MANAGING PARTNER & CREATIVE PRINCIPAL, 2 FISH COMPANY, LLC, ZEELAND MI
Scott started 2 Fish Company in 2011, having spent a decade-and-a-half honing his approach through roles at a major retailer and a number of agencies — including The Image Group, Square One Design, Cull Group, and Pivotal Communications. When he decided to hang out his own sign, the goal was simple: do good work with good people. 2 Fish Company works with client partners from startups to Fortune 1000 companies, solving diverse marketing problems with award-winning creativity. Scott leads the growing team with his keen understanding of marketing and sales strategy, visual communication, and creative storytelling. He’s passionate about finding elegant, compelling design and communications solutions to marketing problems as well as learning new things and discovering new possibilities along the way. Maintaining strong partnerships, even friendships, with clients has always been Scott’s priority, and he knows that 2 Fish Co’s effective, high-caliber work is a direct result of this approach.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Milwaukie OR, raised in Oregon City OR (the end of the Oregon Trail!), and now live in bucolic Holland MI.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL AND, IF SO, WHICH ONE?
I went to a small, liberal arts college in Grand Rapids MI called Calvin College.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty.
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
A natural night owl, but forced to be a morning person by circumstance.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
If I say Moses, does it sound pretentious?
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I sang for 16 years in choirs.
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Chronicles of Narnia (I know I’m cheating).
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
30 Rock. I love me some Liz Lemon.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram.
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Early seasons of Startup were so inspirational.
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Georges Seurat
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
Blood: Water Mission
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Currently laying on the couch binge watching “The Great British Bake-off” with my wife.
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Comic Books!
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST (E.G., PRINT, PACKAGE, WEB, UX, VIDEO, ETC)?
UX is clearly the growth leader, but design for social is not far behind.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Saul Bass. Simple. Solid. Compelling.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
I’m pretty solid at storytelling versus simply making something look good. I’m really bad at hitting all the details in the right round of revisions.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Sketch from life, thumbnail on paper, fall in love with what will be, not what is.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A job coach.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Be patient.”
