An interview with one of our latest designers – Joe Futschik from Jefdesigns. We’ve been doing designer interviews for years in order to gain insight into our designers’ talents, processes and true personalities. Want to see more? Browse our collection of Desiger Interviews. Enjoy!

Joe – Who’s Jef?

Jef are my initials. Words have never been my strength, I am much more comfortable expressing myself through images and objects, hence the rather dry company name. Another reason is many people say I look like a Jeff and refer to me as such, which I find weird because I always thought I looked like a Scott.

What are you inspired by & how does this affect your work?

I get inspired by so much and it changes constantly. Ten years ago it was art nouveau and art deco. Five years ago it was Noguchi lamps. At the moment it’s Japanese and Scandinavian graphic patterns. I also love Mark Rothko. Wood grain and saturated color have been primary ingredients in my designs for a while. Living in Portland Oregon since 1995, the importance of light has become an obsession for me. I’ve pretty much created most of my home furniture and outfitted it with lighting. I think the emotional impact of ambient light is significant. And besides, everyone looks better when they are well lit.

Do you collect anything? Tell us of your treasures….

I am a total sucker for junk, garbage and recycled material, whatever you want to call it! Not the answer you were looking for, I’m sure. Almost all my designs were created from rummaging through junk shops. The Rebuilding Center here in Portland is amazing. All materials from renovated or demolished buildings end up here. It’s such a playground for designers.

I also love to search beaches for sea life: rocks, sea beans, corals, urchins, sea fans. They’ve been influencing my recent designs a lot.

You know, I just realized I’m a terrible consumer because I make most of my furniture, and collect junk and free stuff from the ocean. But these “treasures” influenced and inspired my designs.

I bet Lulu (his adorable French Bulldog) is the most popular pooch on Dogster. How many pup pals does she have?

Lulu (best dog ever) is a people’s pup. She thinks other dogs are fine, but realized early on that they can’t provide her with what she craves most: food and love. In many cases they are the same thing to her. We’re a lot alike in many ways.

What’s next for jef designs?

Great question: I have been working on new designs inspired by marine life that I hope to produce in a variety of mediums. Other than that I’m not sure. I’m fairly self-taught with design and I haven’t had a very clear business plan other than to make things that are truthful expressions of what I see or feel. So far that has been working in my favor… we’ll see.

Go check out Joe’s beautiful creations!

Erich Ginder Studio was founded in the fall of 2004 with the conception of his ghost collection, a series of objects created entirely by hand from solid cast resin. Before focusing on a career in design, he studied at Chicago’s School of the Art Institute and worked as a production artist in advertising. Now based out of Seattle, Erich’s studio focuses on well crafted pieces that attempt to blur the line between art and design.

Why did you start your design company?

“After leaving art school I became interested in creating objects of beauty that had the potential to carry meaning outside of their functionality. My company is an attempt at doing so.

Congratulations on your newest creation – the Mansion chandelier. Your designs are some of the most stunning we’ve seen. What or who are your inspirations?

“In the world of design, Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel of Studio Job have been a wonderful inspiration to me.

Do you collect anything? Any favorite possessions?

“I am fairly obsessed with music and food. My prized possessions would have to be my cookbooks and record collection.

What’s next for you Erich?

I’m working on several new projects right now. If all goes well you can expect to see a
table lamp, a vase series, and a modular shelving system.

View Erich Ginder’s work.