Matt Owens
Hello, Matt. Please introduce your self. How did you start your career?
My name is Matt Owens and I run a small design studio in New York called volumeone. I started getting into design and making graphics when I was in high school. My brother Mark and I had a radio show at the local college when were 16 and we started making fliers and shirts for the show. This eventually led to designing record covers for a friend's band and flyers for rock shows. Once I got into college I started taking design classes and it just evolved from there.
Where are you now located? Tell us about your current business and projects.
I am located in Brooklyn. I started volumeone in 1997. Currently I am working on graphics for Levi's UK and just finished a small promo for the Sundance Channel.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I am setting up a new studio called Athletics. Athletics is an art and design collective that brings together talents in print, web, and broadcast design. We have a studio in Brooklyn that allows us all to work together or on our own projects. This set up allows us to take on large scale client projects and well as small independent design projects without that large cost of running a firm with several employees and a lot of overhead.
Well, what would you suggest to a newbbie, who just start his or her career as a designer?
For young designers, ultimately it is about the work. If you do good work, then more work will come. You definitely have to be pro-active and do you own projects and learn on your own. A lot of young designers want things handed to them. For me, you should be a self-starter and really have a handle on what you want to be doing. As long as you are passionate about design and focused things will happen.
Do you work on Mac or PC? Why did you choose this platform?
I have used Mac forever. I prefer it for design projects.
Do you play videogames?
Sometimes. I have an Xbox and a GameBoy Advance collecting dust at my house.
What was your biggest project? What was your most favorite project?
I have enjoyed a bunch of projects. Setting up the new studio has been a huge undertaking.
What are your hobbies?
Skateboarding, publishing books and music. running a gallery, and taking care of my dog.
Have you ever planned to move to Europe? No? Yes? Why?
I would like to live in Europe if possible. I think it is tough for Americans and I think I would have to get a full time job at a company which is something I do not want to do. I would rather just do projects for European companies and visit for a few months at a time.
What do you think about last US Presidential election? Did you vote for Bush?
I voted for Kerry. I think American is pretty divided right now. Only time will tell.
Flash or static? Why?
Either way. Whatever is appropriate for the project.
Have you ever heard of Template Monster? If so, what do you think about this type of business?
No idea.
Any final comments?
Thanks for contacting me!
