How did you discover your creativity?
My mother encouraged my artistic interests from a young age. I took classes every Saturday at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston from the age of 7 through High School, so creativity was always part of my path. College definitely opened my eyes to so many different perspectives and therefore broadened my definition of creativity and it was there that it became clear it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. The beautiful thing about it though is that by it's very nature, creativity is constantly changing, and as you change your relationship to your own creativity continues to evolve. So it's something that I'm continuously discovering.
Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?
I worked within the design department at an advertising agency for a number of years. I learned so much during that time, and it was incredible, however it was also extremely challenging due to the nature of the advertising industry. Design was often disregarded or brought into projects too late to actually be effective. In essence, I'm not sure the agency understood our full potential, and at the time, it was not a well-balanced, integrated discipline. My challenge became figuring out how to maintain a creative profession as a designer while "leaving" the advertising industry. I eventually decided to go out on my own. The biggest challenge yet - but by far the most rewarding.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
For me it was landing my dream job. I got into design by way of music - album covers, magazines, videos. Visual culture in the 90's was so lush and it was driven largely in part by the music industry, or at least that's what I was paying attention to so it felt that way. At that time I was working at a music-based PC game start up, which was super fun, but I was starting to feel the itch to try something new. One of my favourite labels was Rykodisc, who happened to have just posted a job listing for a designer. This was it - my dream job. I put everything I had into making a stand-out portfolio and resume. I even hand delivered it the next day to their office in Salem, MA. Shortly after, I was called in for an interview, and despite showing up with a full-blown flu, I landed the job. I think the fact that I trekked in there that day with cold sweats and a fever proved to them that I really wanted the job. It was everything to me and really confirmed that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
My journal, which is always there, iPod (yes, still use a pre-cloud iPod.) and Kim Gordon's memoir titled "Girl in a Band."
Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?
Work hard. Always. And never stop learning.
What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?
I definitely maintain a hearty Feedly feed that I read on the regular, but I find much more inspiration in real life. Magazines, book stores, travel, museums, galleries, fashion and music. Oh, MUSIC!
What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?
I worked with Beyoncé and her team on her album 4 a few years ago. That was a dream assignment then, and to be honest, I'd do it all over again in a second.
Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?
Oomph. There are too many people to list, honestly. I'd say anyone who has ever believed in me, supported me, influenced me, coached me, taught me, or hired me.
What would be your last supper?
Mac-n-cheese.
Full Name: Adam Larson
Profession: Creative Director/Art Director/Designer/Illustrator
Industry: Creative
Website: http://www.adamnco.com
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