An Interview With The Author Of Metacom Creative – Ryan Cowles

I recently received a comment here on blogs with wings that intrigued me so much I just had to visit the author’s blog. That’s how I met Ryan Cowles and I found him to be funny, talented and in possession of a fairly new blog. Ryan uses his blog, Metacom Creative to showcase his creative side and more! I knew pretty quickly that Ryan was the person I had been looking for to do my first interview here on Blogs With Wings. So pour yourself a coffee and get to know this talented young man!

Ques:
I know that Metacom Creative is still a young blog. How long ago did you start blogging? Is this your only blog or personal site? Or are there others? (include links if you like)

Ans:
That’s a good question. I actually had to go back and check the date of my first post, haha. I started Metacom back in June of 2009, so I’m still shy of a year. I had used blogs a bit in the past, but not too extensively. EastZoo (EastZoo.com) was my first real experience with a blog, and I started that with a friend back in October 2008. I look back and think about all the mistakes I made and things I learned, and it makes me laugh a bit. I’ve also used my Metacom Creative blog as a hands on learning tool quite a bit.

Ques:
What blogging platform are you using and why did you go with this particular blogging software?

Ans:
I use WordPress for Metacom, and pretty much every blog I’ve set up. I’ve found it quite flexible, easy to use, and the community is great. If you need to do something, odds are there is a plug-in for it, or you can find people to help you build your own. I’ve used WordPress for several sites for clients as well. I find it’s easy to brand, easy to teach a client how to use, and can be a very nice blog or full CMS.

Ques:
What inspired you to start blogging? What is it you hope to accomplish with your blog? What kinds of things are you planning to do to reach your blogging goals?

Ans:
The first blog I actually set up was a Music/News Blog. It has been through several incarnations, and is still active at EastZoo.com. I started my Metacom blog for several reasons. It has been a great way to share my work with friends, family, other designers, and anyone who is interested. It’s been nice having a blog I can experiment on as well. I can test designs, plug-ins, and different features on my own blog, without worrying about breaking a client’s site. I also originally planned on releasing Free Downloads for other designers, such as Photoshop Brush Packs, Textures, etc. I haven’t gotten to do a whole lot of this yet, beyond a couple PHP Tutorials, but I would still like to do so in the future.

Ques:
Are they’re any blogs in particular that you admire and that might have played a part in giving you some inspiration in starting and designing Metacom Creative? Are there any blogs you read on a regular basis? Do you frequent them for professional reasons, for personal enjoyment or both (include a few links if you like)?

Ans:
There is an endless amount of blogs that I admire and read! I’ve found so many from all different sources and on all different topics. I use StumbleUpon as well, and have found some pretty cool stuff. I read everything from blogs about Design, Photography, Web Standards and Coding, to Architecture, Technology, and everything else. Just to name a few, The Smashing Magazine Blog (http://www.smashingmagazine.com), the blogs over at 12oz Prophet (http://www.12ozprophet.com), Dezignus (http://dezignus.com), Form Fifty Five (http://www.formfiftyfive.com/), The Big Picture (http://www.bigpicture.in)..

Ques:
When I first visited your blog I was struck by the header design. Is this an example of your own creative talent? And if yes, what inspired you? What is it you hoped to communicate to your readers?

Ans:
The header design, as with everything else, took quite a few tries to get to be where it is now (And I’m sure I’ll change it more in time). I use the Wolf/Mountain look throughout most of my own marketing materials. The header was based off my other marketing materials, business cards, post cards, etc. When I first started marketing my freelance work as Metacom Creative, I went through quite a few phases for my logo, and finally came up with the silhouette you see now. I originally planned on keeping the landscape in the background simple, and have the focus on the wolf, but I kept adding one thing.. then another.. then another.. And eventually came up with the look you see now. I like using solid colors and gradients, and I feel that the current header I have now has a feel of technology and design, but also that of nature and wholeness.

Ques:
Your tagline on the site reads: “Run With the Pack… The Creative Workspace of Ryan Cowles” Just what types of creative endeavors do you engage in? Which creative activities do you enjoy most? And what “pack” are you referring to? (make sure to mention your photography)

Ans:
Creative endeavors, hm.. Graphic and Web Design, Photography, Drawing, Painting.. I try not to limit myself, and I’ll give anything a shot. Anything using creativity is a good thing. The Run With the Pack tagline was used to go along with the Wolf theme, and promoting myself. You can look at it from different angles and see different meanings.. Don’t get left behind.. Keep up with the competition.. Those are just from a marketing perspective.. What kind of thoughts does it provoke in you?

Ques:
Are you formally employed in a creative occupation? Do you also do freelance work? What kinds of projects do you work on? What kind of mediums do you work with?

