How did you get into the industry?
I have always been interested in popular culture. Starting with comics, magazines, films, music etc
I was good at art in school and started designing (fictional) album covers at an early age at school. In retrospect, it looks like a linear path. Of course, at the the time, it was anything but.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am based in London and set up CHK Design after I graduated. It was more naivety rather than a conscious decision. There was no plan really, except I valued my independence; being my own boss was important to me.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I always liked film and (again) at school I directed a short movie, which was an amazing experience. I’d like to think that this might have been another option.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
My creative process is probably not very unique. I start with an idea / concept for any given project. I then research that particular area and create a ‘visual mind map’. That mind map combines my previous own references, with additional research; all based on a particular angle.
That combination makes it unique. It is almost like working as a detective and combining clues hints and references. I love to completely immerse myself and creating this world of visuals and ideas. The overall collection makes it unique and gives each project its very own character.
How would you describe your style?
Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a particular style, by which the work can be recognised. At the same time, I seem to shy away from a conscious style, because it negates the process I have described in the previous question. I am trying not to repeat myself and push my work forwards to a new level. Visually as well as conceptually.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
One can gain inspiration from any individual. It simply depends on how much time you invest to find out more about an individual artist or indivudual piece of work. At college we all had the luxury of spending weeks to really get to know one particular subject matter. Interestingly, those references and processes are still with me.
I wrote essays about, Wim Wenders, Thomas Mann as well as John Cage. That research then made me discover other works and artists. Over a period of time one builds up a large network of connecting ideas, visuals, people, notes etc. I very much get inspired (heroes of the industry) by people whose work connect concepts with (visual) ideas.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Haha – I hated those kind of questions when I was a young creative. Most advice given to me was so general that it became somehow obvious and did not apply to me. I once asked a very famous designer what kind of advice he would give a young designer. He simply said: “Keep the candle burning.”
I guess, this is very meaningful, philosophical and was meant to be inspiring. I guess it is. But … on a very practical level, it did not really help me that much at that stage. Knowing the industry a bit better by now, I’d say “Keep the candle burning.” Just kidding.
I think that building a professional network is very important. Also the ability to connect to a wide variety of people. Always ask more questions yourself then you are being asked.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Design is all about trust! If a client trusts a designer and has project to work on, they will contact you. In addition you need to meet as many people as you can.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Literally anything digital.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Do you mean how to ‘keep the candle burning’? I think that part of it is knowing yourself and getting to know yourself a bit better as you progress. See how you respond to pressure, inspiration, people, your environment etc. Then you can make very conscious decisions of how to motivate, inspire, challenge etc yourself. That in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that I am still working in London. It is a very difficult environment (for me). Keeping myself motivated, running a business, having a family and a life outside of design is probably my proudest achievement.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
Our (or any) industry is set within a particular social and economic context. Everything we do is influenced by it. Changing one thing is not that realistic, I don’t think. However, I do think it is very important for young designers to realise how it all works and what the mechanisms at play really are.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Generally speaking, I think it is more important for everyone individually to stay informed (politically) as well as to stay curious. I can definitely recommend The Guardian as a source for daily information.
