TYPO Talks » Blog Archiv » Five Questions to … Andrew Altmann

In over 20 years of experience Andy has worked on projects ranging from exhibition design to postage stamps via advertising, publishing, television titles, commercials, corporate identity and public art. Why Not Associates clients include the Royal Academy of Arts, Malcolm Mcclaren, Pompidou Centre, Royal Mail, Nike, Paul Smith, Virgin Records, Antony Gormley, BBC, Channel 4 and the Tate Modern.

1. Which work are you particularly proud of? Which work best represents your style or approach?

To be honest I’m more interested in other peoples work than my own. I’ll let other people judge my work.

2. What inspires you?

Anything and everything inspires me. It could be a beautifully shaped pebble, a noise, a book, a painting, a washing powder box…
3. The theme of this year’s TYPO Berlin is »Sustain«. Sustainability seems to have evolved into a »buzzword« in the last couple of years, with which agencies and companies aim to fulfill a desire for stability and values. Can you name a project in which this ambition has led to concrete, exemplary design solutions?

Sustainability is the capacity to endure. Our collaboration with artist Gordon Young has certainly produced pieces of public art that have to have a life expectancy of over a hundred years. Most graphic design has a short life span, whether it’s a 30 second television commercial or a poster for a three month art exhibition. It certainly makes you more aware of typos!

4. TYPO Berlin 2012: What are you especially looking forward to?

A large beer.

5. Required reading/watching: What are currently your favorite interesting/beautiful publications, books, movies and/or links?

Andy Altmann

On leaving the Royal College of Art in 1987 Andy Altmann (born 1962) formed the multi disciplinary design group Why Not Associates with fellow graduates Howard Greenhalgh and David Ellis. In over 20 years of experience Andy has worked on projects ranging from exhibition design to postage stamps via advertising, publishing, television titles, commercials, corporate identity and public art. Why Not Associates clients include the Royal Academy of Arts, Malcolm Mcclaren, Pompidou Centre, Royal Mail, Nike, Paul Smith, Virgin Records, Antony Gormley, BBC, Channel 4 and the Tate Modern.

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