Interviews: Empirical Designs

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the designer Empirical Designs. Check out this designer for great logos, artworks, etc. Give him a like on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Why did you decide to start making designs for bands?

The first band I ever made designs for was my own. We were a DIY post hardcore / emo band called Backslashes and Bad Ideas from Staten Island, New York. Creating logos, album artwork, merch designs, videos, press kits, and flyers for my own band helped me fall in love with graphic design. Once people saw the work I did for my own band, I got hired by other bands to make stuff for them and slowly over time it just grew into the business it is today.

2. Where did you get the idea for your artistic/designer name?

I knew from the start I didn’t want the name of the company to be Designs by Nick, or something cliche like that. I wanted my brand to be as timeless as it possibly could be. In Epistemology, Empirical Evidence is roughly defined as knowledge you can acquire with experiences or directly through your own senses. Empiricism is one of the basic tools we use to learn about the world around us and it’s also a core component of how we built the scientific method. I chose the name Empirical Designs because I wanted a solid brand that had some sort of tie into being thorough, methodical or have a deeper philosophical meaning.

3. How would you describe your designs as?

I’m not sure there’s a specific word or title for my style of artwork. I always aim to make my designs clean, thorough, professional, and portray a concise message on behalf of the client. More than anything I just try to be myself, but I’m still discovering how to be comfortable with my own artistic voice and balance that with the desires of the client. It’s a process, but I’m working at it.

4. Where did you get the inspiration to make your designs?

My designs pull from a weird pool of inspiration. From Bauhaus, Brutalist and Usonian architecture, to trinkets and thrift store antiques, to outdated advertisements, to early professional sport and university design styles, to flash designs from american traditional tattoo artists. I try to combine art styles from before my time, and whatever I can envision coming next rather than doing whatever is trendy at the moment. I try to be as respectful to time as possible, I want my designs to get worn in well. I expand my sources of inspiration every day so I don’t box myself in.

5. Which kind of designs do you make (artwork, merchandise, logos...)?

I typically design apparel, brand identities (logos, wordmarks, icons, etc.) and album artwork.

6. How much do you usually spend on every design?

Typically it depends on the kind of design I’m working on. Branding typically takes me the longest amount of time but 9 times out of 10 the design process takes me way more than I’d like to admit. My biggest problem is learning when each design is done and it’s time to move on to the next job. Every time I put the cursor or pen down I think of another idea or improvement. 

7. With which band´s have your worked?

I work with clients in all different industries, not just bands.

Some of my favorite clients include:

Pratt & Whitney

Pabst Brewing Company

National Bohemian Beer

Barstool Sports

Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles)

Zach Granite (Minnesota Twins)

idobi Radio

In Flex We Trust

I Set My Friends On Fire

Thy Art Is Murder

Silent Planet

The Parallel

Victorian Halls

Heartfelt (Ex-Woe Is Me)

Revolver Magazine

Highlight Magazine

New Noise Magazine

The Dark Dream Agency

Fata Booking Agency

Digital Music Pool

Victory Records

Famined Records

Imminence Records

Red Planet Records

MKT Records

Luxor Records

Harbor Records

Red Planet Records

High Road Publicity

Persistent Heart Media

8. Have you got any bad experience with a design (re-doing it many times, making many changes...)?

Many times, it’s all a part of the job. I have email requests that would make you shake your head in disbelief. I just try to be calm and treat everyone with professionalism, respect, and courtesy.

9. Can you say something for the begginers?

In many people’s eyes, I’m still a beginner. I never went to art school or had a traditional internship or training. I just decided this is what I love to do, and I kept grinding it out until it was a feasible career path. You can do it too, I’m not special and I’m still learning every day.

10. Say something about your designs and prices:

If you’re interested in working with Empirical Designs for your next album release, apparel design, press kit, tour flier or logo then contact me via email at nick@empiricaldesigns.net, 24/7 for a free consultation on any and all of your design, promotional, or marketing needs.

You can also view my portfolio, filled with previous work and case studies from my favorite clients: www.empiricaldesigns.net

Thanks for having me!