What's your job? Where do you work?
I am the Principal & Creative Director of Rian Design, a design studio located near downtown Los Angeles.

What are your inspirations?
This is a tough one because there are so many inspirational things around me. But, I would have to say it is the relationships that I have with fellow designers, writers, artists, etc. in the Los Angeles community. A simple conversation over lunch with another designer is sometimes enough inspiration for me to go and be creative for the rest of the day.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on the quarterly newsletter for the ALS Association Greater Los Angeles Chapter called The Messenger.

How do you balance your life between work and non-work? Or, what do you do in your spare time?
I do not spend time trying to balance my personal and professional life because that is a waste of time. Since I enjoy the people and experiences in both I see no reason to separate the two.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife Alyssa and my dog Buddy. When I really want to just get away I will create t-shirt designs, burn the screens and print my own t-shirts. My favorite way to release energy is just walking the dog to the park. And for sport, I enjoy sitting and playing poker for hours on end.

What is your worst client experience?
My worst experience with a client would have to be for a local distributer of pomegranate juice. Not only were they just recovering from a lawsuit involving copyright infringement but their main form of payment to me was with their product. I have nothing against a barter system but one can only drink so much pomegranate juice

What is the most valuable thing you learned in school (or your career)?
The most important thing that I leaned in school, which has carried over into my career, is to always stay current with what is going on with technology, the design industry and the world.

What are you currently listening to?
Silversun Pickups

What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading WorldChanging: A User's guide for the 21st Century. If you are at all interested in creating a better, more sustainable world this is a must read.

What’s the strangest project you’ve ever done?
CD packaging for a Christian Rock band. I am by no means religious so this was different for me.

What product or gadget strikes your fancy?
This is a little off the subject but I recently received a Sonicare toothbrush over the holidays. It is the kind of gift that you might role your eyes at and wonder, "what were they thinking?" but I love it! After every brush it is like you just left the dentist only without the bleeding gums and nasty flouride aftertaste.

If you could collaborate with another designer, another field of design or
another industry, what would it be and why?
I am fascinated by mid-century modern design and architecture. So, if given the opportunity I would like to go back in time and work with one of the many great architects from the post war years.

How long have you been a member of the AIGA, why did you join and what do you get out of your membership?
I have been a member for one month, i just joined at the holiday party in December. I want to be as involved as possible in the design community, so I see this as an excellent opportunity. I am looking forward to attending many events and meeting as many people as possible.

What are your favorite web sites? Why?
netflix.com :: entertainment
npr.org :: news
worldchanging.com :: the world
aigalosangeles :: design community
kexp.org :: music
apple.com :: technology

Do you have your own website?
www.riandesign.com

Are you currently looking for work or projects and why should a potential
employer or client be interested in you?
I am always looking for potential clients that are seeking smart, creative work.

Member Spotlight is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of our chapter's members. Promote yourself or a new project while sharing your experiences, interests and opinions with your local design community. Wanna be profiled next? Let us know.