CREATIVE LEAD, DESIGN, COCA-COLA STUDIOS THE COCA-COLA COMPANIES, ATLANTA GA
Paul Stechmesser is a visual communicator with 15 years experience in global brand strategy and development, creative direction, strategic design and motion graphics for marketing and advertising. He is currently the Creative Lead for design at Coca-Cola Studios, within The Coca-Cola Company. Prior to refreshing the world at Coca-Cola, Paul earned his BFA in Graphic Design from The University of Tennessee and later worked for a small, now-defunct design shop. From there, he spent several years working for the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. He earned his MFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and lives in Atlanta GA with his wife and two children. Outside of design, he loves college football, golf, tennis, and bicycling.
WHERE OR HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN WORK?
I’ve always felt like I’ve been surrounded by extremely smart people. I just try to keep up with them!
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born and raised in Centerville OH, and currently live in Atlanta GA. I think there’s a profound elegance and sophistication to southern style and design that you’re hard pressed to find anywhere else. I hope it rubs off on me.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Vitesse
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Silicon Valley
FAVORITE BOOKS?
Creativity, Inc., by Ed Catmull, What If?
by Randall Munroe
FAVORITE Movie?
The Big Lebowski
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Anything that reminds me of the beach
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram
FAVORITE Fine Artist?
Dr. Seuss
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Talent
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
I wish I could play a musical instrument really, really well, and I wish I was a mathematical genius.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Wear your passion on your sleeve
IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Something that would put me outdoors
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Try to out-serve each other
