031: Creativity doesn't have a finish line (Jon Contino Part 1)

Jon is an artist and graphic designer from New York.  His designs, typography, and illustrations have graced magazine covers, t-shirts, album jackets, murals, food trucks, movie posters, websites, and national ad campaigns, just to name a few.  He’s the Founder & Creative Director of Contino Brand menswear and accessories company, as well as Co-Founder & Creative Director of CXXVI Clothing Company.

Full shownotes: http://yourcreativepush.com/joncontino

In this episode, Jon discusses:

-How his love and ability for design drives him.

-The difference between being a creative director and a young designer.

-The origins of his confidence and the journey it has taken.

-The importance of a "nothing to lose" attitude.

-His worst moment as a designer, and the importance of going through it.

-To not get too excited about things like interviews with Playboy.

-How it is a constant push, and almost addiction, for creative people to constantly want more.

-How LETTING GO of what he thought a designer was supposed to be allowed him to become the designer that he always was.

-How growing up in New York City (Manhatten in particular) and his love for minimalism helped to shape his design and what defined him.

-The importance of hand-drawing.

-About being influenced by other art and how it can (and should) seep into your own work.

-How you'll never get to the level of your favorite artist -- you'll be different no matter what.

-What to do when you get an idea in the middle of the night.

 

Quotes:

"I think that as a creative person, if there is a finish line, you're done being a creative person."

"The second I started to actually do what I felt was me, that's when I couldn't get enough."

 

Links discussed:

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2015

Jon's interview with Playboy

 

Connect with Jon:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Dribble