PRINCIPAL DESIGNER CHERMAYEFF & GEISMAR & HAVIV, NEW YORK NY
Mackey Saturday is a new principal designer at Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv. Responsible for some of today’s most talked-about identities ‒ including those for Instagram, Oculus, and Luxe ‒ Mackey has become a definitive source for trademark design to the leading brands of Silicon Valley as well as other progressive companies. With a life-long history of pursuing art and design, he focuses on idea-driven strategy and graphic design to create and advance steadfast identities.
WHERE OR HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN WORK?
My inspiration is usually accumulated via exposure to different activities, locations, and individuals ‒ rather than directly found. These experiences culminate in ideas coming to the surface. Accordingly, my focus is more on finding the proper balance of both timeless and stimulating intake paired with exhilarating and inspiring experiences to produce the best solutions.
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born and raised in California, with stints in Wyoming and Colorado. It’s hard to reference the magnitude of influences besides to say that the more time I have to deeply engage with people and environments, the better I become at listening, which always leads to more appropriate and effective work.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue, Red, All, None
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Akzidenz Grotesk
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Sherlock
FAVORITE BOOKS?
White, Essentialism, Blink
FAVORITE MOVIES?
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Her, The Art of Flight
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Efterklang, Son Lux, Tussilago
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
If I said anything but Instagram it would be blasphemous right?
But really, Instagram
FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Lawrence Weiner, Wassily Kandinsky, Eddie Martinez
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Dedication
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Photography. More specifically, the magical ability to capture and convey the essence of a moment in time.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Diversify your time and focus your skills
IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
The realistic answer, an architect. The aspirational answer, a pro surfer.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
When it’s hard and you are doubtful, give more.
