Interview with Sean Adams

Sean Adams is the national president of the largest communication design organization, AIGA (The American Institute of Graphic Arts). Founded in 1914, it is a safeguard in excellence in graphic design. The archives in New York holds all institutional materials needed for events, etc. It is an incredible collection of work done by designers- a treasure trove. Sean Adams started teaching at a young age. He says personal expression makes a big difference. Trans-media skills are important to know. Technology has sped things up as where in the old days, one would have a 24 hour cycle to accomplish something. Although, it is easy to get caught up in the rush. Patience and time is key. It is easy for designers to get seduced by how things look. Remember to steal ideas from everyone else. It's the matter of listening to a client's idea. You've also got a toolbox of techniques. The first approach is writing things down. For example, symbols; combining them; metaphors. The second approach is to figure out the wrong or incorrect thing to do. Challenge yourself. You don't always need the traditional avenues of things. If you can manage typography and do a simple portfolio, you're set.