Q&A with Michael Paukner

My name is Michael Paukner and I‘m a Graphic & Information Designer living in Vienna, Austria. I‘m 34 years old and I‘ve been working as a freelance designer for the last 12 years. I‘ve been specializing in information design since 2009 and I‘m also experienced in logo design and corporate branding, as well as many other areas of both web & print. What I love about my job as a designer is the variety of tasks - finding the right visual solution for different clients. I love conceptual thinking and I‘m obsessed with construction grids. I believe that simple geometry is the basis for good design and that Rock‘N‘Roll can save the world.

Besides having the privilege of having a job I really love, I‘m blessed with a beautiful family that means everything to me. My 2 year old son, Theodor, gave my life a new meaning. My love for art and design affects all aspects of my life - I just love beautiful things. Some other things I don‘t want to miss in my life are my friends, my band Excuse Me Moses, Science, Photography, good movies and the gym for keeping my head clear.

Software / hardware

It may seem a little strange, but I don‘t use a Mac. I‘m happy with my 64-bit PC system, 27-inch Eizo display and A4 Wacom tablet. Not forgetting my pair of Adam A3X nearfield monitors. Good sound is crucial! Additional hardware I use: My iPhone, iPad, Rolleicord TRL cam and Sony NEX. When it comes to software, I use the powerful holy trinity of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Ideal work environment

I‘m quite happy in my little home office (with patio) but as you asked; My ideal work environment would look like this - A high ceilinged, quiet room with top-to-bottom factory windows (trees outside), a book library, a little conference table and a piano on the ground floor. The office gallery is on the balcony upstairs and the whole studio is illuminated by big black industrial lamps... and so on. I‘m still working on the financial master plan :-).

© Michael Paukner

Work inspiration

I‘m conviced that you can find inspiration in pretty much everything. All you need to do is keep looking for it and learn how to see it. I try to keep my eyes and mind open for ideas and listen to my spiritual guides - which means following my gut instinct. If there‘s no inspiration at all, I concentrate on something completely different. Just don‘t panic.

Creatives you admire most

There are so many creative people out there creating fantastic work and I know that I don‘t even know most of them. Whenever I browse websites like Behance or Dribbble or flip through my favorite design blogs, I find people making awesome stuff that blows me away every day. I admire all creative people who are passionate about what they do and just keep going. I‘m not just talking about Graphic Designers, but also craftsmen, authors, architects or musicians. We need them all, as they make this world a more beautiful place.