Artist Profile: Nick Spanos
Graphic design is one of those fields that have become increasingly hard to stand out in; with a massive amount of competition (and really talented competition at that) it’s no surprise to me the talent that goes unnoticed in that field.
I’m constantly combing through online portfolios looking for the designers that will work best with the films I produce in terms of style and budget. When producing Blue Card, one portfolio had stuck in my head from college and that was Nick Spanos.
I knew instantly his style would add to the brand we were creating around Blue Card, and that’s just what happened. Nick designed this kickass limited edition episode poster for “Nature Is Business,” and a series of other promotional posters around the release of the series. You can check all those out on his Behance page.
After his amazing work on that project, I wanted to pick his brain a bit more about his other work. This short interview is just that:
What has been your favorite paid project you have worked on, and why?
I was contacted in 2013 by a design firm called The Refinery Creative, to work on a design for a billboard for them. When I did some research on them, I saw that they have done work for Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, and so many more shows and movies. I got an opportunity to design for a firm that creates for some of my favorite shows and films.
What about your favorite unpaid project?
My “Growth, Decay, Transformation.” Poster. Right after Breaking Bad aired the series finale, I thought it would be cool to design a poster with all three variations of Walter White through the show. I was really happy how the final design turned out. So many people responded to the poster after I uploaded it.
Everything you design just screams out “awesome” to me. Even in some of the photos you’ve been in for some of the local photographers; it’s all very cinematic. Is that where you draw a lot of inspiration?
I’m very glad to hear you think that highly of my work. I’ve always been fascinated with film and design. I try to combine the two as much as I can. Having some kind of action, or tone in the design really sets the mood and attracts viewers.
You went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh; how beneficial do you think that education has been/will be for your career as a graphic designer?
When I was a kid, my father told me “They can take away your car, they can take away your house, but they can’t take away your degree.” I believe education overall is extremely beneficial. As for what I learned at The Art Institute, it’s helped me tremendously with my work ethic, and all of the networks I made. I would not have had the chance to be an Intern for The Pittsburgh Penguins without the help of A.I.P.
Do you feel that living in Western PA has made things harder for you to find enjoyable work?
A good deal of the projects I’ve designed over the past few years were created for no specific client. Just to make my portfolio stronger, and keep me sharp on the software. But in terms of opportunities in the area, I’m sorry to say there is a limited number. I try to jump on any project that catches my eye. Aside from the branding, and print projects I really enjoy promoting and packaging for films, music, and any other aspect of the entertainment industry.
Moving forward, are there specific types of projects you are actively seeking out or hoping to work on?
On the off chance David Fincher reads this and sees my work then asks me to personally design all of his future projects. Or Shepard Fairey asks me to be his protege, I’m happy to lend my hand to designing for the entertainment industry, apparel, or branding other professionals.
If you want to check out more of Nick’s work, check out his Behance Page. Links to his Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc. are there and below.
