Profile: Greg Gazdowicz

Newest to the family: Greg

 

Name: Greg Gazdowicz

Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland

 

So, Greg, what brings you to Objective Subject?

I love the work that OS has done and the company’s focus on process. I also enjoy the encouragement to iterate many different variations when working on sketches and ideas.

It’s also a very open office, and everyone is easily accessible, willing to talk, see what you’re working on and give feedback or help; it’s great!

 

Where do you find inspiration?

Usually it feels as if inspiration comes from the most unlikely sources. History is also always a good starting point in terms of aesthetics and ideas.

 

What do you most enjoy about the design process?
I enjoy the early stages because of the sketching and researching that is involved. I do enjoy the other steps along the way, especially when you start seeing the research, thinking and end result/implementation mesh and come together. It’s also great to experiment with distinct processes that take different paths.

 

Who are some of the designers you most admire?
It changes when looking for inspiration for work or just admiring craft, ability, skill and intellect of one particular designer. I do admire designers such as Bruce Mau, Emil Ruder, Gerrit Noordzij, Christian Schwartz, Joshua Darden, Peter Bi’lak, Matthew Carter and so on. I could go on forever about which designers I enjoy.

 

What is the favorite project that you have worked on?
It’s hard to choose, but I think most of my favorite projects seem to be centered around typography. If I had to choose, the most fun was probably when I was a part of the Center for Design Practice at Maryland Institute College of Art. It was great working on a small close-knit team that worked with the community. In the end, my work on a logotype led to a brand for ‘Status Update’ a new campaign for the Baltimore City Health Department.

Status Update, logo for a public health campaign for the city of Baltimore

 

What has been your favorite project working at OS?
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve worked on so far. Each project has had its separate challenges that I had to overcome. The team has been showing me how to think differently when working with a brand and how it needs consistency and to be cohesive.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed working on Future A, the house font. It’s a great opportunity to dive into type design and work with something that is in itself a system affecting a larger system that is the OS brand. It serves a day-to-day use that feeds into its greater purpose of being that special something that is tailored and specific to OS. It is vital because it’s used on everything, like presentations, the website, our front door, and a myriad of other places. It’s like having you’re own signature but you can spell out more than just your name.

Early renderings of Future A, Objective Subject’s custom version of Futura.

 

And now, for the most pressing question, what is your preferred lunch spot in DUMBO?
That’s a tough one! I feel like I haven’t explored all the possibilities yet. I do have to say I enjoy the veggie lunch platter from Pedro’s. But a special shout out is in order for Jimi’s salad; they’re always a nice back up.