John Weaver
www.southshoregraphics.com Tell us a little bit about your background?I've been in Hawaii's for 9 years now.
Where are you from? Born in Kansas City, lived a LOT of places along the way.
Design education: Several Universities, no degree ;)
How did you start out as an artist and designer? It's kinda the family business. My father was a commercial artist as was my Grandfather. Grandpa worked on Dumbo, a sign painter, technical illustration (roller coasters, NASA, industrial equipment). My Father did the Sunday ad for Sears for 12 years. Lots of various commercial advertising. Always had great art supplies lying around.
Did you go from creating art and then move into graphic design? Or was it the other way around?I've always loved both. I remember studying my Dad's Letraset catalogues in grade school. I'm also a big fan of fine art. There's always something to be understood from the masters.
Do you think that traditional art styles transfer across well to graphic design?It's always a delicate balance. Most art today is especially derivative. It's not easy to lay down fresh, new ideas.
How do you find working with clients as opposed to personal work?I need a rep haha. Of course I'd rather pursue my own ideas but I also like to accomplish other peoples goals. I'm behind my clients 1000%.
Have you ever worked with someone who personally inspired you, if so who and why? Yeah, Tony at Pro Media in Miami. He gave me my first break in the art world. He was one of the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fascinating guy. Listening to him negotiate with Disney. Create graphics and see them through the printing. Practical stuff.
What do you know about Hawaii design/designers?Not much. There's a few freelancers and a handful of agencies. It seems like the artists I meet are really dedicated.
How did you first learn of the Internet?Hmmm...my friend booked me an airline ticket on his MAC. I think that was 1990 or so. It was pretty crude then.
What do you like/hate about the net?Like...I like the fact it's still a frontier. Hate...spy bots and spam.
Do you think that Flash is cool or overused?Nah, it's fun to see it overused if it's done right. There's a time and place for everything.
D
o you prefer technologically advanced sites or sites with simple but good design?Depends. I like sites on both ends of the spectrum. From http://miniml.com/ to http://2advanced.com/
Do you have any cool design tips?Not really. Just look at art that you like and try and understand why it works.
What are your bad personal and design habits?Files that are all over the place.
Design styles you dislike:Bad Photoshop wallpapers.
How would you like to be remembered?Still looking for that fresh idea to be remembered by.
Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?Working on Splash Hawaii's and The Hawaiian Moving Company right now.
Favorite quote: Andy Warhol, "Good advertising is art with a deadline." Or something like that.
Final comments:Support your local artists.
