Cut & Paste

Interview: Steve Brydges - Images & Replies: Chris Eichenseer/Someoddpilot

 

Cut&Paste is a live digital design tournament that was born out of the idea that "anonymous designers are too many." It's a chance for designers to gain exposure and to network, and also for the general public to witness design in progress, to "marvel at the creative process." (Quotes pulled fromcutandpaste.com).

A mass email from Chris Eichenseer alerting his peeps to his involvement in this weekend's Chicago Cut&Paste tournament as a judge spurred Copper Press to investigate by interviewing him.

 

Who is responsible for bringing this Cut& Paste design tournament to Chicago?
I am not sure. A woman named Ranee contacted me regarding my involvement. I know it started in NY in 2005. Fast spreading. I have to wonder as well. It's taking place here and Tokyo, SF, Berlin, London, Boston.

What transpires, from a competitive standpoint, during these tourneys?
I believe there's some guys on a stage with computers and wacom tablets. They know the themes ahead of time and are given 15 minutes to rush out a design. They can't bring anything to the contest, no images, nothing. I am guessing they freak out and try to do their best.

 
Have you competed? How'd you fare?
Nah, I wouldn't want to compete. I couldn't handle it if I lost something like that.

What are the judging criteria? Anything you, in particular, are looking for in someone's work during these tournaments?
I'm going to be looking for two things: a good idea and a good compostion.

Do you think there's more pressure designing for a client under duress of a deadline or during the fifteen minutes of one of these tournaments?
15 minutes. I can't make a sandwhich in 15 minutes.

 

Do you think we'll get to a point where we'll see shows at, say, The Empty Bottle, a graphic designer will create on the fly as his or her own " set" between two rock bands?
I mean, if Sub Pop can release comedy records, why can't you design a poster in front of an audience before Bear Claw takes the stage? That would be so much fun. I would do that.

Last cat you petted?
Her name is Lilith. She is a doll.

Loudest thing you've heard recently?
Band practice is slowing making me deaf.

Last show you attended?
The Wall of Sound festival in Ft. Worth Sept 22nd. My band played, free food and drinks all day, access to the photo pit, great bands to watch, perfect weather, good people. A blast. Someone stole our rear license plate.

Last record for which you did graphic design?
Eliot Lipp's new record The Outside on Mush.

Last time you ate tuna fish straight from the can?
I am not so loose: I haven't eaten fish or meat in 14 years, and even then, I think the answer would have been never. Who does that? Who wants meat in a can to begin with? What the hell is wrong with people?