We recently caught up with Ryan Marx, Creative Director and Founder of Marx, and chat about everything from ambition to table tennis. Ryan talks us through some of the worst design jobs he's ever had; gives us a HUGE amount of resources to check out, including his fave albums, podcasts, and books — plus we discuss his top 5 global design crushes.
Whats the worst design job you’ve ever had and how does that make you a better designer?
There have been many over the year’s but some highlights are:
1. Clear-cutting a cat.
2. Being too ambitious creatively and creating diorama sets and biting off more than we can chew.
3. Designing through clients broken ideas
Each job that we work through offers us insights on how we can do better, we will always be learning and that’s how I like it.
How did you name your practice and what does the name represent to you?
It’s my last name. I have always loved the name “Special” which is a great agency here in NZ. It’s got a few different meanings to it. As our business has evolved the way we think about “Marx”. That is: all the staff have their own unique mark, like someone’s handwriting is totally unique to them. As a collective, we all create our own mark.
*Give us the elevator pitch on what you do. *
We’re a design agency that does things differently. We use curiosity to create ideas-led solutions that engage audiences, create loyalty and drive success, making a difference to brands and their communities.
What are your three must-read design books, blogs or podcasts and why?
Albums:
1. The Zombies, Odyssey & Oracle: Recorded in 1968 and categorized as a psych-pop. One of the late 60’s greatest achievements.
2. James Maker, self-titled: A better Morrissey, who actually admits he is gay.
3. Beatles, Revolver: A sonic landmark in music. “Tomorrow Never Knows” say no more
Books:
1. The art of looking sideways: A great book to always revert back to, lovely single-minded ideas.
2. Smile of the mind: Explains the importance of humour and charming ideas
3. Old Graphis Annuals, 60’s – 70’s: I have a few of these. It is work I have never seen before. Which is highly creative. Makes you want to get off Pinterest and start a library.
4. The Push Pin Graphic: Love the way they go back in time and explore the different art eras. It looks like. They were having a whole lot of fun creating the “Push Pin Graphic” newspapers.
PodCasts:
1. BBC Desert Island Discs: Celebrities favorite songs, the back catalog goes back to the 60’s.
2. Mike D, Echo Chamber: Good to listen to while working, apart from the annoying sirens. Mike D brings in different musicians and they play songs from a similar thread back and forth to each other.
Just keep going, everything will be alright.
Who are your top five design crushes globally right now?
1. Seachange: A new design company in NZ who are pushing the envelope. We really love the playfulness in their work.
2. Collins: The modern-day Push Pin Studios. Love their Knot process and how they embrace the quirks of a brand. And they aren’t scared to get a little weird.
3. Hypnosis: All the best album covers were created by Hypnosis. They staged the most elaborate photographs. This was all before computers and was all done in past-up.
4. Michael Leon: I have been a huge fan for about 20 years. He is now the creative director for Sonos.
5. Inhouse Beautiful simplicity. You can totally tell when they have put their hand to something.
6. Marx - The team I work with, they are a fun, creative intelligent bunch who keep me honest in my design ambitions.
Whats the best piece of advice you’ve ever received
Just keep going, everything will be alright.
2019 for you in a sentence.
1. Better before bigger.
2. Push our work
3. Support the team
4. Beat Tristan (our Design Director) at table tennis
Where to find Marx Design online.
Website: marxdesign.co.nz
Instagram: @marxdesign.co.nz
