SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC)
Max Weiss, the individual behind the public-facing project Forge and Format, is a designer and artist who is based in the city of Chicago. His undergraduate study at SAIC has allowed him to infuse traditional design training with fine art practices, leading to a diverse portfolio that encompasses everything from publications to electronic sculpture. Despite this creative breadth, Max believes that design principles lie at the core of any successful project regardless of medium.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
Learning how to use new tools — whether they be part of a physical process (i.e., laser cutting) or the latest wave of software — always results in a fresh wave of ideas for me to explore and integrate into my existing practice.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
Historically I have been drawn to iconography, visual identity, and type design, but I have yet to engage the latter beyond some logotypes and rudimentary hand lettering. That is what I would like to devote my attention to next.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
The guidance and experience offered by professors — or anyone else in the industry — should be duly noted, but it is ultimately up to the individual to take an approach that makes the most sense to them in the context of any problem they are presented with. There is no explicit or universally-applicable solution that can be instructed. WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/ WATCHING? I listen to a lot of music while I work, but some of my favorite albums as of late are False Idol by Veil of Maya, Artificial Void by Unprocessed, and Dead End Kings by Katatonia. I’m especially looking forward to more tracks from Time, The Valuator as the band gains its footing again.
