Spark Speak - Steff Geissbuhler on the Art of Reinvention

Technology, the economy, restlessness--all of these factors prod graphic designers to reinvent themselves. Steff Geissbuhler, a veteran of Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc., partner and principal of C&G Partners, LLC and now founder of geissbuhler:design, has had considerable experience in the art of reinvention. This month, Steff explained his journey as a designer, sharing his incredible portfolio along the way. Steff shared the following wisdom:

1. Consider reinvention as a designer the same way you approach branding with your clients--a strategy and identity system essentially reinventing the company.

2. It seems like clients are getting more design-savvy, which can be both refreshing and dangerous. In the end, however, finding a way to work in harmony with a client who respects design can be extremely rewarding.

3. As designers, we need to be willing to go with the flow and take opportunities as they come along. Steff has a craft background and remembers having to transition to the digital world. He is still expanding his knowledge and experience with technology.

Steff, like most designers, looks back on old work and thinks about what he could have done better. He still starts every project with the mindset of wanting to create "the best thing ever."