We’re very proud to present you our first interview with a young graphic artist, who works for MTV and also runs his own company. Enjoy!

Who? Teis Albers
Company or Freelance: Small company: Hypnoteis
Profession: Multimedia Design
Favourite Movie: Fight Club
Favourite Music: Rock, Electro, Hip-Hop, 60’s & 70’s rock

When did you find out you had an interest for graphic design?
 I used to draw comics when I was in highschool, but sucked at it… I started using a computer when I was on the school for graphic design in Eindhoven, and experimented a lot with Photoshop/Illustrator etc.

Do you start with one image and then come up with an creative idea, or do you first have the inspiration and then find images that suite?
It depends on if it’s free work or client work. Most of the time I start with an idea and then find suitable images…

What programs do you use?
I start out in Adobe Photoshop, then Adobe Illustrator, then back to Adobe Photoshop and in the end (if it’s for print) over to Adobe InDesign, or if for motion
to Adobe After Effects.

Mac or PC?
I work on iMac G5, with a Graphire 3 wacom. I also have a windows pc and a laptop.

How long does it take you to make artwork like the Mint Earthlabs Poster?
It took me about 2 days or so…

How much time do you spend on your computer vs. drawing by hand?
All computer based work, but when I need something I photograph or scan it.

Do you often re-use elements in your designs?
Yes, I remix everything.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Any cool magazines, books or websites you really like?
Mostly from music, internet & tv / thinking / analyzing nature.

So you work for MTV, what’s that like?
 I love it, I’ve learned a lot already! It’s the best side-job you can get I guess, I feel blessed! The studios/offices are in Bussum, near Hilversum, and I work one day a week at the attic with the creatives of MTV & TMF. The art-director is a very creative man called Danny Smit and has lots of experience in the field of Print & Motion Graphics.

Do you get a lot of freedom, or is the work more project based?
The art director creates a sphere or theme for the project and then I work with that, later on we take a look at it and discuss it. When it’s finished I arrange it to different sizes for all the media like internet banners, outdoor prints and magazine ads.

What have you learned from working at MTV?
A lot! From how to make good outdoor poster & motion graphics to team work and project management, I’ve made lots of connections which always come in handy in the future!

What are you working on right now?
Just finished a SMS-banner for TMF, working on 3 journals (xtreme, hiphop and funx), 4 big illustrations for an office in Groningen, a PowerPoint for MTVnetworks sales department, some spreads for the new edition of Reload Magazine. A pitch for Camel and a relaunch of graphic, updating the Republic of MTV, lots of things!

How would you like to work in a couple of years from now?
I run my own company for 2 years now, I hope to expand in 3 to 4 years from now to a sort of company with employees, but I think I keep it small, just with freelancers, to keep the costs low and the freedom for both. I’m not a nine to fiver, and this business isn’t either.

 

Tips & Tricks for all creative people out there:

“Just work hard with passion, and do your thing. I took a high standard from the beginning, I wanted to make work that could team up with established designers.”

No inspiration what to do?

“Ah man, that’s all between your ears, just combine some elements and look for some fresh photographs. Visit cpluv & newstoday and ask yourself why you’re not linked with new graphics updates… CREATE!”

Check these inspiring webpages:

THS
CPLUV
Hypnotheis
Republic of MTV

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 15th, 2006 at 22:37 and is filed under Interview. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.