This series highlights our Creative Directors, whose varied tastes come together to make MATTE what it is. Our intention is to show off the storied careers of our key creatives while opening up the hood, revealing some of the creative magic behind the scenes.
MATTE: How would you describe your work as a Creative Director?
I like to think my work has a strong focus on typography and image, and a sensitivity for how the two come together. A critical eye for imagery and a disciplined approach to design.
I’ve always been inspired by archival prints, so my work is often highly textural. Scanning, collaging, distorting typography, layering imagery, printing, scanning, collaging again.
MATTE: Was there ever a time when achieving that desired result was particularly challenging?
I think as a creative one of the most important skills to have is a keen ability to problem solve – adaptability. No project goes perfectly without a hitch, I always expect to be kept on my toes: whether it’s unexpected feedback from a client, or a sudden change in production plans. Dedication to the project and working through the challenges – that yields the most rewarding output.
MATTE: Speaking of inspiration, are there any artists who you would consider an influence of yours?
Photographers have always been a strong influence of mine. Growing up I collected books with the work of Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon. Avedon’s series “In The American West” was one of the first portrait series I can remember – the stark, even surreal documentarian style was so inspiring. Today, I look back at photographers like Pierre Winther and his campaign work with Diesel in the 1990’s – the surreal quality of imagery and subversive nature always excites me.
MATTE: Is there anything else that inspires you?
I love retro graphics – Y2K ads and scanned magazine spreads. The provocative spirit of advertising in the early 2000’s always inspires me – a reminder that ideas can always be a bit weirder. Playstation ads, for example, a favorite.
MATTE: You keep fondly mentioning your collaborators. What makes being part of this team so special?
The personalities, the diversity. I’ve met some of my best friends at Matte – work hard, play hard.
