Alex Isley Celebrates 25

Posted inThe Daily Heller
Thumbnail for Alex Isley Celebrates 25

Designer Alex Isley, formerly of M&Co. and SPY magazine, is celebrating his twenty-five year milestone with an exhibition of his work at the Type Directors Club titled “Working With Words.” I asked him to tell us what, during this time, “are the things that you feel are most important to your career?” He responded candidly: “Over time I’ve learned what I’m good and bad at. Understanding these has helped me a lot:”

IsleyTitle

Where I think I’m good:

  1. In pulling apart complex problems and developing simple plans of action;

  2. In demystifying the design process for clients;

  3. At gaining people’s trust. It’s amazing how much listening helps in this endeavor;

  4. In having the ability to work on several things at once;

  5. At knowing how to make the most out of tight budgets;

  6. In believing in the power of humor to communicate, even (and especially) if you’re working for stiffs (not that we ever do);

  7. At being able to switch off work when I am at home. You have to be able to take a break.

Where I know I’m bad:

  1. In being too eager to please;

  2. In being a procrastinator;

  3. In taking on too much work we shouldn’t do (from the financial point of view) because I just like to create things;

  4. In getting out there and beating the bushes for new work and contacts. I admire those who can be outgoing and engaging on demand;

  5. In thinking most problems can be solved with words and typography. I often have to remind myself how rewarding and effective collaborating with artists can be;

  6. In always being dissatisfied with my work and situation: I believe that if I start to feel content I will lose something important that keeps me wanting to learn and be better. So maybe that’s a plus: Perhaps this part should go under the “Good” section. This is a dilemma.

Isley_TitleBlock
IsleyCase

The opening of the show is Thursday, February 21st; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the TDC (347 W 36th St # 603). Maybe we all can learn something from this in time for our own respective anniversaries.


For more Steven Heller, check out The Education of a Graphic Designer, one of the many Heller titles available at MyDesignShop.com.