The Reflex Blue Show with Nate Voss and Donovan Beery, Episode 14: Stanley Hainsworth
“Today we are joined by Stanley Hainsworth’s hair, and, by extension, Stanley Hainsworth himself.”
Stanley Hainsworth, if taken by his past works, could easily be described as a genius of design (take those stints creative-directing companies like Nike, Lego, and Starbucks for the past 20 years, for example). But when you add in his uncanny appearance, you know you must call him a mad genius! Not that he’s unpleasant, by any means. Stanley is in fact quite nice, and as it happens very forthcoming about his work.
What really makes this show shine was the interview took place about one month after Stanley Hainsworth left Starbucks to begin his own creative endeavor, Tether, which you can find out all about at www.tethercreate.com, and we kindly persuade Mr. Hainsworth to spill the proverbial beans on the project. Enjoy.
–nv–
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Your interview with Mr. Hainsworth was maybe the most informative interview to date. I found his thoughts on being a “strategic thinker” rather than just a designer to be right on target.
Here’s my question though, is it a positive or negative going into interviews for a mid-level to experienced level design position, looking to convey a “big picture”, forward thinking outlook on design?
How would you accurately convey that your creative process includes how customers are greeted, the thank you on the receipts, the artwork on the walls of the retail space, the GUI on the web site, the use of a/an employee(s) commenting on message boards/blogs when all you’ve been asked to do is design a trifold brochure for accompany the release of a gift basket?
Perhaps I just answered my own question… but doesn’t this topic open a whole can of worms on the design industry? Are we only hiring position players?
Are we likely to hire a “yes man/woman” who has exceptional design and technical skills and few ideas over hiring a creative, open-minded, enthusiastic, idea person with average design and technical skills?
As the Creative Director or Art Director, do you feel insecure or threatened to hire someone with this thought process?
What are the pros and cons to the employer and employee in hiring or not hiring with this in mind?
And lastly, if the “idea person” cannot find an agency that matches his/her offerings, does this mean that there is a geographic niche market for such a service that they should just open their own shop and anticipate success?
Good gravy that is a lot of text… sorry guys. Love the show. Peace out.
Gorgeous portfolio, but I’m disappointed that it doesn’t address his ideas behind the designs more.
On Steve Hartman, talking about working where he is, http://www.vimeo.com/1069208