Christian Helms is a graphic designer, Portfolio Center alum and founder of Decoder Ring Design Concern, a multi disciplinary design firm out of Austin Texas. Christian and DRDC are both at the top of their game and continue to awe and amaze with each new and increasingly smarter solution for the problems they are given. DRDC has been the recipient of numerous awards and can’t seem to keep their name out of the magazines. Recently, I had a chance to spend the weekend with Christian here in Atlanta, visiting all of his old hangouts and long lost friends. As we traveled around the city, I picked his brain.
DM: Who have you learned the most from? If you could have a lesson, on anything & from anyone, who would that person be and what would you want learn?
CH: That's a tough one. There's no way to name one person— we're all sums of so many experiences and influences. I learn something every day from the guys I work with, and I generally tend to gravitate toward folks who are knowledgeable in areas I know nothing about. It keeps me growing.
In the big scheme of things, I'm lucky to have mentors who have taught me as much about life as they have about design, which I think is a real testament to their character and the way they live their lives. Those two guys, James Victore and John Bielenberg, are folks I first met as a star-struck PC student years ago. Fast forward a few years and I'm a groomsman in James' wedding and advising at Project M. I don't think I could have come half as far as I have without either of those two. Them, and of course my fine parents who would kill me if I didn't mention them...
DM: What are the three most important words of wisdom you could give.
CH: To students? First, work your ass off. I know that's a stock answer, but school is an amazing opportunity to grow and experiment and fail and get back up again. And don't be so concerned with execution— learn to think.
Second, take time away from "work" to relax and re-energize. That's a tough one for me, but I'm trying.
Third, surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. As for people who drain you or diminish your joi de vivre, walk in the other direction and don't look back. Life's too short to waste your time on those folks.
DM: When did you feel like you finally became comfortable and confident in the design decisions you make?
CH: I believe it was Arbor Day, 2003.
It's hard to pinpoint, because it just happens gradually without you realizing it. I'd have to say sometime during my first job out of school I stopped second-guessing myself. That step seems to coincide with the realization that, as a designer, you need to keep things simple: don't try to say everything— pick one thing and say it well. Don't get me wrong, I still get frustrated and struggle. And I still have a LOT to learn. It's just now; when the answer finally comes I know it immediately.
DM: Where are the places that you go to get away? To get new ideas? And where have you found in the past to be the best places to go to get inspired?
CH: I ride my bike, take a walk with my girlfriend, have a beer with comrades and go see a show— all of those either relax, rejuvenate or inspire me. Film is a great escape and inspiration as well.
Music especially inspires me, but it frustrates me as well— I want to design one object that hits folks like The Hold Steady, The Replacements or Modest Mouse (and countless others) have impacted me at times in my life, but I honestly don't know if I ever will. Or who knows, maybe I already have? It keeps me hungry and trying hard every day. One thing I do know is that it can be done, because James, Art and Robbie Conal changed my life as a young college student.
DM: Why, outside of the financial benefits, do you do what you do?
CH: It's the thing I love most that isn't illegal to do for a living.
Honestly, I would have to do it even if it weren't a job— it makes me happy and keeps me sane. Sculpting or painting or writing wouldn't do— it's directly COMMUNICATING through visual media that makes me really happy. I need a problem to solve. And I keep getting out of bed every day to get better at it— I'm not nearly as good as I'd like to be...
DM: How, if any, do you see DRDC growing in the future?
CH: We're seriously considering building a fort on the outskirts of Austin. We'd start either a midget-donkey-ranch, or a good ol' cult. We'd have the coolest robes since the Odd fellows. Yup, definitely a cult. Seems like Texas could use one these days. What could go wrong?
Portfolio Center students share a strong desire to communicate ideas, the willingness to let go of preconceived notions, and the compulsion to learn new ways of thinking. These qualities are fostered by the school’s constant stream of industry bigwigs, who bring their varied and colorful perspectives from all over the country. These creatives, who are always generous with their time and energy, tend to hang out with students, conducting informal workshops and continuing the day’s discussions over dinner. Often, what results are provocative interviews—written, shot, and designed by PC students.
