FOUNDER AND ECD, SAROFSKY CORP., CHICAGO IL
Erin Sarofsky got up the nerve to launch her own design-driven production studio in 2009, and she hasn’t looked back since. Her work with a Who’s Who list of marketing and entertainment industry executives is based on deep relationships forged over time. For example, her experiences with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, with whom she collaborated on main titles for “Community,” “Happy Endings” and “Animal Practice,” led to her studio’s selection to create the main titles for Marvel blockbusters “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War” and “Doctor Strange.” Her industry connections also draws from past experiences as a Creative Director for Superfad and for Digital Kitchen. She has led commercial projects for a growing list of brands, and main title projects for Dreamworks, Marvel, Paramount Pictures, Spyglass Productions and Touchstone Pictures, among many others.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Levittown on Long Island. I currently live in Chicago with no plans to move.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Yes, I got both a BFA in graphic design and an MFA in computer graphics at RIT.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty tighty.
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Morning person … though sometimes, it’s a struggle.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU’VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH?
Elaine from Seinfeld
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
No
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW?
Fraggle Rock
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
ANY PETS?
Yes: A Bernese Mountain Dog named Moose and little white fluffy dog I found in the alley behind my house. Her name is Pita. They couldn’t be more different.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE YOU FLUENT IN?
English and Sarcasm
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Just one, no way. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Guardians of the Galaxy, Funny Farm and when I’m feeling a certain way, Bridget Jones’s Diary (the original) seems to fit the bill. Though if I’m sick, the Pride and Prejudice BBC version with Colin Firth as Darcy is the way to go.
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Chris Evans is pretty fine and he’s Captain America. But I don’t think that’s what you mean. Chuck Close is pretty great, too … but that’s a totally different kinda fine.
FAVORITE CHARITY?
Just one? Sorry. I do a bit to support the WGEP (Women’s Global Education Project). It’s an organization that helps make an education available and accessible to women in remote areas of Africa. Also, PAWS Chicago. And now, more than ever, NPR.
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Knitting, hanging with my pups, cooking, I also love to decorate and re-decorate …
WHAT’S THE LAST COMPLIMENT YOU GOT?
Nice boards, You’re hired!
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
Hmmm … My parents were both collectors. So naturally, I am kind of the opposite.
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
White … black … and grays.
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN?
Gotham. Close second is DIN.
DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?
Ray and Charles Eames, Saul Bass, Michel Gondry, Paula Scher
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
My greatest strength is my ability to listen to a client and know what they are asking for even if they can’t articulate it. My greatest weakness is that I tend to stick with a few go-to typefaces.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
When you are just starting out, it’s important to have co-workers who are also designers and artists also doing design work. So I would advise against freelancing or working in a company where you are the only person doing design. If it’s possible, try to get in at a studio or company where you feel inspired by the work.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A potter (not as in Harry Potter, as in throwing pottery) or some other kind of artistic craftswoman.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Run toward the fire. When there is an issue or problem … attack it.
