MEET #5328 JOSEPH VEAZEY
Designer • New York, NY
WNW Member #5328 Joseph Veazey worked at Adult Swim and art directed for NY-based fashion designer Azede Jean-Pierre before going fully freelance. Joseph's work often combines graphic design and illustration, with a humorous touch. Note his holiday cards with pull-out tongues below. In the following interview, Joseph praises his parents' support of his art: "Neither come from art backgrounds but I spent much of my childhood drawing and they always encouraged it. They always are excited to track down any book or magazine I've been featured in or contributed to." Joseph also offers great advice to young creatives: "The work you put out or share attracts requests for similar work, so create your ideal personal projects (especially early on) that give a strong example of what you want to be doing."
1. How long have you been freelancing?
I have been fully freelancing for less than a year now.
2. Is there a time or place you most feel creative?
A lot of times I really get into the zone late at night. Lately I've got a lot of good ideas by brainstorming while riding the subway or walking between places. But if you do that all the time it can start to feel like you're never giving your mind a rest.
3. What's your ideal working:NW ratio?
Right now probably 80:20.
4. Do your parents understand what you do?
I have been extremely lucky to have super supportive and understanding parents. I am very thankful for that. Neither come from art backgrounds but I spent much of my childhood drawing and they always encouraged it. They always are excited to track down any book or magazine I've been featured in or contributed to.
5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh?
In Borat, the naked wrestling scene during the business conference.
6. What do you do when not working?
Collect things, draw, woodcarving, good conversations with friends, discovering new music. I've been trying to play basketball more often again too.
7. Hidden talent?
I can touch my nose with my tongue and played the oboe in high school.
8. Tips or advice for fellow freelancers?
The work you put out or share attracts requests for similar work, so create your ideal personal projects (especially early on) that give a strong example of what you want to be doing. I always have a few personal design projects going on at a time. Also James Victore’s quote “You become who you pretend to be” is pretty spot on.
9. What's your favorite thing on the Internet this week?
I just saw that video from that Japanese game show where the two girls are blowing into a tube with a cockroach inside.
10. What are some other wnw members you admire and why?
Braulio Amado and Jessica Svendse I have admired for a while, Mel Nguyen and Lorin Brown have some real cool work, and Kendall Henderson is a good friend and awesome designer!