THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Born and raised in a town with a population of 8,000 and inspired to leave after a rough break-up, Matthew was very lucky to land in Philadelphia and find the graphic design program at UArts. His design education has given him unexpected opportunities, including two summers working at the Manhattan design studio Ideas on Purpose. Leaving home was nothing new to Matthew, he’d had the incredible chance to travel to Wales, Norway, and Korea, and live in multiple U.S. states. A recent summer excursion to Japan was influential and helped to lay the groundwork for his senior thesis. This type of cultural inspiration is something that he hopes will lead him to see and experience more of the world through design as a designer and human being.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Pineville KY surrounded by beautiful mountains and my Grandma’s delicious home cookin’. I made my way to Philadelphia for school and have enjoyed the rich history and friendly community here.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
I’m a night owl but also a part-time barista so I open our café at 5:30 am three times a week.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU’VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH?
Neo from The Matrix
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I play guitar and piano. Before design, music was my life.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TV SHOW?
Power Rangers
LAST BOOK YOU READ?
The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein … yikes!
ANY PETS?
No time, but I plan to get a dog asap.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE YOU FLUENT IN?
English, HTML, CSS, Klingon, Spanish
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Return of the Jedi
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Cezanne, by far
FAVORITE CHARITY?
The Project for Awesome
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Well it used to be playing video games like Starcraft 2 or DotA … when I had free time.
LAST COMPLIMENT YOU GOT?
I love your sushi train shirt!
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
Used postcards whenever I travel.
COLOR USED MOST OFTEN IN YOUR DESIGN?
I try not to let my color preferences influence my work too much.
TYPEFACE USED MOST OFTEN?
Most projects use a different typeface. I really love Akzidenz Grotesk. Also Simplon by Swiss Typefaces is nice.
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
I tend to second guess myself. I tend to second guess myself.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Actor
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Don’t try to be original, just try to be good – Paul Rand
