3D Materials and Concepts: August 2016

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Luis M. Gonzalez, Jr., Designer

DESIGNER. SQUARESPACE, NEW YORK, NY

Luis M. Gonzalez Jr. is a Designer on the Brand Design team at Squarespace in New York City. Ever since joining the team two years ago he has worked on showcasing the brand across many channels. Whether it’s commercials, a print campaign, or a city wide takeover, Luis has been a part of the process. If you’ve seen the brand, then you’ve seen his work. Born on the West Coast, raised on an island in the Caribbean then moved to the sunshine state, Luis always had a love for the arts. It wasn’t until high school when he took a summer course in graphic design that he made the decision to pursue it as a career. He attended Flagler College in St. Augustine FL. where he graduated magna cum laude in 2012 receiving a BA in Graphic Design with minors in Fine Arts and Illustration. Immediately after graduating college Luis moved to Tampa where he worked at local ad and branding agencies. Having set his eyes on New York City, Luis saved up and made the big move six months after graduating. He currently lives in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn with his wife Erica and their sweet dog, Maple.

WHERE AND HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION IN YOUR WORK?
To jumpstart I grab one of my sketchbooks and I begin writing or drawing. I think it really helps to dive in before finding inspiration. I like knowing and understanding what my challenge is and how I can solve it. Once I begin to understand what I’m trying to design I start sourcing a mood board for the general feeling that I’m trying to achieve.

HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW AFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
Living in New York has inspired my design sensibilities. There are so many people to meet, different styles to take in, and so many opportunities to do big things. Everywhere I go I’m submerged in design, beautiful architecture, and art. Everyday I’m refueled with excitement and curiosity.

FAVORITE COLOR?
Gray

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Didot and Gotham Bold

FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Breaking Bad and The Wire (Friends is a close second)

FAVORITE BOOKS?
Just Kids

FAVORITE MOVIES?
Casino

FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Phoenix, The Strokes, Billie Holliday

FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
Instagram

FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Ed Ruscha, Donald Judd, Richard Serra, Marina Abramovic, Sol LeWitt, Dan Flavin

GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength: Determined, detail oriented, patient
Weakness: Critical, overthinker

TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Being able to keep a beat and play the drums

ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Don’t compare yourself to others and get discouraged. Be curious about design, never stop learning, and stay humble.

IF NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A carpenter or sculptor

A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
If you do it right, it will last forever.

Image and text source is GDUSA