Dann Petty Interview – Web and graphic designer


 

Take a look at this entertaining interview with the very talented, hard working, mac-loving (no..dont judge..) inspiring web designer, Dann Petty..

Check out some of his impressive work and the interview with the man himself here!

567801223061450

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from and where are you living now?

I’m a 25 yr old dude from a small town in Tennessee called Tullahoma. It’s tiny. Have you ever heard of Jack Daniels Whiskey which is made in Lynchburg, TN? Yea I went to school right beside it. I practiced baseball in cow patties while enhaling the somewhat nasty smell of a mixture between the cows and JD’s distillery or whatever that was. I was an hardcore athelete. I played every sport available baseball, football, basketball, track, golf, hockey you name it. Baseball was my passion though. I always thought I was going to be a professional pitcher so I never really thought about my career as anything else. I even played in the junior olympics.

I went to a design school in Franklin,TN called O’more College of Design which is right outside of Nashville. Google it. A lot of designers don’t go through school these days but I have to say it really helped out. It helped me see how how other students are thinking. How to give presentations and stuff. I wouldn’t say you learn design at those schools though. I think that just comes all natural. Also I was lucky to get a sweet internship at Anode in downtown Nashville through that school. They really pushed my skill sets. I did so much flash work and design work it was crazy. So far my favorite art director was from Anode, Adam Goleniewski.

I’m now living in San Francisco, CA. Talk about a transition right. Growing up in the south is totally different than here. I love it though. It has been nothing but a rad adventure. I always knew I’d move out to California. It just felt right for me. I’m a very driven person. I’m always looking for that next big thing. I fell like I’m working on 100 start-ups of my own right now. I need programmers! If your a programmer let me put you to work haha.

 

567801223053721

Tell us a little about your work, what do you do? Who have you worked for?

I’m currently doing advertising. So like micro sites and rich media banners, that type of thing. If you want to push your creativity get into advertising. I worked at a e-commerce shop which brought me to SF. It was great that’s where I landed all The North Face and Reebok stuff. But if you look at it there is really not much thought that goes into that kind of design creatively. It’s mainly about structure and easy user experience. There’s no concept behind those sites except for making them look good. One exception is the RBK Maeda stuff I made. I was redesigning the site for that company I was working for an learned a lot about it by doing that. When my boss told me we are not a creative shop but a smart technology shop so we shouldn’t have a cool site I knew I was in the wrong place. I was already getting offers to other places and then my friend offered me one in Sausalito,CA called Butler Shine Stern and Partners and I knew it was time to get started doing some creative thinking. So that’s where I am now. It’s an awesome set up. I really owe a lot to Fluid though for bringing me to the Bay Area. The work they do at Fluid is really smart and incredible. I just needed to be more creative since I’m just beginning my career.

567801223053510

Clients I’ve worked for:

Adobe, Mini Cooper, The North Face, Oakley, Reebok, Epson, Priceline, Lucas Arts, EA Sports, Farmers, Dockers, Columbia Sportswear, Bridgestone Firestone, Red Bull, MTV (damn! Impressive!)

567801223053605

What has been your most interesting/favorite client to work for, why?

Whoa, that’s a tough one. I’d say Adobe. Ya know, because it’s Adobe. We just won their business so I’m really just getting started on the work, but still. It’s Adobe. Think about what we’d be doing right now if it wasn’t for them, wait, probably out shredin some nature haha. NEVERMIND.

Other than that I’d say Lucas Arts. I mean, getting to be around everything that made Star Wars is just wicked ridiculous. I did some really cool advertising for the game they launched a few months ago called Fracture. Nailed it.

(see below!)

567801223060851

567801223060912

What are you working on at the moment?

Just got finsihed working on a pitch for EA Sports. I’m currently tweaking a prototype of my first (out of hundreds) start-ups Im actually going along with. Programmers and investors call me! I’ve got atleast 20 sites ready! Seriously though, I’m constantly designing websites and products that I want to start but unfortunately I have no money for development and don’t know too many willing programmers. At least they look good though right? I’ve always been trying to start something though. I remember when I was younger I was a businessman. I did the lemonade stand, lawn mowing business, car detailing business, I use to show cars, I tried to start a magazine, started a hockey league and just so much more. There was just so much I wanted to do. Actually I really just want to go to sleep.

