Interview with George Salariss
Audrey: How did you get into design to get into design?
George: In high school, I took some art classes and I guess I was always more into art than design. And when I was in my undergrad, I bounced around from business to something else and then I decided on art studio. So, I started taking art classes then I started taking design classes. And I really liked it because I liked computers and I liked art.
A: A combination of your favorite things?
G: Yeah, and it’s a good way to make money and do something you like. I don’t want to have a job that I don’t like, where I don’t get to be creative, that’s always the same day in and day out.
A: When would you advise students to start looking for an internship?
G: I would think as soon as possible. Maybe like 5th quarter.
A: New York or Chicago?
G: New York
A: Spiderman or Superman?
G: Spiderman
A: Where do you see yourself after Portfolio Center?
G: Well, I see myself in maybe two different directions. I could see myself getting a job with a small firm. I don’t know where I would fit in because I don’t really enjoy doing corporate stuff. I could do it, but I probably wouldn’t like it. I enjoy doing branding, typography, logos. A lot of stuff with illustration. Or our plan is right now to start Epidemik as our own design firm. Do our t-shirts but also design.
A: So, if you could you would start your own company right now?
G: I would. But it’s probably better to go out and get a job and some experience and then start your own business. Not many people are successful just jumping into their own business. We have friends that we can rely on in the industry. It’s not like we are going to be pushed into the industry with no help. If we do start our own company, we would have a lot of support and friends to guide us.
A: Do you feel like EC has helped you to get to know other people in the industry here in Atlanta?
G: Yeah, just like from the shows. We’ve met everyone from like Micheal Knights. We also have almost fans. People have asked us to have them as interns.
A: Who has asked you to be interns?
G: Some kids from American Intercontenital. But we didn’t know what to do with them. There was no space for them. Come work at the school. I don’t know
A: You can start doing marketing stuff for us.
G: Go get me coffee. Give me a hundred logos. Get them to do my work. You know, give them a direction and advise them.
A: Do you want to stay in the Atlanta area because you’ve built up a reputation?
G: I guess because I’ve met so many people here, I wouldn’t mind staying in the Atlanta area. I’ve already gotten like request to do freelance work, but I haven’t really had time. But hopefully if I do need work when I get out, I’ll have it here, and if not then I’d like to move somewhere like New York or Chicago and maybe find a firm that I would fit in and work there for awhile.
A: Do you feel like EC has helped you to network?
G: Yeah, we’ve met people in the design industry. But we’ve met a lot of other people, like stylist and people in the fashion industry. We haven’t networked with just designers.
A: You wake up from a nice long afternoon nap and find yourself in an enchanted forest. In front of you the path divides, to the left is a long winding path filled with flying berry bushes. If you eat 3 of these berries you can fly whenever and wherever you want for the rest of your life. The path to the right is filled with money berry bushes. If you eat 3 of these berries you poop $100 dollar bills for the next 5 years. The two different berries taste the same kind of like strawberry chocolate spaghetti sauce. So….which berry would you eat and why?
G: Money berry bushes, but I would love to fly, but with the money I could buy plane tickets.
A: What is one trick/idea that you’ve learned which you apply to your designs to make them work? (just a small ingredient in your delicious recipe for design)
G: To have a story or concept behind your work, because you will be able to sell it to anyone. Anyone can make it look good, but if it has a purpose then it will meet the needs of the client.
A: Okay, well that’s all I can think of right now. Do you have any more words of wisdom
G: Don’t be scared to take risks.
The last comment made me think about my own ability to take risks, and how I don’t feel like I’ve challenged myself to do that enough yet. The process that we go through at Portfolio Center brings us different challenges and tasks. Sometimes we question why we are doing things, and if it is the right choice. Whether or not we follow our advisors suggestions is our choice. But it is our willingness to stand up and challenge that and to take risks is what will make us good designers.
