Craig A. Bower – 7 Design Questions Interview

Designer – Craig A. Bower
Website – designthatrocks.com
Blog – designthatrocks.tumblr.com/
Twitter – @designthatrocks

1. How much time do you dedicate to learning design every day?
I only wish I could dedicate time each day specifically for expanding my design knowledge! For me, ongoing development of my design skills is not something that I can set time aside to do…its something that happens throughout the hours of every day. Recognizing it and being able to utilize what I see and experience feeds my creativity and inspiration.

2. What other designers do you have contact with on a regular basis?
Locally, I have professional associates as well as friends who are designers/creatives that I communicate with regularly. Beyond that, social media has really opened the doors in terms of meeting other creatives from literally around the world. I have been fortunate to meet many fellow creatives via twitter, facebook, etc. that I now call friends. Whether it’s sharing creative inspiration, asking for feedback on current works-in-progress, or simply talking about music or the topic of the hour, regular contact with fellow creatives is a vital part of who I am and what I do. (And not just people in the creative fields, but everyone else as well)

3. Who are the top 2-3 designers that you respect and why?
I was exposed to Primo Angeli’s work early in my educational years (heavy emphasis on package design – which is actually what my degree is in). Angeli showed us all that we need to not only understand design, but understand how important the client relationship and their understanding is to the process. I have respected and been guided by that thinking throughout my career. Milton Glaser, Saul Bass, Paul Rand also set the standards…and how can I not respect those who paved the way? There are certainly contemporary designers that I respect as well…some well known, but many not :)

4. What’s your favorite website or design you ever made and why?

designthatrocks.com/Online_Environmental_Vehicle_Portfolio_of_Design_That_Rocks.html

One of my favorite projects was the design of a 53′ semi-trailer full wrap for the Peter Piper Pickles brand. What made this particular project so enjoyable was the total creative freedom I was given throughout the project and the level of involvement that I had. I became involved in the initial client meeting, through concept development, presentation and final design approval. As production began, I directed product photography, worked on photo editing/retouch, and created all of the final production photoshop files used for printing. I supervised and approved steps throughout the printing and final installation while bringing the project to completion. Client was very happy and I walked away from the whole experience with such a sense of accomplishment in what I had created-literally start to finish.

5. Have you ever been published in a book or magazine? What books or magazines?
I’ve had three articles published in FLEXO magazine (trade mag for the packaging/label industry) titled “Simple Designer Rules for Preventing Prepress Problems”, “Helper Applications for Prepress”, and “A Proactive Approach to Preflight”.

6. What’s your favorite color in hexadecimal? How often do you find yourself leaning towards it with design projects?
White – although coming from a print background, I prefer to think of it as C-0%, M-0%, Y-0%, K-0% rather than #ffffff. I am a big proponent of white space, and utilizing white space to provide balance and clarity throughout the visual language. I’m a firm believer that ‘less is more’, and often find effective solutions through use of #ffffff.

7. What’s your most recent project we can look at?
priceteamracing.com
mircorp.com/worldrace

I’m currently working with Price Team Racing on their branding and marketing efforts surrounding their entry in The World Race 2011.

In addition to designing their logo, website and marketing collateral, my involvement has led to a working relationship with the organizers of The World Race 2011 on the national race website as well as additional currently developing facets. Keep an eye open for the national media launch coming September 2010.