I was just featured in New Web Picks latest magazine and they also included a small candid interview of myself. I’ve posted the interview below, but if you are further interested you can buy the e-magazine for $2.50. It’s a really cool issue, ton’s of great stuff including an interview with the badass interactive shop Cartelle. You gotta love them!


Enjoy!

Issue 22: Interview with Jeff Toll

Tell us a little bit about your background?


Before focusing on interaction design I was really into traditional art. Art was something I had been involved in since I was a child. My first real inspiration dates back to the good days of Mark Kisler (https://www.draw3d.com/). From that point I was really hooked on drawing and got more serious about it as I grew older. I studied art in college while at the same tisme perusing a business degree. Water color, sketching and charcoal were my strong suites. I was torn between the thought of making money (business degree) and doing something I loved (art). At around the age of 23 I really got into Dj’ing and started buying Drum n’ Bass albums. The album art work blew me away, I had never really stopped to think about graphic design, so this was my first introduction. From there things instantly clicked. I changed my major and dived head first into design. I then quickly graduated and the rest was history. The core principles of design learned I in college has allowed me to be diverse in all mediums. Interaction design in particular.

Who are your main inspirations? / What are your influences?


My obvious inspiration comes from interactive shops such as Odopod, B Reel and Firstborn just to name a few. All of their work is amazing of course, but I’ve been more so inspired by their devotion for solely creating interactive work. Interactive design is by far my favorite design discipline, so it’s really nice to see these shops focus on interactive and not position themselves as a “Jack of all traits” shop. There’s no room for a business model like this if you want your work to be compared with the Odopods / Firstborns.


My main inspiration comes from my wife and son. They inspire and motivate me more than any shop or designer ever could.


My influences come a vast array of things other than viewing other design work. I’m always aware of my surroundings, for example if I’m out skateboarding I’ll take note of fashion, music and slang etc. The majority of my work is heavily rooted in youth culture so as I get older it’s even more important that I stay relevant with what’s going on in that age demographic, I still feel like I’m 20 years old even though I’m that plus 11. The design industry is amazing in that regard; it forces you stay young!

How do you keep motivated and interested?


I work and live in Sacramento, CA which is located just over an hour from San Francisco, CA . It’s a city very isolated from the design industry. Staying motivated is honestly very difficult because of the lack of designers to progress with. I guess I’m lucky to have a sincere love for design and art. I have a small handful of things I love in life which I’m completely committed to, one being design.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?


I’ve been working on a brand overhaul for a small backpack company called “Gregory” with a handful of people over at BKWLD.com. The rebrand encompassed everything from their brand positioning, message, identity, to producing viral videos and a website overhaul just to name a few. It’s been quite a fun experience. Running around the city filming a professional rock climber act like an ass was totally fun! Look for the overhaul later this fall. The current brand/site is a turd.

What do you know about your country’s design/designers?


We (US) kick ass like the rest of the world! Brazil though has always had a unique flare. I’ve really been influenced by work coming out of Japan lately. Their ideas are always driven first by technology and aesthetic secondary, but because the technology is so damn cool the aesthetics naturally become just as cool. The first Japanese site design that comes to mind is the “Cup of Noodles” site by www.dentsu-razorfish.com . Who knew a site for a foam cup could be so amazing! Oh don’t forget about all the Uniqlo sites, they are all on fire!

Any words you would like to pass it to new comer designers?


Don’t be afraid, and if you are, force that fear to be a positive motivator. We are all thrown into situations that are new and well out of our comfort zone. Use that fear as a motivator and don’t be scared of failure or the word “No”. It will make you stronger. This is easier said than done, but it’s a shame how many new designers call it quits because they are just simply scared.

What is your most favorite commercial design of your own?


Man, that’s really difficult to answer being that I have many favorites all for different reasons, but since you’re asking me to choose, I’d say https://worsethanafairytale.com. That being because I was given the freedom to explore my personal design style. The site became a turning point in my artistic ability to create surreal landscapes. It’s now a preferred style and another “go to” tool in my design belt.

Name 8 designers you like it most?


The first few that come to mind are…


Scott Hansen - Iso50.com
- I had the honor in working with him for 1-2 years or so. Learned a lot, amazing designer and musician.
Chuck Anderson - https://www.nopattern.com
Nigel over at - https://www.electricheat.org
Steve Rura - https://www.letters-numbers.com
Demtre Arges - https://www.practiveworkplay.com
Nicolas Will - https://www.nicolaswill.com
Sarah Calvillo - https://www.amongmadpeople.com/motion.html

Any final comments?


Thank you for the interview of course and for those reading please feel free to say hello. I’m always down to meet new design buds. Take care.