The Retrospective

In an effort to foster relationships and create dialogues with the creative forces that inspire us, “We Are Each Other” is an on-going series that spotlights designers in various design disciplines. These in-depth interviews and essays showcase our belief that we are all extensions of a larger artistic community, inspiring and motivating each other to new heights of imagination and innovation.

Jamie Paakkonen is not only a great designer but a dear friend, and we are really excited to have her showcase her work. She lives in Brooklyn, NY where she focuses on print design and art direction.

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jamie Paakkonen and I do lots of things, but I guess most importantly I design. Although I love all aspects of design, print design will always be #1 in my heart and hope I can continue to be successful in this field for as long as humanly possible.

Selected Work
   

[vimeo 1190744]
Sigur Ros
Music video made for the band Sigur Rós using old family videos. (Personal project)

5 typefaces that you are currently digging right now
Arno Pro (The italics are just gorgeous)
Helvetica (Of course)
Akzidenz Grotesk
Bembo
Gotham

4 books that inspire you
The Art of Looking Sideways by Allen Fletcher
This is probably one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. If I am looking for inspiration or just something to make my day better I crack this open. At 535 pages, it just feels good to hold in your hands.

Chip Kidd: Book One: Work: 1986-2006 by Chip Kidd
I love books, but even more so I love book covers. It is incredible how many books this man has designed and it is great to see some of the covers and versions that never made it. I want to design books.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris
This book is hilarious and makes me excited for the day I have a big enough apartment to entertain guests. It has also inspired me to make a “fuck it bucket”

Citizen Designer: Perspectives on Design Responsibility by Steven Heller & Veronique Vienne
I am a huge fan of Steven Heller, but this is my favorite.

3 people you admire
Steven Heller
Ellen Lupton (I admire her for proving that one can have a successful and rewarding career and can also be a great mom at the same time.)
My Parents (They count as one, right? My mom is an artist and my dad is an engineer, I like to think I am a mix)

2 things you want to do before you die
Visit Finland and go parasailing.

1 motto you live by
Live now, sleep later.

To view more of Jamie’s work please click here

Interested in being featured as a spotlighted artist in our new “We Are Each Other” series? Or do you know someone you think we should spotlight? Drop us a line at waeo<‘at’>theretrospective.com!

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