567801223057750

What are your other interests besides graphic design?

Surfing, snowboarding, cars, golf. Anything rad that gets me away from design. I’m kidding I love designing. I can’t stop. I really wish I could get outdoors more. I live so close to Tahoe and can’t ever get out there. Anyone want to give me a ride? Also I’m surrounded by water and never do I get wet. I’m an entrepuneur at heart. I get that from my Dad. What else, riding my bike. You might find me on the golf course. You know but really I don’t feel like I ever stop designing. The work really never quits but it’s fun. There is nothing better than be creative all day. It’s like being back in school when I was drawing instead of paying attention in class.

 

Picture 1

What does your typical day involve?

It’s madness. Man I wish I had a typical day haha. Well lately this has been my rutuine. Go to bed about 2am. Wake up at 7am. Take a cold shower (we never know when we get hot water) hop on the bicycle and head across the Golden Gate Bridge. Work about 9-7. Get home about 830ish, eat some Whole Foods, watch some Hulu, design, play some Urban Terror, design, iTunes, then around 2am I’m back in bed. That’s been my routine lately since I’m only getting to see my amazing girlfriend on the weekends. Which is a bummer. My day pretty much revolves around the computer. Phew, if I had a PC I’d go nuts.

567801223053283

Any advice to up coming artists and designers?

Get inspired. Have fun. Keep it current. Get a Mac. Go probono. I can’t preach this any louder. Young designers get so mad when you tell them you gotta start doing some freebies. Do it because you love it. They all think their work is worth so much money already haha. I started emailing people if I could do a site for them for free. I just loved designing and growing my skills. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a good designer. Also have lots of resources. I had a teacher (who was once the creative director for MTV) tell me that you are only as good as your resources. Pretty much sums that up.

567801223057407

What is your site or blog URL?

My site is dannpetty.com. It hasn’t really been updated since I graduated college. It was made for a senior project which really just means I did it last minute just for the grade. I’ve been working on a new one since I moved to SF but it involves a lot of After Effects on Actionscript which is a big learning curve for me so it’s taking longer. It’s coming. I might have a easy version up by the time you read this. For some more frequently updated work just check out my behance page

n712849387 607776 7946

A huge thanks to Dann! It’s really great of you to share some of your unique talent and experience!

All the best for the future!

6,075 Comments

  1. minecraft says:

    Having read this I believed it was really informative.

    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this information together.
    I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments.

    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  2. Claribel says:

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be useful to read content from other writers and practice
    something from their web sites.

  3. tinyurl.com says:

    Nice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are
    you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your
    host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  4. I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues with your site.
    It looks like some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me
    know if this is happening to them too? This could be a issue with
    my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Kudos

  5. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

  6. tinyurl.com says:

    A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you
    ought to publish more about this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically folks don’t speak about
    these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!

  7. I like the helpful information you provide to your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more here frequently.

    I’m slightly sure I’ll be told lots of new stuff right
    here! Good luck for the next!

  8. Laurence says:

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on ig. Regards

  9. Amanda says:

    Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due
    to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to
    prevent hackers?

  10. Celsa says:

    Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How long have you been blogging for?

    you make running a blog glance easy. The entire
    glance of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content material!

  11. tinyurl.com says:

    What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable
    experience regarding unexpected emotions.

  12. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and
    found that it is really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.
    I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  13. tinyurl.com says:

    Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my
    twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
    Please let me know. Thanks

  14. Leilani says:

    Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during
    lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.

    I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile
    .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, fantastic site!

  15. tinyurl.com says:

    An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little research on this.
    And he in fact ordered me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this issue here on your internet site.

  16. Avis says:

    Every weekend i used to go to see this web page, because i want enjoyment, as this this web site conations really nice funny data too.

  17. tinyurl.com says:

    Every weekend i used to pay a visit this site, because i wish for enjoyment, since this this web
    page conations truly nice funny information too.

  18. tinyurl.com says:

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided
    me.

  19. What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in support of me, since this time i am reading this great informative article here at my
    residence.

