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Object 9
By: American Design Awards
I guess you could say that I have come full circle. I’ve been a designer since 1994, but have been the “creative kid” since I can remember. My first job was for a couple of guys from Georgia that started a small design shop called Aztech. I left after about a year, even though I truly respected their efforts and the knowledge I gained while there. As a young designer, I went on to another job that offered sexier clients, “cooler” projects and more dough. I continued to move on to other agencies, large and small for sexier clients, “cooler” projects and more dough. I was fortunate in the aspect that I never really went looking for the opportunities, but they seemed to find me.
Picture of Object 9 crew:
Front: Mark, mini-Branden, Lesley, Master Yoda, Shelly, Andy
Back: Lori, Evil Monkey, Jon, Jenna, Lindsay, John, Kyle, Seth
Top Back: Giant Kyle
After two and a half years of working many late hours for a great promotional agency, I came home around 2 a.m. and told my wife “if I’m going to work this hard, then I’m going to work for myself.” The reward for hard work was more hard work. Be careful what you wish for - the following week I got a call from Jon Cato, one of the founding partners of Aztech. I had kept in touch with the Georgia guys who I had always respected for their integrity and business sense. In short, they were just good guys.
During a lunch with Jon he asked me, “when are you going to start your own firm?” My reply was “in about a month.” We agreed to join forces and give it a go. It was a great fit and Object 9 (www.object9.com) was born. We changed the name in 1999 from Aztech to Object 9. We’ve grown from four to fourteen employees with offices in Atlanta and Baton Rouge featuring a staff of brilliant and talented people. We’ve been recognized internationally for our work, competed against firms ten times our size and won. Most importantly, our clients like and respect what we can do for them strategically and creatively. Our mission is simple: produce great work and always treat people the way you want to be treated.
Who is your inspiration?
My kids, Alexa, age 7 and Joshua, age 4. They communicate using their first impulse – simple and honest. They keep my mind fresh not frozen.
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: I still have a 32" waist. Guts, speed, versatility and perseverance – I dive headfirst into every project, often figuring it out as I go – doing it quickly and thoroughly. After doing enough projects using the freefall method, you develop a process of how to work smarter rather than throwing more hours at the problem. Maybe not the best approach, but it's been effective. I hate to lose, especially a pitch. Weaknesses – I dive headfirst into every project, often figuring it out as I go – quickly. I hate to lose, especially a pitch. And I take on too much myself.
If you had a word of advice for an up-and-coming designer, what would it be?
Be a sponge – ask questions
Be balanced – too much ice cream makes you sick, so will design. Work hard, but also do something you love. It helps define who you are.
Be fearless – you learn from experience
Be yourself – allow your personality to shine
Be a sponge – ask more questions
Do you prefer to use a PC or a Mac? Why?
AbsoMACalutely – MAC! If you have to ask, then you just don't understand. A PC is basically trying to be like a MAC. MACs rule.
How do you deal with creative block?
We stare at each other, spit out total nonsense, play frisbee golf, try not to think about the problem and somehow the big idea eventually rears it's lovely head in time for the ink to dry before deadline. And sometimes we ask the jar of talking peanut butter that we keep locked-up in the secret cabinet.
What is your favorite snack food in your office?
Hot Tamales (the candy) and trail mix (the bad kind with real M&M's.) And of course, Red Stripe, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Flying Dog beer (did I mention they’re our clients) :-)
Are large companies easier to work with, or small ones?
We love the underdog, so for us it is more about the challenge. We take great pride in helping a small company take on the 800lb. gorilla and win. However, the big, sexy brands are rewarding both creatively and financially. In short, we like the balance of both. We are fortunate enough to be in a position that if the client isn't a good fit for us or is a drain on our "creative energy," we can politely decline the business.
Did you major in art or graphic design in college?
I started out in fine arts, looked around my painting and drawing class and realized that the majority of the people in the room were going to starve. I have a BFA in Graphic Design that allows me to be ultra creative and EAT - how cool is that.
What is the motto of your design firm? What does it imply?
We actually consider ourselves more than just a design firm. We started out as a design firm and grew into a strategic partner for our clients. It doesn't matter how good our creative is if it doesn't have a sound strategy to drive it. We pride ourselves on killer design, but it is just one aspect of what we can do. Our motto: What’s the BIG IDEA. Once you have the BIG IDEA, greatness will follow.
If you could do it all over again, would you?
Yep! It's been quite a ride and I'm not getting off anytime soon.
 Editor's Note: Object 9 has been one of the most amazing design firms we have come across in the past eight years. They throw our judges into an awe every time they enter our contests! Not only do they understand and implement great design, but their marketing know-how is extraordinary.
 Object 9
4156 W.E. Heck Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70816 USA
object9.com
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