Aviva Knox
Aviva Knox
Graphic Designer / Photographer
Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
www.avivaknox.com
instagram @vis_a_viv
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a graphic designer and photographer. Through these mediums I find ways to visually express an idea or mood. ”
Design can be a very powerful way to convey so much in a simple collection of marks. It’s almost like speaking a language- and so in a way I like to act as a translator for clients to help them find the visuals that convey their point of view. The design of a logo, photograph, menu, catalog, website all say something beyond the content. The way things are organized, the fonts used, the colors and textures, are also speaking to the viewer. Visual messages are instant, visceral, and jam packed with information, which can be daunting but is also very exciting and rewarding when I create something that rings true.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Fine arts and craft have always been an interest of mine. I started studying photography as far back as high school developing Black & White prints in the lab. My treasured Canon AE-1 and I were inseparable throughout high school and college.
While in college I started to learn more about digital photography and photoshop. I worked for a while shooting small bands in San Francisco and collaborating with models on their portfolios. I was at a point where I wasn’t sure if I wanted to devote myself to photography or branch out and formally study a new discipline that I’ve been interested in for some time, design.
I took the leap and started studying graphic design at California College of the Arts. Those years kicked my butt, blew my mind, and left me with an incredible tool box filled with design tools & perspectives. While at CCA I was lucky to also study CAD modeling and textile design.
How do you stand out in your field?
I am a very curious person & I love to learn new things. While I have formally studied graphic design and photography I have also taken classes and developed my skills in textile arts, jewelry design, metallurgy, CAD, and the list goes on :)
Having this diversity of skills enhances my design training so much. It also allows me to talk shop with other people that are producing things because I understand the processes they are engaged with. I enjoy production and am experienced in seeing a design carried out to print or fabrication. I have fabricators & printers in L.A. that I recommend and I have some experience working with factories in China.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently I am working on my own designs for a line of textiles dyed in natural dyes. I am also working with a local fabricator on a set of housewares that should be in production soon.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is present in everything I have done, but I can’t say any one project totally represents me.
The newspaper I did for Graf-Lantz is a project that I really enjoyed. I love designing layout for publications and I was able to play with the grid a bit, which I like.
Working with California Cloth Foundry also has a lot of my style. I enjoyed working with natural elements to create a soothing brand.
The styles I’m really attracted to these days are a blend of memphis, modern, and craft. I love what Poketo is doing. I also really like what Raw Color in the Netherlands puts out. And I’ve been really inspired lately by the energy and experimentation that Jessica Walsh is bringing.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to spend more time working on publications. Multi-page creative layouts that are open to experimentation in the style.
I would also love to spend more time as a photographer. I enjoy all aspects of photography from shooting in the studio to capturing street scenes. I recently bought a Fuji digital camera and am really loving it because it has the manual controls and feels similar to my Canon AE-1.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Self promotion is the hardest thing for me to take time for. I would rather spend time on other peoples promotion!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Errands! And sitting in Traffic!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
There are certain opportunities I should I have stuck with. At the time I was young and wanted to travel or experience new things, but looking back I had some great jobs opportunities right out of college that I probably should have stuck with.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Hard question. Everything? I’m sort of an astrology nerd. So even though its not related to design I would love to sit down with a great Astrologer.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d like to find brands looking for help getting their branding on track. Being able to work with graphics and photography would be creatively ideal for me. I’m also excited to do small jobs for people invitations, menus, postcards- whatever people need to get their stuff out there.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is someone with a clear point of view who wants modern experimental design and photography. Working with someone who needs a variety of promotional print materials like magazines and posters would be excellent.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me an email with an idea of the project and timeline.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Go on a walk, with my dog, offleash.
This member profile was originally published in October 2019.