JONATHAN HERMAN

A graduate of Vancouver's renowned Emily Carr University's Communication Design program, Jonathan Herman began his career at Pentagram, New York. Following his time in New York, Herman returned to Canada to join WAX, a Calgary-based design and advertising firm. Herman believes that good design should be illuminating, intelligent, honest and fun. He also believes that a shared, inclusive creative process yields the most effective work. His work has been consistently recognized nationally and internationally by many design competitions and publications, including Communication Arts, Clios, D&AD, Graphis, The Black Book AR 100, London International Awards and Applied Arts.

Where were you born, where do you live, did this effect your design style or sensibilities? I was born and raised in Calgary. After spending time in Vancouver and New York to start my career, I eventually made my way back home to Alberta. From an outsider looking in, Calgary is a bit of a conservative place that is known for cowboys and oil. But to me, Calgary is on its way to changing that reputation. We're a city of entrepreneurs and risk-takers. It's a young city without a lot of history. As a designer I feel like we're writing the story everyday.

If you were not a designer, what would you be? Probably working with kids in some capacity, maybe as a teacher. I spent a few years working at a summer camp in Maine and loved every second of it.

What is your design process, do you sketch first, go to the computer, take days off to get inspired? I usually try to get out of the office and work somewhere that I haven't been before. A totally different neighborhood or a random truck stop diner are always interesting places to brainstorm. I'm pretty sure my drawing skills peaked when I was caught tracing Garfield cartoons in elementary school, so I rely on writing ideas out and reserve sketching for the sake of communication. After I'm confident that I have a solid idea, I'll move to the computer and see what works and what doesn't. My design process isn't a recipe. It just happens.

What is one thing you have done to help weather the economic downturn? Not panic. What goes down must come up.

What is your greatest strength and weakness as a designer? Strength: My ability to focus on details. Or to think under pressure. Or to present in front of clients. Or to manage a project from concept to completion. Or something else.
Weakness: Indecisiveness.

YOUR DESIGN HERO?
Michael Bierut

WORST HABIT?
Skipping breakfast

FAVORITE COLOR?
Does a father choose a favorite child? Yellow.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Gotham

FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
The Office

FAVORITE BOOKS?
Everyday Matters by Danny Gregory

FAVORITE MOVIES?
Groundhog Day

FAVORITE MUSIC?
The Beatles

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Jeff Wall

FAVORITE GADGET?
Definitely not my alarm clock.

BOOKMARKED WEBSITES?
chowhound.com

BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Oodles of talent. And modesty.

ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
Snacks

ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Jackie, my wife-to-be.

TALENT YOU WISH YOU POSSESSED?
Home renovation or mind control. Or both.