Q&A with Finn Nygaard

Graphis, Jan/Feb 2003

Where do you seek inspiration?

Traveling around the world; from my many travels I would like to highlight monasteries in Tibet and Japan, aboriginals in Australia; rock carvings in Sweden.

Professionally, who has influenced you the most?

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Who is/was your greatest mentor in life?

Zen.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Designing a poster to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's death.

What is your greatest personal achievement?

Being born!

What is your work philosophy?

Form follows function!

What is your free-time philosophy ?

Function follows form!

What would be your dream-assignment?

Designing posters for The Olympic Games.

Do you have a favorite cause you like to work on?

Jazz posters.

Who/What is your favorite studio/designer / ad agency/ photographer/ illustrator...? (rate 1-5)

Waldemar Swierzy, Shiigeo Fukuda, Seymour Chwasl, Alan Fletcher, Wieslaw Walkuski.

If you were to invite 1-5 personalities for a dinner conversation? Who would that be?

Dar to Fo, Van Morrison, Gene Hackmann, Yoko Ono, Vigdis Finbogadottir.

What do you collect?

Fine Danish Art from 1920-1950, Japanese brushes and ink stones.

What is your most valuable possession?

A Cassandre poster.

Do you have any hobbies?

Drawing, kayaking.

What is your greatest insecurity?

Being healthy.

If you were to retire tomorrow, what would you be do with your free time?

I shall never retire! (drawing and kayaking)