Jack Featherstone Interview

I've been a big fan of Jack Featherstones work for a while now and I think the way it bridges so many different medias and formats makes his opinions very relevant to my deign context publication. He very kindly answered a few questions for me.
































1. When you embark on a new brief to what extent does the production method inform the ideas you come up with?

This of course depends on what the brief is. But in general the production method can have a massive impact on my work. Sometimes to the extent that the process completely takes over and the work is based solely upon ideas and experiments that come from it, as opposed to a preconceived concept that id rigidly stuck too. Usually it is a matter of starting out with a basic idea, laying some guidelines and then letting the project evolve naturally through the production method.

2. With the way graphic communication, advertising and promotion is becoming increasingly digitised why do you think a physical, printed products still hold such a fasination for designers?

Because designers are human beings and human beings like to touch and hold objects. We like products to have their own personality and this can sometimes be difficult when the product is solely expressed through a computer screen or mobile device.

3. To what extent do you think expertiemental, quirky and premium finishing techniques are relevant to non designers? Do you think the average man in the street will notice or care about your beautiful die-cut, spot varnished book cover for example?

This seems to allude to the question of whether or not design should be democratic and keeping in line with the ideas that came from the Bauhaus. Should everything you design be accessible and communicative to the average person? I think not, design should be custom and relevant to the audience it is meant for. But designers are often selfish and obsessive, so given the chance (budget) will often employ methods that seem a bit over the top, which I think is wonderful.

4. Where do you see the future of graphic communication in 20 years, how much printed collateral do you think we will still need?

Motion design for mobile devices will become incredibly important, advertising will bombard the consumer will personalized holographic messages. Think minority and you'll get the idea. Printed matter will be obsolete by then, but of course don't forget about the obsessive, selfish designers who I am sure will still produce limited addition publications.

5. Where you involved in design pre the introduction of the apple mac?

nope

6. If you were what impact on your personal practice did the introduction of desk top publishing have? If not how has the role of the computer changed while you have been a designer?

The computer is taking more control by the day, it scares me.

7. In our current climate where, typographically, it is possible to do pretty much anything with a laptop and a digital printer, why do you think designers are still so interested in real physical graphics like paper cuts, models and the use of photography and manual production techniques like screen printing and letterpress?

see answer no. 2.