PRINCIPAL, TRIBE, FREDERICK MD
Seth Sirbaugh is a designer, creative director and the principal of Tribe branding and design based in Frederick MD. He has taught at the Corcoran School of Art and Shepherd University, and often lectures at other universities sharing his expertise and experience with aspiring designers. With more than 15 years of industry experience, he has led award-winning teams in creative art direction, branding, marketing collateral, and interactive design. His work has won numerous awards and recognition from the American Advertising Federation, ADSC, SPD, Print, HOW, and GDUSA.
WHERE OR HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN WORK?
People inspire me. Other designers, sure … but people in general, definitely. Everyday, I’m awed by their crazy stories, amazing accomplishments, physical prowess, and their creative genius. People are truly inspiring.
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born in the beautiful small town of Berkeley Springs WV. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in such a great place with the kind of family support that both pushed me to grow and kept me grounded to things that truly matter ‒ things I do in our studio everyday. Currently, I live and work in Frederick. It is an up-and-coming young city ‒ attracting young chefs, artists, designers and entrepreneurs. It’s the kind of place that can inspire you on the daily.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Black & Blue
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Like picking your favorite child
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
True Detective (well… used to be)
FAVORITE BOOKS?
Anything by Dan Brown
FAVORITE MOVIES?
Shawshank Redemption
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Everything
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram
FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Michelangelo
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
My greatest strength is my ability to constantly push the envelope. I persistently ask how a project can it be better and push it to happen. However, this can also work against me, as it is a strain on both budget and time.
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Patience
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Always push yourselves to do better. Work harder. And make as many connections inside and outside the industry as you can.
IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Veterinarian
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
I want to do amazing work for amazing people.
