Designer insights with David Palmer

David Palmer is a designer and artist working from his eponymous studio, based in Los Angeles. David has exhibited his works across the US, in numerous museums and art galleries. His art is also featured in a selection of prestigious public and private collections. As well as traditional artworks, David has worked digitally on the visual effects for Hollywood films including Spider-Man 3. As present he is collaborating on a series of commercial wallpapers. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of David Palmer.

Designer Insights - David Palmer

Image Credit: 1) Kevin Mack  2) Piero della Francesca 3) Ryan McGinness 4) Stanley Donwood 5) Converse

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

My paintings combine the vocabulary of Pop Art with an Italian Renaissance sensibility.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I start with an idea, but I continually discover the image as I work on it. It’s like having a conversation, or taking a walk in a new neighbourhood.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

I’ve worked with some really amazing people (like Academy Award-winner Kevin Mack) creating visual effects for Hollywood movies, co-written songs with my friend Barry Keenan of Los Angeles indie rock band Invisible Poet Kings, and teamed up with other designers on various projects. What I’m most excited about right now is my collaboration with Toronto-based ROLLOUT on a new series of commercial wallpapers.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I don’t know where my ideas come from, but they all end up in my sketchbooks. I have dozens of them lined up on my shelf, like an encyclopaedia set.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I definitely wouldn’t advise anyone to follow in my footsteps! You’d drive yourself crazy. But what I would suggest is to just get started. Find something that you’re passionate about doing, and dive in. Follow your curiosity. Along the way you’ll figure out what you need to know.