DEVIN PEDZWATER

Devin Pedzwater has been instrumental in honing the look of four of the most iconic magazines in contemporary history: SPIN, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and Condé Nast Traveler. Recently named the Creative Director of SPIN Media Inc., he oversees the design, photography, illustration and typography of the magazine and all of the company's digital properties. He has improved SPIN's digital presence by launching its digital edition, redesigning the spin.com website, and developing its newly launched iPhone application. Pedzwater received his BA degree from The Pennsylvania State University, where he was recently honored with a Distinguished Alumni award. His work has been recognized as exemplary by such groups as the Society of Publication Designers, Print magazine, American Photography, American Illustration and Communication Arts.

Where were you born, where do you live, did this effect your design style or sensibilities? My upbringing in Pittsburgh, PA had a profound affect on my style. The Warhol Museum opened close to my childhood home just as I began studying art. I spent countless hours absorbing the atmosphere there. I moved from Pittsburgh to New York City in 1997. I can't imagine living anywhere else. It's impossible to not be inspired here.

If you were not a designer, what would you be? A Marine Biologist? Honestly, I have no idea. I can't imagine doing anything else.

What is your design process, do you sketch first, go to the computer, take days off to get inspired? My process almost always begins with a sketch. It's the only way I can visualize a project from beginning to end. I'll draw on anything ... backs of envelopes, newspaper, whatever. I only skip the sketch phase and start with the computer when I'm really pressed for time. But even then, it doesn't feel right.

What is one thing you have done to help weather the economic downturn? Eating at food carts instead of delis. I'm hopelessly addicted to the burrito cart around the corner from my office. It's not the most healthy choice, but it is cheap. Thanks economic downturn!

What is your greatest strength and weakness as a designer? The ability to mutli-task is one of my strengths. I really enjoy getting involved in every aspect of a project, right down to the last detail. Which inevitably leads to my greatest weakness: I'm a workaholic

YOUR DESIGN HERO?
Reid Miles, Designer at Blue Note Records in the 1950's

WORST HABIT?
I often cite Wikipedia as fact.

FAVORITE COLOR?
My favorite scheme is black/white/red. So I guess my answer is red.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
If I had to choose one, it would be Helvetica.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I'm just now getting into Mad Men. It's a fantastic show.

FAVORITE BOOKS?
These days I mostly read magazines. Wired, Esquire and New York magazine are my favorites. And, of course SPIN.

FAVORITE MOVIES?
Life is Beautiful, Ghostbusters, Pulp Fiction and anything by Stanley Kubrick, except Eyes Wide Shut, which was awful.

FAVORITE MUSIC?
I go through phases. I'm listening to 60's Soul these days. Lots of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, The Impressions, Otis Redding, etc.

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Andy Warhol.

FAVORITE GADGET?
My Leica D-Lux 3 camera

BOOKMARKED WEBSITES?
Gawker.com, designobserver.com, ESPN.com, notcot.org

BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
As a Confirmation gift, when I was 13, my Grandmother begrudgingly gave me exactly what I asked for: Ozzy Osbourne's Diary of a Madman.

ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
It's sad to say, but I can't be anywhere without my iPhone. It's almost as bad as my burrito dependency.

ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
My brand new baby daughter, Lola.

TALENT YOU WISH YOU POSSESSED?
I wish I had the talent to play music by ear. I've always envied people who could do that.