  20. Novella says:

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and
    was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
    would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web
    smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  21. Jeff says:

    When someone writes an post he/she maintains the plan of a user in his/her brain that how a user can know it.
    So that’s why this post is amazing. Thanks!

  22. bit.ly says:

    fantastic publish, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this.
    You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  23. tinyurl.com says:

    It’s very trouble-free to find out any topic on net
    as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this web page.

  24. Hi, the whole thing is going sound here and ofcourse every
    one is sharing facts, that’s in fact good, keep up writing.

  25. Dorris says:

    all the time i used to read smaller posts which as well clear their motive,
    and that is also happening with this piece of writing which
    I am reading at this place.

  26. Edgardo says:

    Truly no matter if someone doesn’t know afterward its up to other viewers that they will assist, so here it
    occurs.

  27. Jaqueline says:

    If you are going for best contents like I do, simply visit this
    site daily since it provides quality contents, thanks

  28. tinyurl.com says:

    With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into
    any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My blog has a lot of completely unique content
    I’ve either created myself or outsourced but
    it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
    Do you know any techniques to help protect against content
    from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  29. tinyurl.com says:

    It’s an amazing post for all the web visitors; they will
    get benefit from it I am sure.

  30. tinyurl.com says:

    This paragraph is genuinely a pleasant one it helps new the web people, who are
    wishing for blogging.

  31. constantly i used to read smaller content that as well
    clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I
    am reading at this place.

  32. Christin says:

    I used to be able to find good advice from your blog posts.

  33. This blogThis websiteThis site was… how do Ihow do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have foundI’ve found something thatsomething which helped me. ThanksMany thanksThank youCheersThanks a lotAppreciate itKudos!

  34. Rosella says:

    Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

  35. Umanizzare says:

    Remarkable! Its really awesome article, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this post.

  36. Ofelia says:

    Hi there, this weekend is fastidious designed for me, because this time
    i am reading this wonderful informative post here at my house.

  37. Josie says:

    Considering that the MSM is completely manipulated, what blogs/websites have you located that provide you details that the MSM ignores?.

  38. gamefly says:

    I like the helpful information you provide
    in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and
    check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right
    here! Best of luck for the next!

  39. one of our guests not long ago advised the following website

  40. please go to the web sites we comply with, including this one particular, as it represents our picks through the web

  41. This piece of writing is truly a pleasant one it helps new
    internet viewers, who are wishing for blogging.

  42. When some one searches for his essential thing, thus he/she desires to be available that in detail,
    so that thing is maintained over here.

  43. It’s amazing designed for me to have a site, which is useful in favor of my
    know-how. thanks admin

  44. Yasmin says:

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However,
    how could we communicate?

  45. Hmmm, I am not therefore ‘ consider every little thing the following, but you do offer a important information with this make a difference. I’ll instruct me personally plus revisit at a later date.

  46. Sites of interest we have a link to

  47. please check out the internet sites we comply with, which includes this one particular, as it represents our picks through the web

  48. tinyurl.com says:

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through some
    of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely
    happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  49. tinyurl.com says:

    This design is steller! You obviously know how
    to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your
    videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  50. very couple of internet sites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly effectively worth checking out

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Rex The Stray – underground dog comic

Rex The Stray, an underground comic about a deviant runaway dog styled by illustrator Christian Herr and writer Lee Noble.

www.rexthestray.com

And Drunk Dial Rex, on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CVGGD3xf8

Illustrator Marylou Farue

Work from Marylou Faure, an illustrator living in London.

more at www.maryloufaure.com

Illustrator Joel Mackenzie

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelmackenzie/ Details »

Captain Feline – Blending Pop Culture with Cats

felineship

Captain Feline employs anthropomorphism to blend pop culture with cats. The results are a collection of fun t-shirts and limited edition art prints – purr-fect for displaying a combined love of cats and cult movie characters! Whilst the debut t-shirt illustrations by Dave are inspired by cult and classic movie characters, the team plan to increase the range to feature other pop culture icons as they grow and expand.

http://www.captainfeline.com Details »

Vertigo

vertigo

via: www.tradclyffe.co.uk

Insekta

insekta-03

Insekta is a collection designed by Italian studio Kreativehouse. Details »