Guest blogger, Stephanie, has been catching up with one of our favorite Sharpie stars, designer Matthew Langille! Matthew has been featured here before and we thought it was about time to catch up with this amazing designer and take the opportunity to congratulate him on his new addition, baby boy, William!
Stephanie, take it away!
Welcome back, Matthew! It has been a while since we last spoke with you. We figured now would be a great time to play catch up. It has been quite a year for you, especially with your new addition to your family, baby William, entering your life. Congratulations!
How is your family life?
My family life is awesome. I am the proud parent of my 9 week old son William who is just a pleasure! He is a well behaved baby who eats and sleeps well. My lovely wife Karen is the best. She is incredible, a designer in her own right and a natural mother. She makes it look so easy and I’m thankful for that because without her, I’d be lost.
That is great to hear. In fact, I would like to make this interview a little more about you and your life style. So sit back, relax and get ready to answer some personal questions.
I do interviews real loose, I’m ready for you.
Towels by Matthew for One Kings Lane
Since Sharpie’s last interview, have you altered your style in anyway?
Not really. I work organically, creating characters and prints on a regular basis. It’s kind of like I have no choice and that somehow I just keep designing. I am still working with Sharpies and ripping through computer paper stacks working to find the images that grab me.
What are some recent projects that you have worked on that you feel proud about?
There are so many. I have recently designed prints for a cloth diaper company which is really fabulous called Charlie Banana. You can buy and see them here. I am also working with an awesome Swedish company now called FabGoose. Stay tuned to my blogs to see what we’re doing.
Charlie Banana for the little ladies!
Charlie Banana for one and all!
Are there any particular companies or artists you would like to work with?
Of course. I’d love to work with Betsey Johnson, Prada (of course), Agatha Ruiz De La Prada (an awesome kids collection), and Jeremy Scott is also totally fun.
Your art seems to be all over the place, from clothes, to toys all the way to giftwrapping paper. Do you have a favorite item you prefer overall?
To this day, nothing can trump the work I did with Swatch. They were a blast to work with and the artistic freedom they gave me along with the way they embrace artists is truly inspiring to see in the corporate world.
Swatch out!
How has your career affected your lifestyle?
My career has mostly changed my lifestyle in that I work very unconventional hours. I work until 4am most nights. This is because I work with lots of companies in the Asia-Pacific. I prefer this to a nine-five schedule. I get to make my own hours in most cases with that changing only a bit now with an infant in my life.
Do you have any major frustrations in your life?
The paper is a gift all on it's own!
A major frustration for me in my work life is really when a client hires me to create work for them and then they really over art direct. They affect the final outcome to the extent that they should have hired themselves. My most successful projects have been those where clients hire me and trust me and use my prints as I created them and how they were originally meant to be used.
What else would you be if you were not a designer?
I’ve always wanted to be a deep sea treasure hunter…haha. Or an archeologist etc. I’m reading Darwin’s Natural Selection and all of this stuff just excites me, just like space exploration.
Bundle of Sharpie joy! (Onsie by Baby Raleur)
Can you tell me who has been a big influence in your life?
My wife. She has taught me to like things I never liked before knowing her. She has made me realize that there is so much to live for in life. I can’t imagine having to live in this world without being able to share it all with someone. I always figured what was the point to living; if no one was there to experience it with you.
What about an important lesion you have learned within your career?
Never commit to anyone until they sign a contract!! There is a great lecture for all creative to watch, check it out here.
How would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as a fun and witty guy, an entertainer, someone passionate about being creative. I just like to make people happy and smile.
T-t-t-t-t-tEASIN' Me!
What was the last movie, television show or book that made you cry or tear up?
Haha..I’m a sensitive dude. Oprah used to make me cry all the time. And yes, I did watch Oprah and I watch The View. Love me some Joy Behar. I work from home and draw so watching stuff while I do it is great. I cry/tear up a lot…sorry….hard to remember the exact last time. This question is making me cry. KIDDING! Haha…
What was the last experience that made you stronger?
My son’s birth.
Speaking of your son, has he had any influence on your current designs?
Not yet. He is too young. I look forward to him being able to talk or at least kind of talk so I can use his non-sense for ideas.
Ummm.. how cute are THESE!? (shoes available through Neon Eaters)
Matt it has been a pleasure taking the time out to speak with you once again and get to learn a little more about who you are. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing all your up and coming projects come to life.
To keep updated with his work and projects check out his blog, Matthew Langille, follow him on Twitter @matthewlangille, find him on Facebook and check out his website.
Sharpie Squad member, 
