PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT:
Scott Matz, Elizabeth Kiehner and Justin Meredith

scott matz

Scott Matz, Elizabeth Kiehner and Justin Meredith cross boundaries. Animation, graphics, live action, print, identity; installations for television, film, branding; online and site-specific applications: the principals of New York City's Thornberg & Forester do it all. As a consequence, T&F's portfolio is diverse, their work distinctive and distinguished. Clients include TBS, VH1, Conservation International, Citroën, Nissan and Nickelodeon.

Matz came to T&F after a stellar career at 3 Ring Circus, Riot, Troika, Brand New School, Motion Theory, Trollbäck & Co., The Ebling Group and Loyalkaspar. He graduated with high honors from the graphics and packaging program at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design.

Is graphic design a growth industry? There will always be a need for design. It's becoming more and more clear that conceptual (and many times simple) thinking is driving today's strongest campaigns. The advent of a new tool and trick once or twice a month generally proves to become a temporary flavor, while the genuine spirit of strong and successful communication and design still remains.

Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society? Indeed. Over the years, I have been tremendously inspired by Stefan Sagmeister, who, to me, stands out as a fantastically gifted, concept-driven and worldy, active designer. Years ago, he created inflatable pie charts and placed them in several public settings. The charts and print collateral noted staggering statistics about global military spending. Stefan drew a comparison between the cost of a single F1 fighter jet and the cost of building 20 brand new schools; each cost $200,000.

We at Thornberg & Forester have been fortunate to be involved in a handful of projects that have centered around non-profit environmental organizations. The proceeds from the pieces that we designed and animated have gone toward the betterment of our environment.