CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT: NATE & JENN

For the month of August, I had the honor to chat with Art Director Nate Zuar and Designer Jenn Lee! How would you define design?

Nate: It’s the visual identity or message of what you’re trying to convey.

Jenn: I agree. I also think there is an interactive component to design. User experience is also important aside from it being aesthetically pleasing or jarring to the eyes.

What inspires your creativity?

Nate: I just try to have an open-mind and just experiment while trying new things. Good designs from other people and music also inspires me. Sometimes you just can’t think of anything new without some sort of reference. Looking at my old work and seeing what I was also capable of helps inspire me too. I also read design books and just try to expose myself to different logos, art and processes. 

Jenn: A lot! For me the “N” in my MBTI, ENFJ – for us, we tend to just use our imagination and intuition. Creativity kind of comes spontaneously for me. My inspiration just tends to come from anywhere – interacting with different people, my dreams, movies or reading books. 

How does one be creative?

Nate: It depends on the project but for example, if you want to start 3D art or motion design in Blender, you’d probably hold onto objects, observe how things are in real life. Overall, if you want to be creative – just dive right in and start.

Jenn: Always visualize and be aware of your surroundings. Copying or recreating a lot of good art can also be good practice. 

What are some sites you like to browse for moodboards, inspo etc.?

Nate: Dribble, Instagram

Jenn: Dribble, Pinterest, Behance, Unsplash   

What commercial or brand do you think has one of the best designs?

Nate: Liquid Death, Lincoln Design Co. Agency

Jenn: Nike and Gentle Monster

What is your thought process behind designing something? 

Nate: Normally it’ll depend on what the project is but first I’ll start sketching. When I did the Moonshot poster, I sketched out different circles and squares along with some FPO copy. Then, I’ll go into Adobe Illustrator and play around, build out different versions. I’ll also mess around in Adobe Photoshop. Towards the end of my process, I’ll usually send it to different people for feedback. So basically my process is just sketching and building out different options.

Jenn: First I’ll really think about the brief of prompt. I don’t usually sketch first but I’ll go on Pinterest first to look for some inspo. If I have a specific idea and I already know what I want to make then I’ll immediately go into building and designing in Adobe Illustrator. But if there’s a brief or prompt that I’m required to follow then I’ll take some time with it and then dive in. In the end, it all just kind of depends on what the project is.  

How do you think others should think about design? 

Nate: I want others to think that design is a lot more intricate than it seems and that there’s a lot of work and thought that goes into a design. Like, how purposeful and meaningful a logo is like Nike. Overall, just seeing the line between intention and purpose.

Jenn: Anything they want. As long as it looks clean and pleasing, that’s all there is haha.  

What is one tip you would tell someone who is interested in design?

Nate: Start small. Kinda like what Jenn said, replicate or maybe copy a designer as practice but again – definitely start small. Really the only way to get good at something is to just keep doing it.

Jenn: Figure out what kind of design you wanna do and just replicate as practice.

What are some struggles you face as a designer and how do you overcome those?

Nate: Technical issues. Sometimes Adobe will unsync and my fonts will disappear – it’s really annoying. Also when I work on a piece for too long, the pieces will start to blend together and I’ll need to take a break.

Jenn: Dealing with art slump. I’ll just go for a walk to clear my head and talk with people.

Do you have a favorite artist or designer? (doesn’t have to be at Cheil)

Nate: Aaron Draplin from Draplin Design Co. His logos are amazing!

Jenn: Olafur Eliasson. His sculptures and installations are my favorite. 

Favorite artist from the past?

Nate: Rafał Olbiński – but you can count him for the present too!

Jenn: Van Gough

How do you get out of an art slump?

Nate: I’ll just take a break, maybe go and talk with some people to unwind.

Jenn: Same. Like I mentioned before, I just go for a walk to clear my head and talk with people.

Favorite design program to use?

Nate: Adobe Illustrator

Jenn: Adobe Illustrator and Cinema4D

Thoughts on AI in the design industry?

Nate: With more AI art coming out, I think it helps people create cool art but it also puts more value on handmade art. I feel like we are at an age where we need to adapt and learn or get left behind. 

Jenn: I think the AI tools are so good and helpful. They help to save so much time.

Favorite AI tool to use?

Nate: Midjourney, Chat GPT, and Gigapixel

Jenn: Midjourney!

Do you think people need to go to art school to be an amazing designer?

Nate: No, I mean there’s so many talented people these days who achieved what they’ve done by just learning and practicing on their own.

Jenn: No, design can be learned through your own way.

How do you want copy to work with design?

Nate: Depends on the project but I like starting with placeholder copy and then send writers a moodboard. Personally, I like to have copy first before I design. Also it helps to stay tight knit with copywriters so we can work side by side during the process. It just makes everything easier.

Jenn: I agree but it all depends on the project. But, I want the copy to somehow be immersed in the design. I love abstract text so I want the design and copy to just blend together and be cohesive as one big creative piece.

Closing thoughts:

Nate: I hope this was helpful. This was really cool and fun! 

Jenn: Yep!