I met Nick when we both sat at a table to audition for Cut&Paste 2009. We both made it into the top eight to both be eliminated first round. We had a blast competing and really good times backstage. I am blown away by his hand-crafted designs and his clean/hip aesthetic.
Check out his work here.
Here is my interview with him:
Tell us a little background on who you are and what got you to where you’re at.
My name is Nick, I am the Art Director of Rubbish, a creative company that works on both films & commercial work.
In 4th grade I found out that my buddies dad had created our school T-shirts & that apparently he did it as part of his job. He was what they called a “graphic designer.” I immediately questioned myself, “What, you can make T-shirts as a job!?” Boom, I was hooked from that moment on.
Basically a combination of meeting the right people, working hard and taking risks has got me to where I am at today. I was fortunate enough to meet my best friend/co-worker literally the moment i started college, about 4 years ago now. A few days after we first met, we said “Let’s work together,” and we hit the ground running, meeting new, amazing people along the way. Once we formed a solid group we just kept pushing each other to create better work. Something we’ll continue to do hopefully for forever.
Your Favorite work you’ve done?
My single favorite piece that I have created to date would have to be everything I did for our recent short “WET.” From the water rigs for the actor and title, to the packaging for the dvd. It was a really fun, thought-provoking process.
Your main source of creative inspiration outside of art and music?
The people I am around and talking to every day. I draw inspiration from everyone. From people like my uncle, who’s a high school gym teacher and coach, to my buddies who turn ideas into reality. Just people who are constantly working hard, trying to make something happen. It makes me want to do more.
Favorite design blog/website?
I check blogs like mad. Design is Kinky, Surfstation, Typojungle are a few regulars. FFFFound is amazing too. I love anything that is “Behind the Scenes” related.
All-time favorite work of art or design (*not created by you)?
All-time favorite: Goodfellas (I’m Italian)
Current Favorite?
Current favorite: Everything in Will Miller’s sketchbook
What advice would you give to other designers/artists?
Do what you love doing, even if it means turning down a full-time job and living in your parents basement for a little while. Meet a lot of people & keep the important ones close. Don’t try and do everything yourself. Pick something you love most, focus on that, and bring it to the table with people who do things you enjoy. Technology is a tool, don’t rely on it to make you good at something or to take you somewhere. Instead live, work, learn and take risks and you’ll figure out what really matters.
Thanks so much Nick! You’re the man.
-Aaron Scamihorn-
