October 2022 Logo Remix: Amrit Mayton
Every month, we invite a new artist to take the ThinkNW logo and make it their own. We asked Amrit Mayton, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, and Creative Strategist, for her take on the October logo.
How did you initially want to approach your interpretation of the ThinkNW logo? What were your thoughts and inspiration?
In creating this logo for ThinkNW, I wanted to convey imagination and creativity while also highlighting the natural landscape and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, which is what drew me to the West Coast a few years ago. Much of my inspiration for this piece came from linocut and art nouveau illustrations, as well as the native flora and fauna of Oregon (can you spot the Trillium flowers in there?).
How did the direction in designing the ThinkNW logo evolve/change over time?
I played with the color palette quite a lot, beginning with really earthy colors and gradually getting funkier and more playful with the colors as I went. I feel like it ended up in a much more “Alice in Wonderland” place than I originally imagined.
What are some of the specific elements in the ThinkNW logo design that you feel are unique/cool/fun (i.e., palette, illustration, overall style)?
I had a lot of fun with this illustration style. I tend to incorporate a lot of linocut-looking touches in my work already, but I really tried to bring that forward in a bold way for this piece.
When did you know that art was something that you wanted to pursue?
I’ve been a visual artist since I can remember. Drawing has always made me feel peaceful, and I can remember spending hours sitting on the floor getting lost in my artwork when I was growing up. Like a lot of creative kids, I developed some imposter syndrome in my adolescent years, so it wasn’t until later that I finally took the leap and began taking my skills seriously in the form of illustration and design.
I freelanced for a while, then gradually worked my way up through agency and in-house roles. I also went back to school last year and completed an accelerated program to polish my skills further. Today, I’m a Senior Designer and Illustrator, which means I get to wake up every day and work inside that peaceful, creative world that I loved so much as a kid. I’m so glad that I came back to this work as an adult — it’s felt like coming home in a big way.
What are your biggest inspirations in your art (i.e., people, places, things)?
I draw inspiration from all kinds of places, but I’ve always had a particular love for illustrated fairytales. Illustrators like Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen, Paul Goble, and others have given me so much inspiration over the years.
I also love design and illustration from the 60s and 70s à la Milton Glaser, Terry Gilliam, and some of the Bauhaus designers. In general, I appreciate any creative who plays with color, bold shapes, psychedelic patterns, or stipple textures/bold line work.
Do you think that you have a style? If so, how would you describe it? If not, why is that?
I typically gravitate toward a lot of rich color palettes and clean, flowing lines. It’s what I personally like, so I think those tendencies do show up in my work quite a bit. However, I really try to push myself outside of that, particularly with client work. I feel that it’s important to regularly test your ability to “play chameleon” as a designer, so that’s something I’m always working on.
Do you think that you have a style? If so, how would you describe it? If not, why is that?
I typically gravitate toward rich color palettes and clean, flowing lines. It’s what I personally enjoy, so those tendencies often appear in my work. However, I actively challenge myself to explore beyond my comfort zone, especially when working with clients. I believe it’s important to continually test my ability to adapt and be versatile as a designer, so I constantly strive to expand my skills.
What is most important to you when expressing your art?
Continuous improvement is paramount to me. I consistently push myself to grow and develop as an artist. I have a natural inclination to get bored easily, which fuels my desire to learn and try new techniques or approaches. It brings me satisfaction when I can acquire new skills or perspectives and utilize them to bring the images in my mind to life.
Where do you feel your art is going next?
Currently, I work full-time as a designer at a UI/UX and branding agency, so a significant portion of my creative work is focused on client projects. Additionally, I do freelance work on the side, and I have several exciting projects in progress. One notable project is a tarot deck that I’m collaborating on with a close friend. It’s an extensive undertaking, and each piece requires meticulous attention. We anticipate it will take a couple more years before its release, but we’re thrilled with the direction it’s taking so far.
Looking ahead, I aspire to delve deeper into illustration, branding, UI/UX, and motion design. Illustrating children’s books has long been a cherished dream of mine. Furthermore, I’m enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries of digital design, such as websites and apps. I have a desire to expand my knowledge of animation and motion graphics as well. While I’ve dabbled in these areas, I’m eager to explore them more extensively and embark on new creative journeys.
Learn more about Amrit Mayton and her work:
