Ben Crick: Craft at scale

One More Question

Highlights from the conversation:

"Design is not what we make. Design is what we make possible for others."

"Craft is just consideration of every detail. And scale is often about finding efficiencies. And those two notions are kind of at odds with each other."

"Craft at scale is the same as craft anywhere else. It's just trying to bring intentionality and consideration to every decision."

"We feel the tension between good business and good design constantly. Good design is so often a factor of time."

"It's critical to have the leadership team in the room because the more understanding you build, the more likely you are to build something that fits the problem."

"I don't believe in the idea that you need to find a compromise, because I think compromise implies that both sides of the equation gave up on something to meet in the middle."

More about Ben

Originally from Australia, Ben relocated to the United States eight years ago in pursuit of a specific vision for branding — to bring the creative quality and craft usually reserved for small practices to projects and clients of intimidating scale and complexity. He believes that at the heart of all good design is an equal marriage of concept and craft. A provocative and insightful idea, brought to life with art and finesse.

His portfolio spans a diverse range of brands, from luxury companies to global giants including Spotify, Instagram, and Coca-Cola — garnering particular recognition for his development for uncommonly compelling, far-reaching, systemic identities. The resulting work has been internationally recognized by D&AD, Graphis, Cannes, AGDA, Communication Arts, the Type Directors Club, The One Club for Creativity, the ADC, Print Magazine, and FPO — among others. Designweek named his work for Spotify as some of the most globally defining to date. In 2019 Fast Co named the Mailchimp rebrand one of the best pieces of design in 2019. Just recently he launched a provocative evolution for investment app Robinhood, which has (so far) received a warm reception on Twitter.

Ben moved to San Francisco in 2018 as Creative Director of the COLLINS SF office and has begrudgingly accepted that hiking is now a part of his life.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Show Notes

People:

• Brian Collins
• Leland Maschmeyer
• Christian Widlic
• Kris Wong

Companies and organisations:

• COLLINS
• Spotify
• Mailchimp
• Robinhood
• Pixar
• MoMA

Miscellaneous:

• Gen Z

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One More Question is a podcast by Nicework, a purpose-driven company helping people who want to make a dent in the world by building brands people give a shit about.

One of the things we do best is ask our clients the right questions. This podcast came about because we want to share some of the best answers we have heard over the last 13 years. We talk to significant creators, experts and communicators we encounter and share useful insights, inspiration, and facts that make us stop and take note as we go about our work.

Hosted by our founder Ross Drakes.

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