FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, GARZA ART & DESIGN, KANSAS CITY MO
Bense Garza is an internationally acclaimed artist, award-winning designer and consultant. He is the founder and principal designer of Garza Art & Design, a studio which specializes in Surface Design, Art Licensing and Product Development. He has collaborated with and created collections for high profile brands such as Apple, Disney, Target, Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus, Kleenex, Avon, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, among several others. Bense also works for a multitude of freelance clients where his graphic design expertise is utilized through brand development, creative direction and art direction. Current projects include unique large-scale digital pigment prints and collaboration with Interior Designers, Architects, Developers and Fine Art buyers. He’s earned a solid reputation for creating artwork collections for corporate, private, and public spaces that satisfy both the budgetary and aesthetic objectives of his clients.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Goliad TX and Kansas City MO
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Yes. I received a BFA from Columbia College in Columbia MO
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Pretty much a neutral person
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU’VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH?
Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always been a person that pays attention to all the details.
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
No
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW?
The Beverly Hillbillies. I identified with country life but was fascinated with city life.
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Do you have
ANY PETS?
No. But in the past I’ve had dogs, fish, and birds.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE YOU FLUENT IN?
English and Spanish
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Gone With The Wind
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Henry Matisse
FAVORITE CHARITY?
American Red Cross
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Dancing
WHAT’S THE LAST COMPLIMENT YOU GOT?
I was told that I inspire people.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
No
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
Varies according to how I’m feeling.
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN?
No particular one
DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?
I draw inspiration from fashion, life style trends, and cultural influences which includes my Hispanic heritage.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength is that I am full of ideas; weakness is difficulty editing them.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
You don’t have to be good at everything to be successful. Success means different things to different people.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A photographer
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Remain open. Anything is possible.
