- What is your name / organization / title?
Dave Clayton
- What motivated you to become a maker?
I think designing is the first part. I still get a thrill out of seeing something I designed in the wild, whether it be stickers or badges, up to book covers for other authors. My “making” is more about helping other people enjoy design.
- Looking back on the early stages of your journey, what advice would you give yourself now?
Definitely spend more time learning your craft. I’m Generation X, so half my life was computerless! So I wish I had done more education in design post school. Being 25/26 before you get your hands on a first consumer available computer is unthinkable these days. So learn from the masters first, they never had computers either.
- What is your favorite thing you’ve ever made? Why?
I’m going to say my book, “How Do I Do That In InDesign”. I’ve designed book covers for Peachpit and Rocky Nook but to be commissioned to write my own and design all the elements needed inside, and the cover and then having it published with a top publisher as part of a series for one of the World’s top selling photography authors, Scott Kelby, was a crowning moment for sure.
- What’s the next evolution for you (or your industry) going to look like?
I think that despite any resistance by many, the world is going towards more and more mobile. Both software and hardware will direct this. Look at how Adobe and Affinity are pushing their products. Adobe have already released Photoshop for iPad and next will be Illustrator. I am hoping for InDesign too. Working for Astute Graphics as Training Manager, we are already starting to see that shift and are now exploring the world of apps. How that affects the quality of design I don’t know but Procreate has stamped its authority and people are creating amazing artwork just with that and an iPad already.
- Who would you partner with (living or dead) for your dream collaboration? And what would you work on together?
Bizarrely, I am in the process of designing concepts for a series of items for a huge media company that made shows that I watched as a child. So to be able to be part of that right now is kind of a dream collaboration. I credit a lot of what I saw as a kid towards making me a designer so for that to go full circle is a real pinch me moment. Alternatively I would love to work on a concept for Field Notes with Bryan and the team at Coudal Partners.
- You're on death row and it's time for your final meal. What'll ya have?
Easy, two lasagnes. And Cheesecake. Who cares if I’m greedy, I’m on death row!
- In a world where you have two hands, all of your pets and loved ones are safe, and your studio is on fire, what do you try to save?
Ooh, probably my London Marathon medals. Devices can be replaced, books and music also. But I worked damn hard over a 10 year period to train for and complete 8 London Marathons and would grab those medals and run. And possibly a very rare Field Notes edition I own ;)
- What is one piece of pop culture (movie, tv, artwork, song, etc.) that no matter how many times you return to it you still draw excitement, movement, or inspiration?
Star Trek. Growing up watching Captain Kirk and seeing all that color and technology was amazing, I love sci-fi and time travel anyway, but to see the amount of technology today that mimics what they were using in original Star Trek just shows how influential that show was.
- I love useless facts. Impress me with a seriously useless fact!
I am amazed by the fact that there is enough space between the Earth and the Moon to fit every planet in our solar system lined up between the two! I LOVE space by the way, space and science!
- If you could try any profession other than your own, what would you choose to do?
A drummer, I have never taken lessons and I wish I had, I’m a frustrated drummer with probably no drumming bones in my body, but I’d love one day to be able to play drums on just one song.
- What is your personal strategy/philosophy when it comes to using social media for your work?
Don’t be precious. Don’t be so protective of your feed that you won’t share others work. Nobody cares but you. We use social to promote ourselves but it seriously doesn’t hurt to share others. Retweet with a comment instead of just a ‘Like’ - always share with a reason, comment why you like it. I have my own podcast, He Shoots He Draws, but I always share other podcasts. And share you, not just your work. That’s how I roll on social anyway :)
- Speaking of social media, where can people find you?
For me, @itsdaveclayton, for the podcast @heshootshedraws and for work it’s @astutegraphics
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