Membership Spotlight: Bragg Swain

June 10, 2009 Filed Under: Member Spotlight 0 Comments

Bragg Swain, AIGA Member Since 2005
Creative Services Manager
Pelton & Crane

Where do I get my inspiration?
When working on concepts I enjoy taking random photos and discovering new perspectives for the subject at hand, looking at architectural magazines, sinking into well worn chairs at Barnes and Noble and perusing books, listening to RUSH, high energy dance music or show tunes ( I am a Pandora nightmare), going to design conferences & lectures, anything on TED.com. Love me some coolhunting.com, searching for random inspiration through google images, seeing musicals, watching films and playing with my kids!

Favorite book
I have giant stack of design books (Designing Brand Identity, The Art of Innovation and Killer color book titled Color:messagesandmeaning by Leatrice Eiseman…the Queen of amazing pantone color combos…must have for any designer) but really enjoy simple motivational books like Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, The Last Lecture (puts everything into perspective), The Purple Cow (marketing 101), the Art of Possibility. I will admit that some are solid nerd books like “Physics the Impossible” that dives deep into understanding the possibilities of time travel, light sabers and alternate realities (too much LOST, Fringe and Star Trek!...damn you JJ. Abrams….I curse you and your addictive mind melting creative genius!)

What is the best advice I ever received?
A great friend advised that I always “Hitch myself to the highest flying kite” meaning that its important in your career to seek out those people who believe in you, are willing to teach you and are smarter than you. You need mentors to champion what you do and show you the ropes. Its like playing tennis, you want to play with others that are better than you to increase your skill and talent level. Find mentors who will challenge you every step of the way and encourage you to evolve. Another piece of great advise is “keep what you have and go get what you want”. Perfect for navigating these tough economic times.

What is the best purchase I ever made!
Our honeymoon to Tahiti! The trip was an amazing adventure to kick off that new chapter in our life and it has been a memory that has brought lots of joy and inspiration over the years. Because of that trip we went on to explore many other parts of the world and look forward to all the new adventures with our family but with a 3 month old and 3 year old I am currently traveling vicariously through Dora the Explorer and Baby Einstein videos….traveling should kick back in full gear in 2015!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would love to be a musician and a singer. Very jealous of those that have the talent to express themselves creatively through music. Would like to learn to play an instrument before I die. I think I will start with the piano. Also, would not mind being a shop owner in Charleston SC, my wife and I really enjoy the culture, lifestyle and people down in Charleston. The city has a great homegrown, local vibe with tons of creative energy and amazing restaurants. Went to school there, worked there and would love to retire there!
 

If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Membership Spotlight, contact rmartin@aigacharlotte.org.