Interview Conducted with Web Designer

Zach Klein

 

 

 

  1. How did you get into what you do creatively?

In college I was a business major and thought I'd really enjoy that career path, but I spent 4 years in that field and realized I hated it.  I had always dabbled with web design and computers and art on the side, but I assumed that that profession wouldn't ever sufficiently “pay the bills,” so I ignored it until recently.  And, not surprisingly, I'm much happier and content.

  1. Do you think that you would be able to teach what you do?

Of course.  Well, let me rephrase... I think there are numerous aspects of creativity that can, indeed, be taught, but there are also those things that you're either born with or not.  However, I also think that if there is something you enjoy and are motivated to improve, say drawing, singing, painting, whatever... then you will do everything in your power to seek out the many “teachers” in life.  And, i don't necessarily mean teachers in the plain sense of the word. Rather, there are countless people- family, friends, role models, “heroes” that impact our creative choices in life.

  1. What inspires you?

I don't think there is anything from which I cannot derive inspiration.  I mean, I could mechanically respond with the usual “my friends and family,” but that answer really isn't any fun, is it?  Nature inspires me, other creative work inspires me... oh, music is a big one, too.

  1. What do you do to get into your creative zone?

I'm the type of person that absolutely needs my external environment to be peaceful and uncluttered in order for my personal creativity to be expressed.  If the dishes aren't washed or the carpet isn't vacuumed, i just can't operate.  Aside from that, I usually just turn on some loud music and go at it.

  1. What is your favorite accomplishment?

Favorite?  Uh, can't think of one.  I guess there are always those little daily accomplishments that brighten your mood... you know, like when you finally complete that project you've been putting off for ages... and you eventually commit to it and realize how easy it actually was. 

  1. Do you ever create hidden meanings or messages in your work?  Explain.

Not on purpose.  Haha... No, I don't think so.  I'm a pretty easy guy to read, both in person and in my work, so I don't often allow the whole mysterious vibe an opportunity to shine.  Perhaps I'll try that next.

  1. Do you enjoy sharing your work with others or do you prefer to go unnoticed?  Why?

Yeah, what's the point of creating of you don't share it with the world?  I mean, it doesn't have to be the entire world, per se, but why not share with your individual world- the people who inspire you, support you, and continue to encourage your creative expression?

  1. Do you pay attention to others' strong reactions to your work?  Does that affect what you create?

Nah, that's what it's there for, exactly for that reaction.  I can't control their reactions, and why should I?  A person's emotional response, whether it be positive or negative, really has nothing to do with me personally.  I'll continue to create as long as my audience continues to react... it's a beautiful reciprocal exchange, really.

  1. Who do you define as a visionary?

There are so many visionaries.  I think a great example today is President Obama, especially for our youth.  I mean, look how much the guy is facing right now, both politically and personally.  He has such grace and composure and I, along with the rest of our nation, truly admire him and feel that he will do great things.

  1. If your creative work were edible, what would it taste like?

Ok, what?  I guess this is the question that's gonna stump me, huh?  Well, let's see...I'm a cheese lover, so let's say that my creative work is a cheese platter, and each cheese represents the different aspects of my work... ok, you asked, so just go with it... my work means one thing to me, but could mean very different things to other people, so there are various cheese representatives within my work... damn, I don't think I would even buy that answer... guess I'm not as creative as you initially thought, eh?

 

Zach Klein's webpage