Note: I found this in an old email folder dated 3/3/97. I'm not sure when exactly the interview actually happened, or who was interviewing me or why. -mark 9/30/00

> 1.  Do you feel that a certain type of design should be reflected in
> standard journalism?

No. The design should of course be functional...i.e. easily navigatable and readable.

> 2.  What kind/form of graphic design do you favor? dislike?

(publication design?) My fave right now is big brother. As a designer, I tend to notice the way a piece is put together and I like to notice that the design has been thoughtful. I like creative playful designs. I dislike rigid, monotonous designs and ones that seem unthoughtful, unfunctional.

> 3.  What is your objective when designing a page?  the traditional
> practicality of reading it?  the visual aesthetics of the page?  How
> should it communicate?

readability is the big thing. I try to make sure the eye moves around the page like I want and is attracted to what I want. I do believe in lessening the readability of a page to some extent in the name of creativity and playfulness. A balance has to be found. Communicate as many ways as possible. If you can get the message in the words, the art, AND the layout and design, go for it. Everything should have some kind of unity (even if its the unity of craziness)

> 4.  Is there a certain graphic designer you admire? why?

Like I said, the big brother people. it always new, always different, always creative and fun. Each issue is always design intensive, which I appreciate. I can tell they spend a lot of time on each issue coming up with stuff that is fun to look at. I think this is somewhat of a luxury b/c they are a bi-monthly magazine. I work at a weekly newspaper (layout) and that kind of craziness wouldn't work there...and there's no time for it.

> 5. What do you think of David Carson's work?  why?

RayGun right? I don't have any in front of me, but I have in mind several modern magazines targeted at or near the GenX crowd that went to far with crazy designs. The first ones seemed to be just fun and creative but then came extremes and readability was lost. Gotta be readable at least. I'm no masochist.

> 6. What are the makings of a good graphic designer?

experience, awareness of what others in the art world and beyond or doing...a sort of tap into the pulse of the culture of the audience. creativity and a willingness to lay oneself on the line with possibility of failure. To some extent knowledge about design but xtra experience can be substituted here. I like designs that have good use of technology and also a balance with noncomputer art. Good software does nothing to make a good designer.

> 7.  How should the lay-out of a page reflect the writing?

unity unity unity

> 8.  What should the relationship be between design and type?

unity unity unity. gotta have harmony

> 9.  Do you think Carson's work will influence a new genre of printed
> matter/ journalism?

hasn't it already? I watched big brother + few others lead the away a few years back transforming all skate mags and beyond, rippling into mainstream pubs.

> 10.  What do you think of the lay-out and layered design of Ray Gun
> magazine. Be specific.  (i.e. I want DETAILS)

send me Ray Gun, I send you DETAILS.
Earlham College, Box xxxx
Richmond IN, 47374.

now, BIG BROTHER, I could talk about.

> 11.  Carson's work has gone mainstream (in Nike, MTV, Pepsi and Sony
> ads, for example), what do you think of this?

lame question. this happens. fringes are always influencing mainstream. all mainstream is a collection of last years fringe trends. where else would mainstream come from?

> 11a.  Is this a sign of what is to come w/ his style of design?
> 

don't get it. probably not.

> 11b.  Do you think his work is accepted by the general public? how
> about magazine readers? other graphic designers?

Nike, Sony, Pepsi = general public = yes. Ray Gun and others with that design are popular, so yes again. This graphic designer thinks he's gotta stay readable. can't speak for others.

> -- ALSO:  Are there similar graphic designers (past and current) who
> have influenced or are influenced by Carson's work .... please let me
> know!

check on Big Brother, I think Jeff Tremaine art directs. He went to college with my bro-in-law at Wash U.....

I think Big Bro mighta been before Ray Gun, you might check on that. I read in Big Bro (might be lie) that some college course is being taught about the mag...no details.

final comment: while big bro has my favorite design, the content is consistently offensive to me in some manner. I do not support the magazine in all regards.

-mark