My life and the various inspirations that shape my work as a designer.
My Life
What I Do
I'm a freelance graphic designer living and working in Long Beach, California. I also work in the film industry as a surface designer for primarily superhero costumes. While only starting this specific line of work in 2020, I've been grateful to work on movies like The Gray Man, Guardians of the Galaxy III, and Superman: Legacy.
Why Graphic Design?
I’m truly passionate about my work as a graphic designer because I believe that good design can make a genuine difference in the world. It’s incredible to see how a well-crafted identity or design can spark conversations and emotions, tell stories, and inspire action. What I love most is the collaborative process of taking an idea and turning it into something real. There’s a special honor in being the bridge between someone’s dream and something tangible. Each project is a new adventure for me, and I cherish the moments of creation and collaboration that make graphic design worth pursuing.
Outside Of Work
When I'm not working I often find myself on a skateboard or listening to music. Along with an extensive book collection, that I will talk more about in the section below, I also collect vinyls and cds.
Inspirations
Collection
Stak is a digital library I created to showcase the rare graphic design and art books in my personal collection. Each page offers a window into the unique styles of each era, forgotten techniques, and historical movements that fuel my creativity and inspire my work. By studying these books and ephemera, I draw fresh ideas and perspectives that help me design with a blend of tradition and innovation.
Figures
Wim Crouwel - Wim Crouwel was a Dutch graphic designer whose work combined structure, precision, and a unique sense of order. His work is known for his clean, grid-based layouts and innovative typefaces, showcasing how simplicity can create impact. These characteristics of his work can be seen in his well known work with the Stedelijk Museum. Crouwel’s approach and design influences my own design and decisions, pushing me to focus on what really matters, not forgetting about the importance of effective design.
Josef Müller-Brockmann - Josef Müller-Brockmann was a Swiss graphic designer known for his mastery of grid-based design and clean, balanced compositions. His work is grounded in order, making complex ideas easy to understand. I’m inspired by his proven point that structure and following basic rules of design can give designs a timeless quality. His approach reminds me to prioritize balance and purpose, influencing the way I approach my own work.
Willy Fleckhaus - Willy Fleckhaus was a German graphic designer known for his innovative magazine layouts. His work on Twen magazine pushed boundaries in editorial design, combining bold typography with ordered grid-based layouts. His work inspires me to not back down from bold design and how a grid can work to be a good foundation for creative layout decisions.