Oct, 13, 2010

Posted in Interviews | 1 Comment

Interview: Shawn Borsky, Founder of Anthem Design Group

Website: http://theborsky.com
Twitter: @anthemcg
Bio: I am a 24 year old interactive designer and brand guy. I have a degree in Interactive Design and Game Development from Savannah College of Art and Design.

I run a small but way awesome design firm in Atlanta, Georgia called Anthem Design Group. We specialize in custom websites and apps. I started in 2004 and grew from there. I love (in no particular order) design, branding, my girlfriend (of 7 years), and coffee.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your hobbies? Favourite movie?

Most of my interactive and branding industry experience came from working as an designer for multiple Seattle and California game studios and corporations (although I only lived out there briefly).

My hobbies include reading, designing, cooking, a smidgen of gaming and drawing. 
I love branding and design, I really can’t turn it off. So even on my free time I design websites, logos, and strategies. I also seek out resources on it and read up on anything I can get my hands. I love reading; I usually read cool non-fiction stuff (“Cosmos”, “Adventure Capitalist”, “Misquoting Jesus”, “Finding Darwin’s God”). I seek out thought-provoking or debated issues as I always find the competition for truth so juicy. I also love stories of triumph and hard-work such as “Pour your heart into it”, “Radio”, “Finding Fish”, “Pursuit of Happyness”, etc. Recently, I’ve started getting into fiction and fantasy I’ve been enjoying Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” and Tom Clancy’s earlier works ( “Hunt for Red October” and “Red Storm”).

My favorite movie is a tough question; I don’t really have a single favorite. But, since you asked my top movies are Wild at Heart, Children of Men, A Knight’s Tale.

You mention you’re a coffee lover – care to elaborate? Favourite place to get a cup? How do you take your coffee?

I would say that coffee is a defining factor for me. Most of my friends know me for my love of coffee. I’m not picky or pretentious about it, I really enjoy all types of coffee from expensive coffee to gas station coffee. I find that its just a comforting piece of my life and my productivity. If I had my way, I would drink all “Illy”( Italian coffee) that stuff is amazing. But, on a realistic every-day basis, I enjoy Dunkin Donuts (from the actual store) the grocery store stuff is good but not the same. I take my coffee hot and black.

As an early reader of Royal Thoughts, can you share how you came across the blog?

I came across Royal Thoughts because of interviews of some fellow designers that I follow and wanted to know more about. Overall, I am loving the direction of the blog, because its got interesting/short and sweet articles. There are no roundups or gallery posts, just nice critical thinking or interesting thoughts.

What was your first job?

My first job was a Kennel Tech (walk dogs, pick up poop, doing anything the Vet doesn’t want to do) at an Animal Hospital, then I was a Paralegal for a bit.

When did you realize you wanted to get into design? Did you start with web design?

I first started really getting into design around 8th grade, and I was always artistic and loved drawing. I even got some drawings in Sports Illustrated for Kids.

I honestly, did not realize that I wanted to be designer until about the middle of high school where I was heavily involved in all the art programs and I was lead set designer in the drama program.

I actually started with web design early in college working at signature request websites and eventually started doing some heavy duty work for Gamebattles.com (then SocomBattles.com) this gave me a chance to do some game testing for a studio out in Seattle (WXP Studios). While I was there, I managed to get into a design position and I continued soliciting nearby game companies, working with the people who hired me at WXP, and I was there for an extended stay (living out of hotels and the like) for a few months. During that time, I was being paid a little bit, but I started seeking freelance work in Bellevue and California. I got offered a few jobs, but decided to return to college and complete my degree. During that time I continued to get referrals and more work.

I formed a company in 2004, as Broadcast Anthem (now changed to Anthem Design Group). By the time I graduated, I had so much work and clients that I just hired a number of hard working friends who worked with me as contractors, bought an office and here we are a few year later growing and going strong.

What’s “Cuddle up to Flash” refer to?

At heart I am interactive designer. I really love Adobe Flash, I take every chance I get to work with it, I constantly have fun with ActionScript 3. I almost think of Flash as my gateway drug into the rest of the web design field. I also have a Flash icon pillow that my girlfriend made which I do in-fact cuddle with. I say on my blog, that I believe to be passionate about something and really love it, You have to be close to it, you have to strive to learn everything about it. You have to love the good parts and the bad parts. This really extends to design as a whole, but it’s easier to relate to Flash as the starting point. So, Cuddle Up to Flash simply means that I love what I do.

Tell us a bit about the Anthem Design Group.

I started the company in college (refer to previous story). Overall, I had a taste of working for companies and working as a freelancer and I decided to concoct my own version of those two. The office is located in Alpharetta, Georgia (just north of Atlanta). At our biggest we had 12 employees which we mostly worked in mobile video game assets, now we have leaner staff of 4.

We recently moved to focus on web and application design more. We have done projects for tons of huge brands including Activision, BMW, Eli Lilly, Major League Gaming/Gamebattles, and Royal Caribbean. We also do tons of small business and start-ups. We will take anything that comes our way, it keeps it fresh.

We have a pretty relaxed business atmosphere but we get a lot done. I like to think of us an actually friendly group of people who are way laid back but work our butts off. I find that being simply genuine, putting in the hard work, and delivering great work resonates with clients. So, that how we roll.

What have been some major obstacles or struggles you’ve faced in your business?

I would say the biggest struggle is getting cash-flow established. It’s not about making the money; it’s about getting it fast enough to pay for overhead and then keeping a steady flow. Most freelancers don’t get to deal with this, but it’s a bit stressful. Also, dealing with the magnitude of taxes and business documentation is a pain when you have health insurance and employees.

shawn borksy anthem design group office

What’s your favourite part of your job?

The atmosphere, growing and the people. Our team is small but we enjoy what we do and we work hard. It’s such a weight off my shoulders to not be in a corporate environment and be able to provide that kind of work atmosphere for the people who work with me. Although, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE designing and especially getting better at design. Also, happy clients are fantastic. Its insanely rewarding to have a client that couldn’t be happier. It actually makes up for any difficult clients.

How much of your work day would you say you spend blogging, and interacting with social media?



I spend about 5% to 10% on social media. I tend to only do Twitter on my breaks, and I keep IM and Facebook to a minimum. But, after 5pm, I jump way into it. I have started writing a ton of articles to help fellow designers and I find myself doing that almost every night.

What are your favourite blogs to read?

I have insanely long list but I enjoy these blogs:



One Comment

  1. Amber Weinberg says:
    October 13, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Ah thanks for mentioning my blog Shawn ^_^

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