10 Questions: Tim Benzinger

What do you do and where do you do it?

I am a creative something or other. I spend my days designing and directing for websites, print, identities/logos and more at Parallel, a design studio I founded with the help of a few like-minded individuals.

What inspired you to choose this profession, and what makes you stay in it?

I knew what I wanted to do from a very young age. Some kids grow up playing cops and robbers, I grew up playing “let’s run a design studio.” Once that middle school bell would ring, my brother, a close friend, and I would get to work building up our fictitious design studio, Parallel Vision. We’d sit around brainstorming ideas, sketching out logos, and building out websites for clients that don’t exist. Eventually, we put Parallel Vision to rest. Years later, just after college, I started up a design studio and called it Parallel.

I do what I do because becoming a professional skateboarder wasn’t feasible. Honestly though, I am a designer because I still get the same kick out of it as I did when I was starting out and I plan on doing what I do until the projects stop coming. I feel my profession offers so many ways to immerse myself into anything and everything that it would be foolish to not remain in it. We design so intimately for a product, service, or brand that we truly get a glimpse into countless other professions; that is why I do what I do.

What is your single favorite piece in your portfolio?

Currently my favorite piece in my portfolio is titled, “If waves come, learn to surf.” It’s a personal piece that I feel defines me quite well.

What/Where do you want to be in 10 years?

In 10 years, I want to be someone that makes things happen through creativity and good business decisions. I want to be in a position where I have the tools and resources necessary to see any idea through to completion.

Who/What are your biggest influences?

I am most influenced by processes by which a product is created. I like knowing that behind every product, there were unique steps to making it complete. For example: designing a typeface, preparing a letterpress, or piecing together a watch.

I am also influenced by user interactions. I enjoy seeing how people use a product or service. It’s interesting to see how one might use something differently than another. I think this is why a major focus of mine has always been designing for the web and mobile.

I am influenced by people too. Alan Fletcher for his brilliant mind, Charles & Ray Eames for their incredibly well-considered furniture, Apple for their consistent innovation and attention to detail, and the many typographers, designers, business men and women who see value in good design.

What do you wish you did better?

I might primarily be a graphic/web designer, but I often dream about product design, furniture design, architecture, and industrial design. The only problem is my 3D modeling experience is limited. Seeing through my ideas is something I hope to get to one day.

Why Connecticut?

Connecticut has offered me everything I’ve needed so far. Nowadays I can comfortably work in this very scenic state for someone who resides on the other side of the world. I grew up in Connecticut, so living and working here made sense. It’s a great state to live in and it’s home to my friends and family.

Who are the best creatives you’ve worked with?

My core team throughout the past few years: Brian, Matt, Max, and Shawn. Their dedication and passion for what they do has been invaluable throughout the hundreds of projects we’ve worked on together. If you guys are reading this, thank you for the good times.

What are your loves/passions outside of this field?

Skateboarding has become a necessary ingredient to my life. When I was younger, it was merely something new to be a part of, getting together with friends and casually skating, but over the years it has transformed into something I look forward to everyday. It keeps me in shape, it clears my mind, and the reward from landing a trick worked on for days, if not years, is a feeling unlike any I can describe. Additionally, like most, I have a weakness for puppies and kittens.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then?

Too many to list. Another reason to love what I do.