PRESIDENT, CHIEF STRATEGIST CHASE DESIGN GROUP, LOS ANGELES CA
As President of Chase Design Group, Chris leads strategy and client relations for major accounts while also participating creatively in every large project ‑ from strategy and concepting, to copywriting and art direction. Chris’ previous life was in advertising, where he worked on global accounts such as Sony, Nintendo, Dewar’s and Marlboro. Over the course of his eighteen years at Chase Design Group, Chris has played a key role in hundreds of successful projects, redefining the way the agency views the role of creative in business.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Chicago. Live in Los Angeles.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
No. I have a music degree in Classical Composition.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Both. I think sleep is over-rated.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU’VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH?
Dirk Gently from the books by Douglas Adams
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
Yes, I grew up in a musical family. I play guitar, bass, piano, clarinet and saxophone.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW?
Dr. Who
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
ANY PETS?
An Australian Cattle Dog named Rosie
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE YOU FLUENT IN?
English only but I dabble in several others.
FAVORITE MOVIE?
City of Lost Children. I love the atmosphere of the visuals and the poetry of the story.
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Ivan Albright. I was always drawn to his paintings at the Art Institute in Chicago. Dark and honest.
FAVORITE CHARITY?
Charity Ball. They give away soccer balls to kids around the world. Play is an incredible force for good.
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Music and writing
WHAT’S THE LAST COMPLIMENT YOU GOT?
You’re not from around here are you.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
Ideas (and guitars)
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
Since we work with a lot of established brands, we’re generally taking an equity color and evolving it toward a stronger communication of the brand character. That said, there seems to be a lot of green lately.
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN?
Our goal is to create unique design solutions for our clients, so we try not to play favorites.
DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?
Margo Chase. I’ve worked with Margo for nearly twenty years and I still find her to be a boundless source of energy and inspiration. I’m also inspired by Elon Musk because of his drive to create audacious propositions. Easy never changed the world.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength is vision, weakness is lack of patience.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Always talk about why you created something and why it is the right choice, not what it is.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Film composer or programmer
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Upwards
