You think you know, but you have no idea.

How long have you been in business?
We went full-time with Asterik in May of 2001.

Just out of curiosity, do you think 50 Cent could take Ja Rule?
There is no doubt in our minds.

What schools did you attend?
Sad to say, none of us attended more than 2 years of community college. However, we are happy to say we graduated from high school.

Do you wish you would’ve gone to college or at least some sort of art school?
Yes and No.

I know you guys are located in Seattle now, but where are you from originally?
We are all from Sacramento, California. Home of heat and lackluster days. We relocated to Seattle in 2000 during the whole Internet boom. We were all going to retire by 2001 with waterfront properties, gold plated teeth, Escalade’s on 20’s, and enough cash to choke an armadillo. Obviously we were led astray and here we are.

What is an average day like for you?
Wake up. Stop at Starbucks. Get to work. Turn on the computer. Attempt to be creative and please all sorts of people. Turn off the computer. Go home happy.

How do you like working in the music industry?
It’s safe to say that music is the strong second love in our life, or first, depending on whom you ask. It’s a dream to work in this field with some of the coolest bands and people around. It has its drawbacks, like any career, but the positives far out-weigh the negatives. We think the task of creating artwork that represents someone’s work of art is an important one.

What is the worst part of your job?
When a new barista unknowingly messes up our drink of choice. They are always forgiven though.

What do you think is the most important element of design that tends to always get overlooked?
Typography.

Do you feel like you guys have a certain defining “style” or “look”?
Most people who know our stuff would say yes, we would tend to agree with that to an extent. While we would like to think we could create anything for anyone, everyone has a distinct way of doing things. We don’t think we are any different than any other firm consisting of more than one person, when it comes to style.

Who inspires you?
There are some amazingly talented people in this world. We are constantly inspired in so many ways and by so many things.

How can I intern for you guys?
Sorry, not at this time.

Do you plan on hiring anyone else? You know, expanding your operations?
Not at this time. Sorry.

Is talent born or can it be taught?
We are staying away from that one.

Do you guys use Mac’s or PC’s?
Is that a trick question?

Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers wanting to do what you guys do?
Surround yourself with quality people who are interested in design. Bounce ideas off each other, take some classes, read some books, learn how to do things the right way, look at design, get excited, work hard and never give up.

Boxers or briefs?
Neither.

Why don’t you guys move to Los Angeles or New York or something? Why the Northwest?
Have you ever been to Seattle? This is home. Thanks to technology, we don’t need to relocate.

What’s the favorite part of your job?
The ability to let your imagination run wild and to get paid for it.

Okay, last question: Led Zeppelin or The Rolling Stones?
A trick question again?

© 2006 Asterik Studio