MY WORKPLAYCE: YAM’S HOME AND AWAY
Name: Allen Yambao aka YAMS
Location: Es Dee, CA (San Diego)
Occupation: SR. Apparel Graphic Designer, Beat Connoisseur
Affiliations: DC Shoes, Yam’s Creative Collective, Conrad Rick Alberto’s Graphics Go To Guy
Background: Al is a graphic designer from San Diego. He’s been in the game for over a decade now, coming up in the ranks working for some big time companies such as Valvoline, Upper Deck, and Haze Hyperformance. Currently, Al is the Senior Apparel Graphics Designer at DC Shoes where he works on conceptualizing graphics and execution. Al isn’t just some hermit hiding behind his facebook either, you’ll also find him making beats with his MPC and painting with his tub of Guesso in his studio at home. Al was gracious enough to send pics of both.
Here’s what’s on his work desk:
1. Macbook 15″
2. Wacom Tablet Intuos 3
3. BlackBerry
4. Moleskine Notebook
5. Camo Sug
6. Black Spray paint can
7. Sharpie
8. Old Mags and books
9. Sensible Portions Veggie Chips
10. Empty Monkey Mug
Q.The first thing I notice about your workspace is the laptop and the monitor. What’s the purpose of each?
YAMS: The 17″ monitor is actually used to do work, and the laptop monitor is used to discretely watch movies and youtube vids throughout the day.
Q2. What season are you guys working on now? There are a variety of logos on your monitor. Did you come up with all of ‘em?
YAMS: Currently we are in the mix with summer 2011. I did not create the initial logo, but I have created a couple of variations. It’s always convenient to have a variety of logo treatments to compliment whatever you’re working on.
Q3. Shouldn’t a dictionary be used to read? Is it really necessary to use it as a stand?
YAMS: LOL! Work gets so busy that I have not had a chance to order one. Can you hook me up?
Q4. Where do you guys get your graphic inspiration from? What style or genre are you personally into right now?
YAMS: Anything and everything really. If it’s visual stimuli, I’ll try to take it and apply it to a design where it can make sense and is my own. I have always been about simplicity, I still praise the saying “Less is more”.
Q5. Out of all the tools on your desk, which is most important for you?
YAMS: I guess I would have to say my laptop, without it I wouldn’t be able to watch youtube videos or lurk on Facebook all day.
Q6. Looks like you do lots of snacking. What’s your favorite?
YAMS: I just recently got put on these Sensible Portions Veggie Chips. I think they really sprinkle crack on em’.
What’s in his home studio:
1. Old Ass Cannon D10 Camera
2. Pantone Swatchbook
3. MPC 2000XL
4. Tub of Gesso
5. Random prints from travels
6. Study Guide CD
7. Design Books
8. Prism Projector
9. Zip Disks
10. DC Sug
AWKP: If you have a Cannon D10 on the desk, what are you shooting with now?
YAMS: I shot the desk flicks with my Cannon Rebel XTI. Another old ass camera.
AWKP: How often do you shoot? What do you like to shoot? (Photographs)
YAMS: I’m glad you clarified that. There are a couple of people I hold grudges with. But to answer the question, not as often as I would like to. I’m trying to build my skills as a photographer so I can apply it to my everyday work. As of right now, I’ll shoot anything. Although, I will say my camera is always in effect during my travels.
AWKP: LOL @pantone swatch book. What do you use the swatch book for? Whats your favorite pantone? Mines is Mars Red #18-1655.
YAMS: LOL! My music studio is also a secondary design hub. You can never go wrong with having a Pantone book within arms reach. Mars Red’s dope! But I personally like the shade #187 C better.
AWKP: I noticed the Haze mouse pad. How was working with Haze? What did you do?
YAMS: I would have to say I was very fortunate to be able to work and learn from such a talented and legendary person. I participated in a couple of seasons designing graphics for his apparel line with his direction. Eric was very meticulous about every piece he did. I still to this day, try and apply the same rules in my everyday design process.
AWKP: Can you play all those instruments?
YAMS: LOL! Jack of all trades, master of none, would be the best words for this question! Lets just say, I know enough to get away with.
AWKP: Any musical projects in the works? What kind of music are you producing?
YAMS: Not anything serious. Music and Art are my secondary next to design. I like experimenting in the Jazz, Funk, and Soul genre’s on top of dirty drum breaks. Drums are key in my production!
YAMS-SHIBUYA by YAMS
AWKP: Are there any sites that we can hear your music or buy your art at?
YAMS: You can check out my myspace page at www.myspace.com/yambao619 or my personal website Yam’s Creative Collective. I have a beat tape and a couple of mixtapes up for free. I am always looking for people to throw talent over my music. Hit me on my website. Design is my daily grind, but I would always love to have my art and music be put out there as well!