Ans:
I’m formally employed at a small local business, and I do freelance work as well. My day job is at a smaller company, and we provide marketing needs for other local businesses. Business Cards, Brochures, Ads, Magazine, Signs, and I head up the Web Department. I feel my freelance work allows me to have a lot more creativity. I get to use my own ideas and designs a lot more, instead of a boss’, haha. Most of my freelance work recently has been Web Design and Programming, but I do everything from Web and Graphic Design, to Print Design, Logo Design and more.

Ques:
What computer platform do you prefer for work? Do you prefer the same platform for leisure computing activities as well? What kinds of software do you use most often in your creative projects? What other hardware, if any do you use (graphic tablets, cameras, etc.)?

Ans:
I use Mac’s pretty much exclusively nowadays, work and leisure. I use the Adobe Suite for most of my work. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign etc. I tend to handcode a lot web work, and I use Komodo Edit for that, along with Dreamweaver. My current digital camera is a Canon Digital Rebel XT. When I first started getting into photography in high school I shot film with a 35mm Canon SLR, so when I got a digital camera, the move from SLR to DSLR was just natural.

Ques:
Are you one of the lucky ones who considers your occupation to be almost as enjoyable as a leisure activity? In other words do you love what you’re doing to make a living? If yes, what is it that you find so enjoyable about it?

Ans:
Yes and no. When I finish a design that I’m happy with, or find myself in a really creative mindset, or find an answer to a problem that has been eluding me, it’s very rewarding. Then again, there’s the times when it’s 3:00am, I have a deadline to meet, and I have to find out why things aren’t working. The latter of the two usually results in reading lines and lines and lines of code… I’m 22 and I’ve already spotted a couple gray hairs. I blame it on PHP and MySQL, haha. There are also the clients that are tough to work with, or the days the boss gets on your nerves. But I’m sure that can be said for any profession. If I could find a job that involved going on hikes and taking photo’s, THAT would be perfect. But at the same time, I can’t complain about where I’m at now either. I’m grateful to have a job, and especially one where I get to use a creative mind.

Ques:
What projects have you recently completed, can we see some examples of your work online (include a few web urls or a protfolio link)? What types of projects are you currently working on?

Ans:
I currently started a redesign of my own site at http://www.metacomdesign.com . On there, you can find a Portfolio link. I still have a lot to add, but there are some projects there. I try to keep my blog updated with my most current projects as well. As for current projects, I’m working on a site with Melissa Bergen (http://www.melissabergen.com) for the actress/model/singer Amber Stevens. We’re getting really close to the launch, and I’m excited!

Ques:
What kind of formal training do you have? What is your educational background? (Where you trained, schools, degrees, etc.)

Ans:
I have my certificate in Graphic Design from a local Community College. I have mostly been self taught. I started designing basic things back with Photoshop 5 or 6.. I forget which now.. when I was in middle school. I remember making very basic (and terrible looking) websites on Angelfire when I was even younger than that. In high school used to make CD Covers for all the mixes I made, haha. My passion for photography really came about my Freshman year of high school as well. My current day job is an older business, and up until recently it was primarily a print shop, where we did all of our design and printing in house. A couple years back, my boss wanted to start offering web design. I had a very basic background in Web Design, so I leapt at the opportunity. I took a couple classes (Which I was disappointed with..), started reading books, and tutorials. I took my little bit of knowledge and just got hungry to learn more. Now I’m the sole web design at the company. It was very hands on learning, and I am so thankful for Google and Tutorials, haha. I’ve been learning ever since, and I will continue to do so!

Ques:

What kind of interest and activities do you enjoy outside of your work environment? What do you do to unwind? What are your favorite leisure activities?

Ans:
I’m trying to think of a way to answer this that doesn’t sound super cliché, but I think it might be inevitable. I like hiking, taking pictures, being outdoors. I enjoy reading when I can find the time. I’m also not a stranger to having a drink or three with friends to unwind, haha.

Ques:
What kind of genres do you prefer in books, tv shows, movies and music. Any favorite books, tv shows or songs?

Ans:
Hm.. For reading, I prefer Non-Fiction or Historical Fiction. The last few books I’ve read are The Last Algonquin, The Wind is My Mother, and the Smashing Magazine book. I’d recommend them all! My taste in music is pretty broad. I listen to a lot Hiphop (Let me plug EastZoo.com one more time!), Punk Rock, Blues, Jazz.. I’ve had talks before about starting WestZoo.com which would focus on other genres of music.. But I’m still waiting for free time to roll around. I’m not too big into TV or Movies, but I like History Channel, Discovery, and also something that will make me laugh, like The Office, It’s Always Sunny, or The Simpsons.

Ques:
Can you give us a quick personal bio: how old you are, where do you live, are you a swinging single, a family man or somewhere in between? If there is a special lady, tell us a little about her and how she relates to your creativity – is she supportive and inspiring? How does she bring balance and focus to your life?

