tony brook (spin) interview

tony brook (spin) interview
photo: the dutch telegraaf

tony brook is the co-founder of british design studio spin, which has received recognition for its work in print, television and cinema graphics, digital design, poster design and typography.

DB: please could you tell us briefly about the evolution of spin?
TB: in 1992 me and patricia founded the studio, having met on the tube (oxford circus victoria line) it just felt like it was the right time. over the years the studio size has varied in the number of people working here, right now there’s eight of us. we enjoy working on a wide variety of projects and disciplines, and always have, the type of work you do isn’t always something that you can control completely.

print magazine – guest designed by spin

print magazine – guest designed by spin

DB: how would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before?
TB: conceptual, inventive, appropriate, direct.

DB: how do you share your workload between studio members?
TB: we try to make sure that everyone gets a broad range of projects to work on. there are certain projects that really suite different people too. we play it by ear.

AGI open website

DB: what is the attraction of designing identities for you?
TB: they are so pure and iconic on one level and so complex and involved on another.

DB: are you able to finalize an identity much quicker than you used to, or does it remain a matter of trial and error?
TB: experience allows to get ideas going pretty quickly but then it is a long and unavoidable process of refinement.

design museum london identity – shopping bag

design museum london – exhibition flyers

DB: do you think it’s important for a graphic designer to be able to draw?
TB: not really although it helps me personally.

DB: how do you think online design resources have influenced the work being produced today?
TB: in a good and bad way. the negative side is the proliferation of copycat designs, the positive side is that young designers are much more aware and engaged the rich and wonderful history of design.

lubalin book published by unit editions

jurriaan schrofer book

DB: besides your work what are you passionate about and why?
TB: cricket. reading. collecting graphic design. publishing books. photography.

proa gallery – algunos artistas

proa gallery – algunos artistas

proa gallery – mexico exhibition

DB: what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
TB: be nice to people.

DB: what is the worst piece of advice you have ever been given?
TB: don’t set up a studio.