How does a great designer feed his craft? What inspires him?
Most days you'll find Tim designing books at Walter Greene & Company. As with many creatives their artistic expression crosses over into other mediums. Tim is not just an impeccable designer but a multi-talent artist.
Beginning in his teens, Tim has had a passion for playing harmonica and for the blues from the 1920s through 1940s. Mostly playing in private learning the techniques and tones available, he built an intimate relationship with the instrument. Those scales of notes translating in to shapes and colors evident in his design work. In the past few years he has taken his harmonica public through his band, The Blues Devils.
Tim's other loves, the American Southwest where he journeys whenever possible. He documents the landscape textures and lifestyle elements he finds inspiring with absolute beauty conveying the rustic momentary vignettes in dramatic light. Yes, he is also an accomplished photographer.
Recently we spent time at a landscape photography exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art where we discussed in depth his interests. The Southwest to Tim offers the varied and rugged geography that builds spacial landscapes with endless sky, ones that maybe he carries with him internally and work with his elegant negative space and typography on the page.
Our friendship began back in 1986 when he selected one of my images for paper sample book. Our connection solidified after he gave a presentation to a gathering of AIGA and ASMP members where he shared how at the time his young daughter inspired some of his designs. Since then, he has become an invaluable friend and fellow artist.
A gentle soul who has made it a point to create through out his career following his interests and allowing them to blend into the flavors he offers in all his works whether visual or musical. Tim is living creative expression.
about the author: Karen Ollis is an experienced photographer specializing in studio portraiture, and environmental on-location portraits for editorial stories, PR and marketing testimonials.