas originate? Ricocheting off the ideas of others during a brainstorming session.
How do you overcome a creative block? Sleep. Nightmares. Then more sleep.
What’s your dream project (not client, but project)? Anything that pushes everyone in our studio to do their best work, then teaches them something they didn’t know.
Do you have creative outlets other than graphic design? Writing. Photography. Being a dad. Travel.
What’s your approach to balancing work and life? Luckily, they are inextricably linked because I enjoy what I do. To achieve a balance, however, is impossible. I gave up a long time ago.
What product/gadget can you not live without? A corkscrew.
What’s your favorite quote? “Beauty is crystal. Between two solutions the mathematician will choose the better-looking option.” —Ryoji Ikeda
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Make friends with everyone. Stay true to your morals when challenged. Never undervalue yourself. If it feels icky, it probably is.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? Most people won’t care about this stuff like we do, so you have to care for them.
Which designer (or design studio), other than yours, do you most admire? Sagmeister. Primarily because of his every-five-years sabbatical concept.
What’s the strangest request you've received from a client? “Can you have it done by next week?”
If you weren't working as a designer what would you be doing? I’d be a shrink.
What well-known identity is most desperately in need of a redesign? The GAP logo. Oops.
From where do your best ideas originate? Ricocheting off the ideas of others during a brainstorming session.
How do you overcome a creative block? Sleep. Nightmares. Then more sleep.
What’s your dream project (not client, but project)? Anything that pushes everyone in our studio to do their best work, then teaches them something they didn’t know.
Do you have creative outlets other than graphic design? Writing. Photography. Being a dad. Travel.
What’s your approach to balancing work and life? Luckily, they are inextricably linked because I enjoy what I do. To achieve a balance, however, is impossible. I gave up a long time ago.
What product/gadget can you not live without? A corkscrew.
What’s your favorite quote? “Beauty is crystal. Between two solutions the mathematician will choose the better-looking option.” —Ryoji Ikeda
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Make friends with everyone. Stay true to your morals when challenged. Never undervalue yourself. If it feels icky, it probably is.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? Most people won’t care about this stuff like we do, so you have to care for them.
David Schwarz is an award-winning creative director working between motion-based storytelling, graphic design and interactivity. After receiving an MFA from Art Center College of Design, he became a sought-after freelance talent working at many notable creative studios. He's directed projects for exceptional brands such as Nike, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Honda, American Express and Coca Cola, among others. He's also been featured in publications like Creativity, Shots, IdN, RES and Monument. As one of the founding partners of HUSH, a multi-disciplinary content production company working across digital, broadcast, mobile and exhibition media, he mixes creative pursuits with high-level business relationships.
