Get to know Graphic Designer Eddie Mensah. We asked Eddie questions about how he handles being a creative visual artist in a very commercial world. We get his takes on hot to stay motivated, who’s killing it creatively in the world of advertising, and where to find great examples of fantastic design. Read on to get motivated!
How do you keep your creative wheels from rusting when you’re grinding on repetitive tasks or maybe something that require less flare?
I actually check out a lot of YouTube videos like Adobe Live where you can watch other creatives create. I also enjoy sites like Dribble, Behance, and Abduzeedo where I get a lot of inspiration weekly.
Is there any brand/social account/Creative individual/source in particular that you think is crushing it and find inspiring?
I really love the creative, edgy approach that MSCHF brand takes with its collaborations. My favorite campaign that they recently did is called KEY4ALL. They sold the same car key to multiple people. Everyone gets a key to the same car, but no one knows where the car is. If you find the car you can drive it, but so can anyone else who has the key. So, if you don’t find the car first, someone else gets it. But then when they park? You can steal it back!
How did your career as a Graphic Designer come to life?
Growing up I was always good at drawing, I won a couple of art competitions during my younger years, but I always looked at it as a hobby. In high school my art teacher told me I would not make any money as an artist until I passed away. I took those words as motivation. I ended up going to college for interior design, but while in college I did a lot of design work like party flyers, business cards, and shirt designs for other students. I had no clue what graphic design was until one of the upperclassmen in my building explained that my side hustle WAS graphic design. I switched my major the next semester and the rest was history.
Is there an unexpected area of life where you’ve found inspiration for your work?
I feel like now that I work in marketing I pay more attention to commercials on YouTube and TV rather than skipping them or buying the commercial-free version of something like HULU. It has saved me some bucks as well! But now I look forward to watching and seeing new trends in advertising. My favorite current spot is the Verizon total commercial which is a spinoff from the Elvis Crespo song, “Suavemente.” Growing up in the Bronx, NY I heard this song at my local bodega 24/7 so seeing it remixed in a Verizon commercial was very creative, nostalgic, and funny.
As a remote worker – is there anything you do to enhance your workday and productivity that you would recommend to others?
I make sure I’m in a good working environment. I wake up make a cup of tea then I play my morning RnB or jazz tunes to set the mood and put my mind at ease. Seeing that I’m sometimes sitting on my butt for hours I like to stretch and get some fresh air, which usually means walking my dog. I also make sure I take at least an hour’s break to decompress and get a quick bite — nothing too heavy or I’ll get sleepy.
What is the most rewarding part about being a Graphic Designer?
Seeing your work in public and sharing your accomplishments with loved ones.
What do you think is the key to success as a creative team?
Balance, inspiration, self-motivation, and repetition. Also understand that some days are not going to be as good as others. Always keep your head up and try to be the best you can be.