The Retrospective

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WE ARE EACH OTHER: Justin M. Smith

February 9th, 2009 by

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.

We Are Each Other: Justin Smith

As Farewell to Arms’ former frontman, audience members would witness the frenetic Justin Smith swing, throw, and scream into the microphone in one frantic moment, then drop into a dead calm the next. Its no wonder why his design work reflects his explosive personality. Today, Justin slings type around like a gunfighter in the Wild West.

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Justin Michael Smith, I am a freelance graphic designer and I live in Brooklyn, New York.

Selected Work
Election Collection CoverMetropolis magazine College Art Association National Conference The Immediate, The Direct Evaluation Business Card

5 typefaces that you are currently digging right now
Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk
ITC Caslon No. 224
ITC Reporter No. 2
Lineto Le Corbusier
Lineto Typ1451

4 books that inspire you
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Of the Malcolm Gladwell books that I have read, Outliers has been the most eye opening. This specific work reinforced ideals that my parents instilled in me; if you work hard, you will be successful.

Paul Rand: A Designer’s Art by Paul Rand
Paul Rand has a great eye for composition and this work especially illustrates his genius and humor.

printed matter \ drukwerk by Karel Martens
Although this monograph was designed in two months, it is filled with timeless design with great color and composition, a must own for any graphic designer.

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
I am a fan of self-help books for many reasons, I believe they aid in discipline, determination and life strategy. Think & Grow Rich is a book my father and his father read and is filled with stories of ambition and success.

3 people you admire
Bob Dylan
Jerry Seinfeld
Karel Martens

2 things you want to do before you die
Own a house with a study / library
Write a book

1 motto you live by
Just Do It.

To view more of Justin’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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  • 1 Johanna Feb 12, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    “slings type around like a gunfighter in the Wild West” – great line, sir! Also, a house with a study sounds perfect.