Rob Benjamin
www.tripleflux.com (prior domain - Rob where you at?!)
Tell us a little about your background? I'm 28.
Where are you from?Originally from Chicago, but I live in San Francisco.
Design education:I studied art as a kid and took drawing and painting courses in college. Other than that, I'm self-taught.
What inspires you?Mostly coffee. But I dig: Bill Waterson, Chris Ware, Boards of Canada, overage4design.com, Stanley Kubrik, Sam Raimi, Black Flag, Red Dwarf, John Kennedy Toole, Outkast, Amon Tobin, Mos Def , and Metallica before they sucked.
What software(s) do you currently use to produce your work? Flash, Most things Adobe, 3D Max, Winamp, and a Wacom tablet.
How would you describe a website that's over designed?One that doesn't have a focal point or area. Superfluous elements are okay as long as the core's still discernable.
If design and art did not exist what and where would you be today?Selling stolen goods at a flea market in Oakland.
How do you find working with clients as opposed to personal work?Client work ends when it has to end. Personal work ends when you want it to end.
Describe your workstation?I use a laptop and a 3 year old Dell Precision.
With broadband a household necessity do you still think it's important to cater to dial-up and 56k users?Lately it seems that all sites are pushing the limit. Heavy content packs so much of a punch that it's beginning to take its place next to television. Eventually it will surpass / meld with it, and there won't be much to discuss. Until then, it depends on the audience you're going after. If you're selling plane tickets and giftbaskets, yes you should cater to dialup. If you're making a site that requires sound and vision, then screw 'em. They're catching up.
Besides spam and pop-ups what do you dislike about the Internet?I don't like the fact that the internet has to be regulated. It's a necessary evil..
What are your thoughts on Macromedia's Studio MX 2004?Users always like to bitch and moan about the tools they use. I find it hard to do in this case. Flash is the best software around at the moment. It's the only far-reaching product out there that makes the internet look and feel interesting. It's the tops.
Do you prefer technologically advanced sites or sites with simple but good design?I like cool and original sites. They could be either/or.
What is your favorite non-PC game of all time?The GTA series.
What do you think is more important in today's Graphic/Web Design industry, education or artistic qualities? Choose one then explain:Artistic. Most places will hire you based on your work.
How would you describe your style?I've never really thought about it. Things change too fast.
How would you like to be remembered?I would like to be remembered for guest appearances as "the wacky neighbor".
Any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?I'm making a site for a movie now and working on a few other things.
Favorite quote:"Gosh, you've... really got some nice toys here." - Roy Batty
Final comments:MTV's "The Real World" would be interesting if the cast members were intelligent, unattractive, and had jobs.
