As the term comes to end, there are two things that I look forward to the most. One, of course, is a good post-term hibernation and second, is the grad show. No matter how tired I am that last day, I muster up the energy to go to the grad show. One person’s work whom I am looking forward to seeing is Strahan McMullen’s. His work is compelling to me because it offers a different voice. I often finding myself online looking at what is considered new and innovative, and find that it all looks the same. This isn’t the case with Strahan. I find his compelling because it is different and offers excellent design solutions. His work has been recognized in multiple design magazines and he is an Adobe Achievement Award winner.  I had the opportunity to ask him some questions.

1. What has your favorite project been and why?

I would say that the most fun I’ve had was the thievery corporation package design, really because it was a turning point for me. I would say it was the first project I got to do something i was personally into. I was able to work with ESL Music, go to the Adobe awards in new york and thievery is considering picking up the design. The entire experience was a big confidence booster.

2. What advice would you would like to pass on to other designers?

One of the best and hardest things about art center are the critiques. I feel like when students participate and put it all out there for constructive criticism, it really helps form the foundations of a strong designer. In my experience, when classes really push each other to “go big or go home” every one benefits.

3. What person has influenced your work the most?

I’d have to say that daily life influences me most. whether its over hearing girlfriends gossiping in line at the coffee shop or seeing colors and fonts on a weathered record cover, creative sparks go off in my head.

THIEVERY CORPORATION

Class: Packaging 1 (dan hoy) / Project name: Thievery Corporation music collection set / Description: The 2000 release of the mirror conspiracy arguably marked the arrival of Thievery as masters of their craft. This “box” set incorporates Thievery’s clean modern sound with a subtle nod to technology. The mirrored metallic bags seemed like a appropriate choice as they are normally used as anti-static bags for shipping computer parts. The mirrored material, CD and labeling was a reference to the Mirror Conspiracy album. The size of the CD case is a common size internationally and had to be used as a reference to their international influence.

SKULLCANDY

Class: Packaging 3 (Gerardo Herrera) / Challenge: Create packaging and identity refreshment for SkullCandy, utilizing environmentally friendly forms and taking urban demographics into account. / Solution: Inspired by nature and urban vernacular, this new “murdered out” look is not simply an automotive trend, it also references nature in a fashionable way. Staying true to the importance of nature within the brand, manta rays, bats, ravens and panthers are also used, serving as powerful symbols for beautiful stealth.

See more of strahan’s work

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