Interview
The name Hillman Curtis sparks a lot of interest in many people. We think it's because Hillman
is a working example of what is possible in this industry (with a lot of hard work, of course).
Hillman has successfully opened his own design studio, HillmanCurtis.com, published several
widely popular books, has spoken at a variety of major design
events, is considered an expert of the interactive media - winning numerous awards - and is
a self-taught filmmaker, slowly capturing the lives of some of the greatest creative thinkers
to live. Hillman has "done it all" by the standards of most.
But who is Hillman really? What's the drive behind it all? Why is the name "Hillman Curtis"
synonymous with amazing graphic design and talent? We spoke with Hillman to get his opinion on the matter.
FAIRspot: Hello Hillman, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with us.
We check up on some of our favorite sites very regularly to see if there is anything new
and we happened to stumble upon a fresh new HillmanCurtis.com (HC). What was the idea behind
the redesign? Are you trying to position HC as more of a film production house and phasing
out interactive? When was the new site officially launched and was it a silent release
(not highly publicized)?
Hillman Curtis:
I wanted to design a site that was as simple as possible and open. I wanted it to focus on
the film work but not shroud the site design and books. We're still very much involved
in interactive, but my focus is on creating films for the web - personal and commercial.
As far as a silent launch; I'm not as interested in writing up press releases these days...
FS: What's been happening at HC lately? It seems we were seeing your face everywhere
during the early 2000's, but you slowly stepped out of the spotlight after the release
of 'Hillman Curtis on Creating Short Films for the Web' in 2005. Have you finally
found some free time to work on more personal projects?
HC:
Yes...just now getting a bit more time for the personal projects and part of that
comes from redefining priorities: I used to give lectures at conferences 20 plus
times a year and I was writing the books and magazine articles. Clearing out
the heavy lecture schedule and books gives more time for family and the scripts/films.
FS: Who's running/managing the day-to-day work at HC these days? What's your ratio
of actual design/direction to management?
HC:
We've always been a ten or less person firm...all designers. When someone hires me,
they get me (and a really good team)
FS: What's an average day like for you now? (Can you briefly walk us through your
day from sun-up to sundown)
HC:
Up early, make breakfast for the kids, ride the bike through Brooklyn to the office,
spend the first half of the day with emails, interviews like this, video transfers
and reviews, design reviews, organizational tasks, client reviews and meetings.
Stop for lunch, get an afternoon espresso and hit the editing or design work until 6:30.
Bike home. This all changes when we have a shoot.
FS: Your name has always been synonymous with the term 'New Media', which doesn't
seem to be so "new" anymore. Do you still think the term 'New Media' is appropriate?
Did you ever think the use of Flash Video would be used to change the world via
products like YouTube? What are you thoughts on the Internet today?
HC:
New Media?...I haven't really given that title much thought recently.
I think you are right ...it's not so new anymore. Maybe online media is better.
I don't really do a lot with Flash these days, mainly prototyping interactive
tests for larger css/javascript sites. That said I'll always be a proponent
of Flash and a fan. My thoughts on the internet are still excited ones;
I still am grateful to be involved in the most relevant medium of our time.
FS: We've all watched you hone your film skills (despite a minor in Film
during college) through various documentary projects and experimentation.
What are you trying to capture or express to the viewers, in your films?
HC:
Moments. I want to create these personal and emotive moments with the
characters or the scene. I try to make them thematic but also leave them open.
That gives the actors, or in the case of the Artist Series, the subjects
a chance to tell me - through their performances and actions - what
the film should be about. And I love trying to capture the lyricism
of composition and movement.
FS: Are you always the person behind the camera or have you hired more
film staff to meet demand?
HC:
I have a crew now. I used to shoot all of the Artist Series by
myself...but thankfully I found a group of first rate collaborators.
FS: How important is music selection when filming/editing?
HC:
Sometimes it makes the film...other times it's a mistake to use it.
The whole idea of sound, capturing it during the shoot, and using music
and effects is so hugely important and yet so easy to neglect at
times...it's something I try very hard to get right.
FS: We know you like the short format of the web, but do you have any
plans or desires to take your work to the big screen? Sun-Dance maybe?
HC:
Yes. I have a big step I am trying to take right now which is to
move into longer form filmmaking.
FS: Do you think you will write any more books?
HC:
No...it's all about scripts and filming right now.
FS: What has been your best experience in life so far?
HC:
Wife and kids, without a doubt.
FS: What's one thing you would still like to accomplish in life?
HC:
It can never be one thing. There's the big answer; being a good husband
and father, and growing older while remaining passionate and relevant.
Then the global answer, which involves wanting to create work that improves
ones outlook on life and the world... and then there's the professional answer;
making movies...a feature film specifically. It's in that order for me.
FS: What's coming up for HC later this year or next?
HC:
I'm working on a very cool start up in Hong Kong. And there are
new films we've shot and are now editing, and in September I'm scheduled
to shoot a longer film...just have to finish the script!
Like what you see?
All works above are produced by and copyrighted by Hillman Curtis.
To view more of Hillman's work, please visit his website at www.hillmancurtis.com. To purchase Hillman's books visit
Books/Merchandise section of his website.
Other Stuff
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Some of the best designs begin as a simple hand-drawn sketch. Your challenge is to create an amazing tee based on your drawing.
Deadline: September 15, 2008
Re-design the mascot for NI-Limits and win $300USD, blog recognition and a possible job position.
Deadline: September 30, 2008
Get featured in the only design annual that interviews all 100 winners. Winners will appear in the 2009 STEP 100 annual, available on newsstands March 2009.
Deadline: October 1, 2008
Any project created on YUPO synthetic paper is eligible. Submissions should make full use of YUPO paper's quality and attributes, and be aesthetically pleasing.
Deadline: October 15, 2008
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