Interviewing Kiel Mu…Mut…Mutsch…Kiel.

The first real graphic designer that I could ever say I personally knew and could put a name to was Kiel Mutschelknaus. He was two years ahead of me in school and has the distinction of being the only designer with a scarier last name than Brynjulson. Kiel sets a great example for young designers in his loyalty to his fine art roots, a characteristic that manifests itself in his work. He puts the creativity in creative and keeps the industry honest.

I’m turning over a new leaf in these interviews from here on by adding my own commentary in italics. It’s my prerogative.

Introducing: Kiel Mutschelknaus: graphic designer, Fresh Produce

Tell us about your path to this point.

I graduated from Augustana College in 2007 with an Art major. I started working at Fresh Produce the following January (2008) as a designer and have been ever since.

What sort of ambitions/goals do you have?

I’d love to get my Masters in Art eventually. I’d also like to start a print subscription biz of some sort. And I want to push practicing mediums outside of using a computer. And I want to learn more origami. I enjoy chipboard sculptures too. I don’t know, I have a long list of things to do, not enough hours in the day.  (Kiel is an excellent example of how to take design beyond the computer.)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Architect, Astronaut, Astrophysicist. Anything starting with an ‘A’ I guess. (Abominable snowman, ABBA member, ant farmer.)

What is your favorite and least favorite typeface?

Favorite: Futura, because it was invented tomorrow, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang from Cape Arcona, namely because of the name, but also because it’s pretty wonderful.

Least favorite: Rosewood Std, because I used it way too much as a youngster.

Best part about the industry?

Having to do the most wonderfully random and different things each week.

Worst part about the industry?

Going from 0 to 60 several times a week/day. But on the other hand that’s kind of the best part too. Okay, the worst part of the industry is making the logo bigger. (Watch this video on making the logo bigger to experience joy and sadness simultaneously.)

What is the coolest thing you’ve seen lately or work that you’ve liked?

We recently made a 12-foot tall tetrahedron that opened up to reveal a free internet stand.  That was awesome. I also recently drew our office as a spaceship, which is always fun. (You can always count on Fresh Produce to hatch a truly “out of the box” solution to a design problem.)

If you could wake up and only check one website, what would it be?

behance.net, hourly, forever.

High point of your career/ favorite piece of work?

I’ve recently invented some prefab birdhouses that are pretty spectacular. (I saw those and forgot to inquire. Do let us know when the birdhouses are put into action in some way, shape or form.)

One thing you wish you would have done to prepare yourself for your career?

Learn more about invoices. I had no idea what invoices were before I started freelancing.  Still kind of foggy on them. (Perfect example of how the artist has to play by the rules of The Man.)

Advice for up and coming designers…

Some people will tell you not to fall in love with work you do for clients. I think that’s bullshit (can I swear?). I think you should fall in love with each and every idea you have. And then when the client tells you to ditch it, you should dump that old idea, get heartbroken, and then find a younger, sexier idea. You’ve got to fall in love with your work. (First of all, of course you can swear. You just did. Secondly, this is great advice. Throw yourself into your work. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn to take criticism and use it.)