Andy Sir, Class of 2011, is an Associate Director at Frank Collective in Brooklyn. 

What are some of your recent, favorite, most challenging, or most interesting projects?

Some of the best projects have been for products I actually use and buy. I love Grey Poupon so to work on the re-design for that was pretty cool. And currently at Frank, I’m working on a branding project for a client that aims to change the way we understand and view cyber security. At first it seemed like this project was going to be very corperate and dry but we’ve found a way to really humanize it which has made this project surprisingly insightful, inspiring and very much collaborative creative experience.

Which designers do you admire most nowadays?

I don’t really look to other graphic designers theses day. Now I tend to look around at other creative people who are doing amazing things in theire craft that is completely different then what I do. I look to musicians, artists, actors, film makers, fashion designers and analyze what they are doing or what story they’re trying to tell and see how I can apply that to what I’m doing.

How do you stay inspired?

Pop culture has always been inspiring to me. It’s always changing and moving and it can encompass pretty much anything so there’s endless things to explore. I think it’s also a topic that really brings people together. It’s always fun to chat with co-workers and friends about what they’re currently obsessing over and can’t get enough of. 

What design trends do you love? Which trends make you cringe?

I love all the 1950s and surrealist inspired product photography thats been happening lately, with the floating hands and 3/4 table top angles. It reminds me of vintage Betty Crocker cookbooks. I’m not sure if there’s anything that’s making me cringe at the moment. I think all trends whether you love them or hate them serve a purpose and can be really effective when use strategically. 

We asked Andy a few questions about his time spent at SVA and he kindly offered some great advice and insight to incoming/current students, mentioning that your experience is what you make of it so take full advantage of your time there! The opportunity to fully dedicate 2 years of your life to focus on your craft is a luxury. Enjoy it and learn from fellow students as much as from your teachers.

What is your favorite part of the MFA Design program?

Not school related but the very very late nights in the studio when everyone was tired, hungry, stressed and crazy. It was awful but it was fun. 

What impact has SVA MFA Design had on your career?

It’s had a huge impact on my career. Soon after graduating, an introduction by Steve Hellar lead me to Sterling Brands where I was for over 5 years and now at Frank Collective where I would work with fellow alum Ashley Stevens.

How has the program’s multidisciplinary approach helped you?

The SVA MFA Design program gave me a strong foundation and taught me how to approach and think about design in a unique way. This has allowed me to pivot myself to be able to work on anything from branding, packaging, advertising, and UX.

If you could choose a thesis topic today, what would you pick?

HA! Nice try. Come up with your own thesis ideas!