Ans:
I’m 22 years old, and I currently live in Massachusetts. I have an amazing girlfriend named Alanna, who is starting to get into blogging at http://www.BloggyTimeExcellent.com . Alanna is an amazing girl, and on top of that, she’s an incredible artist. She has been a major inspiration, and I’m really grateful that I have someone to do the things that I love with. The fact that she likes to go on photo adventures is great, and even better than that, is the fact that she is the perfect model.

Ques:
Do you have a strong family orientation? Tell us a little about the rest of your family members: brothers, sisters? How many? Are other members of your family creative? How did they inspire and support you in your own creative growth?

Ans:
I grew up with a lot of creativity around me. When I was younger, my dad would have to leave early for work. I didn’t get to see him in the mornings, but I remember every day he would draw a pictures on a paper plate. I had stacks of these paper plates, with drawings of trucks, or trains, or anything else a young boy would like. I have an older sister who is a great fine artist as well. She also writes poetry, and has a really creative mind. My mom has a very creative mind too. I guess I’m lucky, I’ve grown up with plenty of inspiration around me.

Ques:
Tell us about Izzy? Is he as special as I think he is? Do the two of you have a close relationship? How long have the two of you been friends? Any other pets past or present that are special to you?

Ans:
We have two dogs, Izzy and Toto. Izzy is three, and Toto is two. They’re great, but they tend to get into a lot of trouble, haha. They’re crazy, and fun to hang out with. They have very unique personalities. They also aren’t the most cooperative models…

Ques:
You have a rather unique cultural heritage. Can you tell us a little about your cultural background and genealogical heritage? Do you strongly identify with your cultural and ethnic roots? Is this reflected in your creative projects?

Ans:
I come from mixed blood, so I guess I’m kind of a mut. On my mother’s side I’m French and Mi’kmaq. On my father’s side, I’m Irish and Ojibwe. We’ve actually traced our Ojibwe ancestors back, and some were Pocumtucs. The Pocumtucs got pretty much wiped out during King Phillip’s War in the 1600’s, but most of the survivors ended up living with other tribes. I definitely feel a strong connection with all my roots. My sister has also learned some of the Mi’kmaw language, and I’m trying to learn Ojibwe. My father has a bit more Ojibwe down than I do though, haha. I think you can see a lot of my heritage reflected in my own creative projects as well. It plays a strong part in my life, including my inspiration for art and creativity.

Ques:
Do you have any ambitions to travel? If so what places are you most interested in visiting? Why, what is it that appeals to you about these places?

Ans:
I would love to travel as much as possible. Alanna is originally from Southern California, and we actually just visited out there, and Las Vegas. Around this time last year, I took a train from Springfield Massachusetts to Los Angeles California. It took about three days each way, and it was an amazing experience. It really gave me an appreciation for how big and diverse our country is. I had stops all over the country and it was amazing. I also met a lot of interesting people throughout the trip. We plan on moving to California over the summer, and we have talked about driving across the country to get there this time. Hopefully we get to do that. I’ve never traveled outside of the country, but I would really love to. There are so many places I would love to visit. I love experiencing different cultures and places firsthand. Not only is it amazing to learn, but it also gives you an appreciation for everyday life. I might be amazed by places and things other people see everyday, and likewise, if they were to see my day-to-day life, I’m sure they would see beautiful things that I take for granted. And of course, being a photographer, I can’t even begin to imagine how much film/memory cards I would need, haha.

Ques:
If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Ans:
Oh man, only one? There are so many artists, from so many different time periods I would have loved to meet. There are so many brilliant minds, early philosophers and scientists that I would have loved to meet. I’ve actually been debating how to answer this question, and finally decided on Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Not only do I really dig his paintings, prints, and other artwork, but as a person he was also a very interesting individual. It would be cool to kick it with him, haha.

Ques:
If you could travel back in time to any one place and event, where would you go? What event would you like to personally witness?

Ans:
I would love to see what North America was like before European Settlement. I would love to see the New England area when the Algonquin Indian Nation thrived. I can only imagine how different it was.. There’s some of my roots showing through, haha.

Ques:
Where do you see yourself and your blog in 2 years time. What do you think will change, how do think you and your blog will grow? Any words of encouragement for other bloggers?

Ans:
I will probably go through a countless amount of redesigns, haha. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep it up, build my readership, and keep adding. When I move to California I want to try and update as often as possible, as a way to let everyone back in Massachusetts know what I’ve been up to, through pictures and words. For encouragement, I would just say stick with it. It can be disheartening when you work so hard on something and then look at the visitor stats and realize not many people have seen what you put so much work into. But it will pay off and if you keep producing quality content then people will definitely start to come more and more. I’ve seen so much growth over the past few months, but before that, I was getting a little discouraged, haha. Also, try new things, speak with your own mind. Let your voice show through. There are so many blogs I can read that just seem like text with no voice behind. Write in your own voice and personalize things.