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JOHN MAZUR III
FLIGHT DESIGN COMMUNICATIONS
John Mazur III is a native New Yorker. Born and raised on Long Island, Mazur has always embraced hands-on creative projects. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1993, having majored in industrial design. It was at RIT that he met James Bombolevicz, fraternity brother and future business partner in Flight Design Communications. Mazure gained international experience working in Frankfurt, Germany, for Riggs etc./Taste, designing brand identities, packaging and displays for the food and beverage industry. While learning to combine two- and three-dimensional design, Mazur was also perfecting his print production skills while working with the L.P. Thebault Co. In 1995, Mazure and Bombolevicz formed Flight, with each of them bringing a different skill set to the partnership.
Was graphic design your first career path?
I started as an industrial designer, but my first assignment at Riggs was a combination of industrial and graphic design assignments. It involved both graphics and dimensional packaging and display. This exposure to print and graphic technologies, designing packaging and branding, focused my talents on the graphic side of the design process.
Which project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
Recently, we completed an installation for the NBA Detroit Pistons Branded Vendor Shop. We were able to captured the spirit of the Pistons' fans' enthusiasm and create a stage where the consumers felt swept up in the excitement of the game, the team, the NBA finals — and the merchandise. It was a project that encompassed all of our talents, skills and experience in both two- and three-dimensional design all in one project. The project won a Design of the Times Gold Award.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I'm fortunate enough to live and work in the most inspirational city in the world. We were so proud to be able to move Flight to SoHo after being in Queens for 10 years. When struggling for a starting point or feeling that something is missing from the project, I can walk through Chinatown, head up to one of the museums or just walk through the streets listening to all the languages being spoken and seeing architectural wonders at every corner, phenomenal store windows, great open public spaces with sculpture and murals. Manhattan is my inspiration.
What role does "green design" play in your work?
Recently we created a sample book for a sustainable building product. This client was having their finish evaluated by RIT, my alma mater, as a green building material. It piqued my curiosity, and I've learned that there are many options now for paper with post-consumer recycled content — not just that raggy recycled paper. Soy ink technology is advancing rapidly as well. We're prepared for clients with sustainable printing requirements and welcome the challenge.
Should graphic design be an instrument for positive social change?
Most of our clients have a very clear message when they come to us. Large companies with established brands are really just looking for Flight to implement their message. It's the occasional smaller client where we can really make a difference, create a story and tell it in a unique and inspirational way. These projects are always the most rewarding.
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