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Ben SaysI never really give it a whole lot of thought. It’s usually just whatever colors make sense to communicate whatever idea I’m working on.
Frank SaysEveryone prefers certain colors. I prefer the ones that I use.
Dear Ben & Frank
What is a well-known font that you think is over used?
Question Submitted by Anonymous
Ben SaysWho cares? Designers complaining about particular fonts or bad typography annoy the hell out of me. There are much more important things to worry about.
Frank SaysIf a typeface is well designed, I think it’s okay to be overused. Gotham’s everywhere now. Helvetica’s been everywhere for a long while. I’m cool with that. If you’re asking What font would I choose to banish off the face of the earth?
I’d probably say Papyrus. Yugh.
Dear Ben & Frank
Do you have any strange tricks that help you think of new ideas?
Question Submitted by Anonymous
Ben SaysNo I don’t think any of them are strange. Mostly I just draw a lot and make a lot of word lists. I find that if I’ve put the proper effort into research that problems tend to solve themselves.
Frank SaysI typically walk away from what I’m working on. Typically a bit of distance is healthy, especially if I’m stuck. This takes a couple different forms: laying down on the couch at the studio, walking around the corner to get some coffee, rapping my pencil on the table, or pretending like I’m driving a race car in my rolley chair.
Also, I think talking to people is incredibly helpful for me. I particularly make an effort to talk to friends that aren’t designer types. They give me a great perspective as to what the core goals or message for whatever I’m working on should be. These conversations typically are me explaining the project to them, and saying a lot Does that make sense at all?
Dear Ben & Frank
What skill does a designer NEED in order to succeed?
Question Submitted by Anonymous
Ben SaysThe ability to gather and interpret information in meaningful ways.
Frank SaysJust one? Curiosity.
If you’re looking for more, I’d say passion, smarts, xacto-cutting skills, a wide knowledge of a bunch of different things, a desire to make things, an understanding of how to achieve clarity, and stick-to-it-ness. Also, word-making-up abilities.
Ben SaysFrom a historical perspective I admire the work done by people like Rudolf Modley, Lester Beall, Alvin Lustig, Ladislav Sutnar, and James Victore.
On a more personal level I would have to say my mentors Christian Helms and Michael Newhouse who have had a huge impact on my development and growth as a designer.
Frank SaysI’m a big fan of the multi-dimensional designers that were practicing towards the middle of the century. Guys like Paul Rand, Saul Bass, Alvin Lustig, Alexander Girard, and Stig Lindberg. They tackled everything from patterns, to packaging, to print, to interiors, to textiles to movie sequences.