WEB STRATEGIST, CHARLES STREET RESEARCH, BALTIMORE MD
Joseph refers to himself as a “devsigner” because he blends his technical and design skills to create brand, web, and user experiences. He believes design strategy is as equal a part of the creative process as design in visual application. He’s the web strategist for Charles Street Research a financial services firm located in Baltimore, MD.; as well as a passionate advocate for his profession, and his leadership within the Baltimore chapter of AIGA has created impact within the local, and national creative community.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Baltimore MD, grew up in Atlanta GA, and now back in Baltimore.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
I went to design school after having practiced as a designer for quite sometime. Eventually attended Full Sail University in Orlando FL.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Lefty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
A reformed night owl (i.e. morning person, who occasionally relapses).
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
I identify with anyone, real or imagined, with a good heart who enjoys subverting established systems. One of my favorites is my ‘left-handed hero’ Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs great, he was someone most took for granted but he quietly changed the NBA, was a fierce competitor, always playing with grit and doing whatever it took to help his team win. I’d like to think I possess the same qualities.
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I love music and have a good ear for it, I’ve dabbled with playing drums and the upright bass, but nothing particularly well.
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Story of the Human Race by Henry Thomas and How To Think Like A Great Graphic Designer by Debbie Millman
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Catch Me If You Can
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
I love sports, so if my tv is on it’s typically for an NBA or NFL game. When I watch actual tv, I love cartoons and Amazing World of Gumball is a favorite … so imaginative.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
I used to be a Twitter guy, but in doing #365daysofcolor I’ve come to appreciate Instagram
FAVORITE PODCAST?
ArtCurious and Pod Save America
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Henri Matisse
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
Mental Health America, World Wildlife Fund
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Hiking, I find it rather refreshing to get lost.
COLLECT ANYTHING?
I love collecting design books… I also collect dead hard drives and keep a graveyard of all the hard drives that have died on me.
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
Design as Strategy
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Debbie Millman and Paula Scher are major inspirations. I’ve had many mentors, a few I greatly admire are Stacey Fatica, Julie Anixter and Gage Mitchell.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength: Generating quality ideas and strategies through an ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and facilitate conversations. Weakness: Saying yes to too much.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Say yes to less. Perfection isn’t real, so slow down, think, breathe.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Journalism
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
I have a few and each plays a different role in my psyche. 1. “You do you, boo.” Stacey Fatica said this to me once and it is so simple but it reminds me that I have to do what’s right for myself before I can do anything of use for anyone else. 2. “FSU” (F*¢k S#!t Up): is something I say to myself when I get anxious about making mistakes or being in uncomfortable situations. Because if I’m gonna screw up, I’m gonna at least make it memorable… it’s oddly comforting 3. “Good better best, never let it rest, til your good is better, and your better is best.”
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