1. How'd you get started in design?
I was always the kid in school who liked to draw. When I was in high school I went through the International Baccalaureate program in Art. Yet, I still wasn't clear what graphic design was. I was more familiar with careers like painting, animation and illustration. Growing up I was always interested in logos and album artwork, though it never really dawned on me that I could design these things for a living. So, when I arrived at Auburn University, I initially majored in International Business. Not long after I was there, however, I met a student in the graphic design department and knew that's what I wanted to do. I remember being attracted to the sophisticated color palettes, use of a grid, refined typography and especially the bold streamlined gestalts. I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and I haven't looked back since.
2. Logo that inspires you the most?
The Burly Bear logo by Paul Howalt and Jason Schulte. Paul and Jason are also two of my favorite designers.
3. Favorite free-time activity?
Watching movies! I recently called Redbox and they mentioned that I had rented 168 movies in the past couple of years. "Wow!", I thought. That may sound kind of sad until I explain that I often have movies running in the background while I am working late into the night. Maybe that still sounds sad.
4. When you start a logo project, where do you draw inspiration from?
When I start a logo project I like to search LogoLounge and see what's been done. This gives me a good idea of the stylistic and conceptual range of existing solutions. I also like researching photographs online because I find that photos immediately inspire me to interpret the image in an original minimal gestalt-like way. Additionally, I have accumulated a small library of books ranging from children's books to books on folk art, and like to flip through these to see if an unrelated image sparks a new idea. And finally I make treks to the downtown library every chance I get and often return to the studio with 20 lbs of inspiration or more.
5. What would be a dream project/client for you?
I am a big fan of the work of Stefan Kanchev and greatly admire his stamp design work. I would love to design a stamp for the United States Postal Service. Hint, hint.
6. If you had to pick an animal that best described you while you are designing a logo, what would it be? Why?
Not long ago I would say a tortoise, because I was methodical and thorough. However over the past few years I think I may have transformed into a jackalope, because I regularly clear everything out of the way so that I can focus and sprint to complete a project. My best work tends to happen in concentrated periods of time.
For more of Ty's work, check out his logo collection on LogoLounge, and visit his website.
Ty will also be in Wichita, KS March 28, 2013 for an AIGA event. If you'd like more information, you can check out AIGA Wichita's website.