This Monday’s Member is Eric Kass. Follow him on Instagram and check out his twitter account. View his personal site, read his blog, and view his site showcasing a collection of inspirational vintage design pieces and photos. Lastly, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Describe yourself in one sentence.

Curious, compulsive collector and curator with a passion for process and personal connection who hopes to add something constructive, joyful and lasting to a larger cultural conversation through creating intellectually inspired and emotionally heartfelt work.

Where do you work/go to school?

I work at my company Funnel : Bespoke Brands but everyday feels like school too. It’s an opportunity to hone skills, expand understanding and learn from mistakes which is why I also refer to my company as Funnel : The Fine Commercial Art Practice of Eric Kass. Funnel refers to the process of inputting information + inspiration and distilling it down to its essence which is both me as a designer and the service I provide my patrons.

Favorite program/tools to use for designing?

I use Adobe Illustrator for everything, even things I probably shouldn’t, but I love the intuitive quick way I can work. Feels like a large digital table top that I can make a big mess on, as I work creating things spontaneously and refining as I go. I also use Photoshop quite a bit.

Design hero?

Charles S. Anderson. His firm’s work was born from his personal perspective and inspired by design history with an intimate understanding of production processes and cultural context has influenced me from the beginning. Appreciate their ability to do large scale commissioned work, as well as, developing their own revenue streams through licensed artwork and products.

Favorite thing to do outside of work?

I truly do live and love what I do so my life and work are totally intertwined. My personal interests directly inform and inspire my business and creative output. I enjoy exploring everything from National/State Parks, to all sizes of cities, museums and scouring vintage stores for inspiration. I often post photo essays of my adventures on my blog and share my vintage finds and collection on my site Ephemerotica.com. Music is a vital source for enjoyment, inspiration and comfort. I frequent my neighborhood record shop Luna Music in Broad Ripple, catch live shows at the HI-FI in Fountain Square and enjoy my record collection on my dad’s hand-me-down 1970’s stereo.

Favorite place in Indy?

Love the meditative nature of the hiking trails, nature center and “The Ruins” at Holliday Park. Also, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a favorite serene spot for inspiration, education and reflection.

How and why did you get involved with AIGA?

I was first introduced to AIGA in art & design school at Ball State University in 1990. Seems impossible now, but the Internet wasn’t around yet so AIGA was a great way to connect with other creatives everywhere and to have access to professional resources, information and news.

Approximately how long have you been involved with the organization?

On and off for 30 years.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Misha’s Kind Foods ( vegan cheese ), Amped Kitchens ( commercial kitchens ), Patterns World Inc. ( fashion clothing patterns ) all in Los Angeles. Urban Umbrella ( Modern Scaffolding ) in NYC. Backyard Feed Co. ( organic non-GMO subscription chicken feed ) in Florida. Neely’s Nest ( pet home goods ) in Connecticut. Lyon Rum ( Windon Distilling ) in St. Michaels Maryland. Forget Computers ( professional services for Apple technology ) in Chicago plus various other projects.

Any projects you want to highlight?

Lyon Rum, Windon Distilling, in St. Michaels Maryland, who I’ve been working with since their beginning six years ago has grown an evolved into a successful boutique distillery. I created their brand, identity and a flexible packaging system that could be easily and efficiently adapted on the go to work for a variety of experimental small batches as they dialed in their core line of products and increased sales and distribution. Recently I designed new more sophisticated, foil stamped, embossed and die-cut packaging for a permanent line of five liqueurs and three rums with more exciting things to come.