Each month AIGA Detroit sits down with a member of our community to learn more about their work and passions. This month we talked to designer Ryan Breight and discuss his history with editorial design and where he finds inspiration.
How did you start in graphic design?
I began my career as a graphic designer working at The South End, Wayne State University’s student newspaper. I worked as a part-time page designer for one year, later becoming design editor in 2007. I directed the paper through two redesigns, one in the broadsheet format and another when it became a weekly tabloid. I also helped produce special issues and directed many cover photo-shoots during my four years there. While studying design at Wayne State, I co-founded the AIGA student group and became the group’s president in 2008. As president, I created a campaign named “I Heart…” to promote a Milton Glaser film that had it’s Detroit premier at WSU. I had an internship at Art Van Furniture during the summer of 2009 where my knowledge of design expanded into the 3-dimensional realm, creating displays and graphics for the atriums of their stores. In the fall of 2009 I began working in the marketing department of Wayne State University. In the past year I’ve been able to create a variety of brochures, banners, invitations, planners, T-shirts, folders, program booklets and everything else that comes our way from the university. I’ve also recently began doing freelance work for a health care company. I’m hoping to one day move back into editorial design, but I’m open to anything that comes my way.
Why design?
I’ve always loved to look at things … billboards, stationary, books, magazines, the internet, postcards, commercials, furniture, clothing, newspapers, posters and everything in between. It was not until my job at The South End that I realized that these objects were “designed.” I love that I received an educations where I learned to evaluate, criticize and celebrate this thing we call “design.” I love that I get a chance to collaborate with other people who care about design as much as I do. As creative professionals we get a unique opportunity to share information with people. We are connecting to others through advertisements, menus and brochures. We sell products, ideas and inspiration to our culture.

What inspires you?
Books, magazines, the outdoors, photography, other creative people, music.
What is the next best thing (design speaking)?
I can’t wait to see how magazines and editorial layouts translate to devices such as the iPad. I’d love to see cookbooks presented in this fashion, too.
Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society?
As designers, we have a unique opportunity to promote green living, but as human beings, we all have a responsibility to live green. We all need to change. Its mankind’s responsibility.

Do you consider graphic design a growing industry?
Yes. Our culture’s reliance on media and information is always changing and evolving. There will always be a need for good designers with new ideas and solutions. There will always be a need for creativity.
What is your favorite aspect of AIGA?
Being able to share ideas with like-minded people.
How has living in Michigan shaped your work/design?
I am inspired by Michigan’s climate and environment. I love that we get to experience all the seasons in Michigan, fall being my favorite. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. I also appreciate that we are surrounded by water. We are very lucky to live in such a unique state.
Who is your favorite Michigan based designer/artist?
Ed Fella
What is your favorite Michigan made product?
Faygo Red Pop
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My family
Who are some of your favorite designers?
Milton Glaser, Saul Bass, Stefan Sagmeister, George Lois

Favorite Movies?
I Heart Huckabees, The Truman Show, The Rules of Attraction, Jurassic Park, When Harry Met Sally, Adventures in Babysitting, Waking Life, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
What’s on your bookshelf?
The Death of Ivan Ilych, The Rules of Attraction, Wicked, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Annie Leibovitz At Work, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.
What are your favorite songs?
Nick Drake, Pink Moon
Bob Dylan, Hurricane
Fleetwood Mac, Landslide
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The Beatles, Blackbird
Echo and the Bunnymen, Killing Moon
Madonna, Don’t Tell Me
Florence and the Machine, Cosmic Love
Kid Cudi ft. MGMT & Ratatat, Pursuit Of Happiness
Mazzy Star, Fade Into You
Death Cab for Cutie, Passenger Seat
Dream Academy, Life in a Northern Town
Sia, Breathe Me
Outkast, Hey Ya!
Sufjan Stevens, Casimir Pulaski Day
What is in your browser’s bookmarks right now?
Huffington Post, Gawker, Netflix, Chow, Hulu, Facebook, Design Sponge, Behance, Good.is, NPR, and Pandora.
Where can we see more of your work?
krop.com/ryanb
We would like to thank Ryan for chatting. Keep checking back at the AIGA Detroit blog for more member spotlights and design news throughout the metro Detroit area.