Marc Patlan - Graphic Design

What is it that you love about design?

 Its cliché to say, but I love design because for me it’s the ultimate form of self expression. I didn’t choose to express myself creatively through design, it chose me. I’m sure I was born with the design gene. I worked hard to be express what I think as a person, but expression through design came early on. I have a stack of drawing pads that go back to Middle School and to me those books are like diaries or the ultimate process book of my evolution as a designer. I look back at those books and I used to think about them as my ‘art’ but at this point they’re just drawings and concepts, because it wasn’t until I started AI, that I started to think creatively.

 

I love creative expression is many forms, I love to write, I’m learning to play guitar. My dream was to be an actor when I was growing up, and it’s funny to me how acting, actually has helped me as a designer. There’s an uncanny similarity in analyzing a character for the stage and understanding the needs of a client in design. It’s the research, and you have to dig deep and get side and express the part.

 

 

Who inspires you?

 

I look at Banksy’s work in awe and I think ‘I want to get there’. I want to communicate that clearly-visually. I want to think in a punk rock-out of the box way. I battle between expressing myself as a fine artist and a commercial designer. What Banksy does is important. His work sends a message about the state of humanity, the world, and has great impact on everyone who sees it, with so few design elements. For me, that is the ultimate goal, which is, to design on this level of importance, because it’s worth living and designing for.

 

 

What are your plans after graduation?

 

I’m currently a Co-owner/Creative Director of a vintage clothing store called Nostalgic Alley here in Phoenix, although, It has always been my intention to go back to L.A after I graduate. I hope to work for an Ad Firm and pay my dues. In the mean time I’m enjoying the now and my development as a student designer and business owner.

 

 

Are there any projects that you are currently working on/just finished that you are exceptionally proud of?

 

I’m currently working on constructing a book for Portfolio (Class) of a story I wrote, and illustration I created originally during my 3rd quarter in ‘Illustration and Rapid Visualization’ with Allan Garns. The story is called “By the Gate” and it’s a story about my time as child in daycare, waiting by a gate for my dad to pick me up. I’m proud of this because, Allan Garns pushed me to think outside my little box of thoughts and helped me find this story within me and illustrate in a style I wasn’t Illustrating in before. Jack Sullivan, my current Portfolio instructor and another hero of mine, has challenged me to construct this story into a book for my portfolio and I’m extremely proud of what is being manifested.

 

The original piece is displayed in a case on the 2^nd floor of AI.

 

 

How was your experience at AI?

I think of AI as a safe haven and creative rejuvenation tank. It’s been a sanctuary for me since I’ve started. Yes, there’s a lot of work and stress, and sometimes I don’t want to do it,  but for me, there can’t be anything better than getting constant information about what I’m passionate about. I get better every day, as long as I put in the work and show up for the challenge. I love the challenge, I love the work, I love getting better and growing wiser. How could my experience be anything but amazing? My peers at AI, put the cherry on top.  I’m thankful to go to a school with such fine people, even the crazy people too, I appreciate them too.

Contact Info:

marcpatlan@gmail.com