Liam McKinley

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (FIT)

Liam is a young graphic designer based in New York NY. His work is distinct in conceptual viability, soft-spoken dignity, and typographic sensibility. Outside of design, Liam cooks personally and professionally. His heart will always rest in the kitchen. The progress and trajectory of his life can be attributed to the endurance of Abuela’s selfless love.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Inspiration comes from the feeling of my immediate environment. Our surroundings help to define who we are, so design, being an extension of ourselves, is also a product of our environment. The city is in a constant flux of raw, chaotic life. We may choose to celebrate the continual change with bold rhythms and colors, or we could choose to soothe the overwhelming environment with quiet, minimalism. Either way, the design responds to its surroundings.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN?

Branding. This field is frequently critiqued because of its capital motivations, and I’m honestly a little embarrassed by my answer, however, my love for brandmarks usurps my shame.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR TIME IN DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

Design school taught me that there is not a single formula, or template, for Good Design. Every unique problem has an infinite number of valid solutions. A design is Good if it feels right. Only experience, taste, and God-given talent can make a proper determination.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?

Paul Rand. He is my superhero. His humility, childlike curiosity, and philosophical view of design continue to amaze me. I also owe a huge thanks to one of Paul Rand’s pupils, Eli Kince, for teaching me how to “see.”

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

Currently, I am reading Waiting by Ha Jin; a book about the demands of human longing in contention with centuries of customs. Tao Te Ching and Meditations are a daily reference.