ALTPICK.COM

Cole Gerst, founder of design firm option-g, didn't realize as a child that the inventive designs he was creating of his dream home were a portent of his future. "I didn't really know that it would turn into what I did for a living, but I wouldn't change it for the world," he says.

His unique style and approach to design, exemplified in his work for the Archers of Loaf CD All the Nations Airports, literally landed him on the pages of The Creative Edge: Page Design. "I actually hung my body out of a plane with someone holding my legs for about fifteen take-offs and landings to get the cover shot," Gerst recalls about the project.

Originally wanting to be an architect, Gerst's career as a designer began at Ichiban Records while still a student at Atlanta College of Art. There he worked on packaging for such artists as Chuck D., Merle Haggard, and Deadeye Dick before leaving to take over the Art Director spot at Alias Records. Since then Gerst has worked as Art Director for House of Blues Entertainment and recently completed a new logo design and a series of promotional compilations for Epitaph.

With five of his rock posters featured on the set of the Dreamworks' release Road Trip, it's clear that Gerst's horizons are rapidly expanding. Other movie appearances of Gerst's work include The Virgin Suicides, Batman and Beyond, Black and White, and an interactive piece in Baise Moi. Now Gerst is on the verge of launching a line of furniture and opening a gallery for untrained visionary artists. Altpick spoke to Gerst about his work and future.

How has your vision evolved?
My work has evolved in a way that lets me work on a really broad range of projects. With my experience and relatively diverse background I can bring something different to the table each time and give each project the best solution, design wise.

Has it evolved the way you imagined?
Not at all. I thought as a designer I was supposed to develop a specific style. But I wasn't happy because I've had so many influences. I love using rough edges and layering many textures together (which I did while developing a look for House of Blues.) Mid-century modern architects and designers influence me as well. They tend to use very simple clean lines and color.

Any advice you'd pass on to someone starting out?
I have always thought it's wise to follow your instincts. Don't let anyone- especially yourself- hold you back from what you'd like to accomplish.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Still involved in art and design, perhaps branching into other areas. I have always been interested in three-dimensional design, having wanted to be an architect.

What do you do for inspiration?
I travel constantly, or as much as I can. I also make to trips several times a year to visit artists that I know and collect work from them. Most of them live in the Deep South. These are the people that keep me going. The reason they do their art is just as amazing as some of the art itself.

- Contributed by Mary Beth Holland