Interview with Chris Slabber

Chris Slabber ("CS") interviewed on Wednesday, 15 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

CS : I've been a professional creative for the past 12 years. I started out working in agencies, but went the independent route about 10 years ago. Since then I've had the pleasure of working with great brands the likes of Mercedes Benz, NBA, GQ Magazine and Qatar Airways. I've also done frequent work for some amazing agencies such as FCB Africa, Hello Computer, TBWA Africa, Harper Collins and Native VML.

How did you become a designer?

CS : I've always knew I would end up in some sort of creative job since a very young age. Nothing else really gave me same excitement as the arts did. I live for those moments of inspiration.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CS : I'm mostly known for my photography and manipulation techniques. I've always been inspired by Surrealism and photo manipulation allows me to really bend reality. I don't just rely on digital medium. Instead I try and do as much by hand as possible and the I would take it too the next level with photoshop.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CS : Its always about solving the problem or challenge you've been given. Once you can visualise your end goal, interesting things start too happen. Nothing beats that moment when a project is completed and you can't stop looking at it. There is an uncontrollable smile that starts at your toes and fill your entire body with happiness.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

CS : I grew up in a very small rural town in South Africa. There wasn't much too do for someone that was interested in the alternative culture, so I kind of forced me to create my own world. It taught me how to shift my perspective of the world, how too make the dull become exciting.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

CS : I just always strive too better my skills and too keep working on bigger projects with world wide brands. Working on an international level is very satisfying for a creative, because you get too work with some of the greatest minds in their respected fields. They understand greatness, which allows them/us too for see trends.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

CS : Never assume it is about you when working for a client. Learn how too process feedback and manipulate it too the best of you abilities. You will build relationships that will last a lifetime and gain a lot of respect.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

CS : Make lots of mistakes every time. Failure is the driving force behind progress.

What is your day to day look like?

CS : Coffee, breakfast, emails, get hands dirty, supper, netflix (usually a documentary), bed (I either read about creative trends or watch something on youtube about something creative).

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

CS : I subscribe too a few blogs, but I find that Adobe 99U is a great source of information and motivation for any creative.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

CS : I try and keep it as simple as possible. I always tell student, "If it looks good, it is good. If it looks bad, you'll know it looks bad".

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CS : As soon as I like looking at what I've done I know I'm pretty much there. Your end result should make you smile.

What is your biggest design work?

CS : There's been a few that stands out. In 2015 I did the artwork for Gordon's Dry Gin in South Africa, which was presented to the public on a very large scale. Also in 2017 I did a campaign for the Huffington Post that had a very influential call to action about smart consumerism. These are just 2 that really stood out for me.

Who is your favourite designer?

CS : I don't really have a favourite. I like too study the forefathers of design especially the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and M.C. Escher. I guess in a modern world I would have too say Elon Musk. I suppose its the fact that they were/are able too change the world through design and innovation.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

CS : I tend too be very much a secluded person. I like being able too search my thoughts and my subconscious. I enjoy going to the Namib desert a lot. The total isolation is extremely refreshing and it allows me to be completely honest with myself and the world.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

CS : I see myself as a specialist in my field. I decided a while ago that instead of being a "Jack of all trades", I would focus on one niche market and sell myself as a product to the creative industry. Its not easy working for yourself. It requires a lot of focus and discipline. You need to have a strong routine and mindset, but you should also know when it is time to relax. The last part is not always easy.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

CS : I hope too inspire people with the bit of success I've had in my career thus far. I would like people too see that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve so much. Your future is in your hands so make it the best you can. Share your knowledge as much as you can. The more informed the world can be, the better the end result.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

CS : The night of the Gala in 2014 is my most memorable night of my life. I still get emotional thinking back too it. The A' Design Awards that I've won in the past gave me a big confidence boost and also made me so much more credible as a designer. I was able too shake hands with some of the industry's leading minds. This opened up my eyes on a whole new level.

Chris Slabber Profile