James Monaghan

Digital Design and Art Director specialising in interactive ideas and experiences.

10 questions for James Monaghan:

• What did you do before becoming a designer?

  After a degree in Multimedia & Digital Entertainment, I moved to London and started my career as Junior Creative. I’ve been designing ever since.

• Where do you turn for inspiration?

  My wife (also a designer) is my source of daily inspiration and constantly introducing me to new things. That aside, I regularly check my feed (awwwards / ffffound / dribbble etc ).

• Which are your favorite studios, designers or agencies?

  Individual: Kai Neville / Emil Kozak Agencies: RandomStudio / AnalogFolk / Wednesday

• Is your city a good place for designers?

  Yes. Not only does London offer some of the best creative agencies in the world but its also a very vibrant, young, exciting city to work.

• Which technologies are you excited about in 2015?

  I’m interested in what many people are calling 'The Internet of Things’. I love the idea of controlling real world objects via smartphones or tablets.

• Do you listen to music while you work? Describe your playlist.

  Yes, most of the time. My playlist varies so much and it really depends on the mood of the day and often the project.

• What are you cultural influences? (Music, books, films, ideologies, etc.)

  Big wave rider Laird hamilton for his athletic discipline and inner peace.

• Have you got an academic background or are you self taught?

  I studied a degree in Multimedia & Digital Entertainment in my home town Newcastle Upon Tyne.

• What do you do in your free time?

  Exercise / Surf / Work on the motorbike / Side projects / Did i mention surf?

• Where do you see the industry in 5 years?

  An increased number of product focused agencies developing for more advanced smart devices, sensor and wearable technology.

• Are you working on any personal projects?

  I run a small brand in London called londonsurfco.com/ .

• If you could give one piece of advice to newbie designers, what would it be?

  Be enthusiastic, work hard and be nice to people.