Designer Interview With Jacob Boghosian

Today a Designer Interview With Jacob Boghosian who is the designer of the Netflix Stranger Things Logo a popular series on Netflix Jacob Boghosian is an art director and graphic/motion designer based in Los Angeles, California.

He has worked with big brand names such as Netflix, Bud Light, Microsoft, Vitamin Water, Oracle, Los Angeles Times and Tribune Publishing.

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The Logo Creative — Hi Jacob it’s really great you been a part of the designer interviews, being a huge fan of Stranger Things on Netflix I just had to track down the designer of the logo and it’s an honour to be interviewing and featuring you.

Jacob Boghosian — Thanks for reaching out. Of course I’d be interested in being a part of your article. I’m still blown away by the response of the logo but I’m not complaining!.

The Logo Creative — What was the turning point in your life when you decided to become a designer and how did you proceed?

Jacob Boghosian — After graduating college with a degree in Marketing, I landed a job and found myself annoyed that I couldn’t execute the ideas and concepts I had in my head. At the time, I worked with graphic designers and always asked them questions. I once asked one of them if it was difficult being a graphic designer and they responded by saying, “Of course it is. You could never be a graphic designer.” I didn’t know what to think of that statement but it lit a small fire in me. After a year or so, I made the difficult decision to go back to school and study graphic design which has become my passion ever since.

The Logo Creative — What does your day consist of?

Jacob Boghosian — My day starts with coffee and writing. I try to write for about 10–15 minutes in the morning without stopping as an exercise. Then, I’m usually working for about 8–10 hours. Followed by some physical activity or exercise and then I give myself some playtime to relax and unwind.

The Logo Creative — What was the first logo you ever designed?

Jacob Boghosian — My first logo I made in school was for a fictitious restaurant I made up called Learrus Restaurant, which is the word “Surreal” spelled backwards. My first commissioned logo was for a LA restaurant called “Berri’s Restaruant” which fortunately has expanded to multiple locations since.

The Logo Creative — What is your favourite logo you have designed?

Jacob Boghosian — That’s a tough question. I tend to not personalise my work once it’s finished. It’s almost like it doesn’t belong to me once it’s out in the public. If I had to answer, it would have to be the Stranger Things logo. It was a first hand experience seeing how powerful graphic design is and the impact it can make on our culture.

The Logo Creative — What is your favourite logo of all time?

Jacob Boghosian — That’s another tough question. I have a lot of favourites but if I had to choose one, it would probably be the Apple logo. The symbol of the bitten apple is deep in meaning and is an iconic symbol around the world. It’s so powerful that it doesn’t even need a type treatment. That’s pretty badass.

The Logo Creative — Can you describe or give us an overview of your logo design process?

Jacob Boghosian — My logo design project starts with asking the client the right questions to know exactly what’s needed in the project. Afterwards, I do a ton of research about the company, competitors (direct/indirect), the industry, logos, typefaces, symbols that relate to the project. Then, I take out my pencil and notebook and do some rough sketches of typefaces and lockups to see how the logo could look like in various ways. Then, I’m on my computer doing some rough digital mockups. I usually go back and forth from my sketches to the computer until it starts to come together.

The Logo Creative — In your opinion regarding Logo Design pricing, do you prefer working on a fixed rate or customer budget and can you explain why?

Jacob Boghosian — I usually have a fixed price range but it varies based on the scope of the project, company size, timeline and my availability. I prefer this because a customer’s budget can be negotiated down while a fixed rate is based on your self worth and how much time you know it will take to complete the project which is harder to negotiate down.

The Logo Creative — How long does it take to complete the average logo design project from start to finish?

Jacob Boghosian — Each logo project is unique and varies on how long it takes to complete. It can take about 12 to 40 hours depending on the size and scope of the project.

The Logo Creative — Are you a MAC or PC user and is there a reason for your choice?

Jacob Boghosian — I’m a MAC user ever since I was forced to use one in school. I like that MAC’s rarely crash on you but I miss having the ability to upgrade my hardware as I did with a PC.

The Logo Creative — What software do you use frequently?

Jacob Boghosian — For logo design, it’s Illustrator but generally, I find myself using Photoshop the most for graphic design projects.

The Logo Creative — What is your favourite style of logo design? And why?

Jacob Boghosian — Don’t’ really have a favourite style. I like logos when they’re branding correctly and work seamlessly with the company or content.

The Logo Creative — What is your daily inspiration when you design?

Jacob Boghosian — Inspiration happens around us so I try to keep myself open to ideas wherever I go. I have a few websites that I visit everyday along with a pinterest account to collect anything that catches my eye. I’ve got a ton of books and magazines that I look through sometimes. I also try to keep up with current events and news. Even talking with others or collaborating can be a huge inspiration for me.

The Logo Creative — In your opinion, what’s the best and worst part of your job been a designer?

Jacob Boghosian — The best part of being a designer for me is coming up with ideas and seeing that idea blossom into reality. The worst part of being a designer is sitting in a chair all day.

The Logo Creative — Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?

Jacob Boghosian — Leonardo Da Vinci inspires me the most because he was a master in many different fields and contributed tremendously to our human culture.

The Logo Creative — Who is your favourite Graphic Designer and why?

Jacob Boghosian — I have four favourite graphic designers. One of them is Stefan Sagmeister because he’s thought provoking and always dares to push design and creative thinking to new limits. Second is Doyald Young because he was a master typeface designer and paved the way for all logo designers. Third is Jon Contino because I really like his unique style. Fourth is Hydro 74 because he’s an amazing designer who pushes himself to get better in all aspects of design.

The Logo Creative — What’s your favourite design quote?

Jacob Boghosian — Don’t design for designers. Design for people.

The Logo Creative — In less than 10 words, what is graphic design?

Jacob Boghosian — Graphic design is visual communication that speaks to an audience.

The Logo Creative — What steps did you take to start your graphic design business? Did you have to make any sacrifices on your journey?

Jacob Boghosian — I’m still fairly new to this but I’ll share my experience so far. First, I worked on my branding and portfolio. Second, I made sure I had enough clients and freelance opportunities to take that risk into starting my business.

The Logo Creative — Do you have any regrets? Is there anything you would have changed early on in your career?

Jacob Boghosian — Yes. I once gave a girl I liked my gold Zelda NES game. It had the manual and box and everything. The worst part is that she didn’t even own a Nintendo. I still think of it sometimes. Besides that, no. Things happen in life that lead us to where we are today.

The Logo Creative — If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

Jacob Boghosian — That it’s ok to have an imagiantion and come up with ideas. That you can actually make a living out of it.

The Logo Creative — What’s the most important piece of advise you have received as a designer that’s helped you?

Jacob Boghosian — I’ll give you two:

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To focus on the concept first then the design.

The Logo Creative — What would be your advise for new logo and graphic designers?

Jacob Boghosian — My advice would be that you have to push yourself to get better. You’re not in competition with others. You’re competing to be the best possible you. So, stay passionate, inspired and positive.

Find Out More about Jacob | jacobboghosian.net | Behance | Instagram

Originally published at The Logo Creative | Logo Design & Brand Identity Designer.