An interview with Neville Brody

Neville Brody didn't sign the 2000 First things first manifesto but an interview with him in Adrian Shaughnessy's 'How to be a graphic designer without loosing your soul' reveals some interesting opinions:

"The main thing is to have integrity. It's what differentiates the good from the bad... If you have integrity you say no to things. You must say no to things that are morally wrong. I wouldn't work for a tobacco company, for example."

He also states:
"Young designers say they want their work to be seen. That's their message, that's their reason for doing something–to gain recognition... Today design has become about celebrity for celebrity's sake. But being a famous designer doesn't make you rich. You get fired by clients. And you sometimes have to fire clients."

When asked "How did the LCP equip you for working life?" He replies:
"The only advice they gave me was to wear a tie to interviews. I left and went into four years of real poverty. People urged me to get a job in advertising –but I stuck to what I believed in. And if you believe in something you must do the same. Not getting a job doesn't mean that you are no good. Things will come around."

So Brody believes that it is worth sitting around being poor and waiting for the right job to come around, rather than compromising in order to earn a decent living in an area vaguely related to the area you love. I'm not sure I agree with this. Although it depends how much poverty you are willing to endure until you crack and prostitute yourself! If having some money and a better quality of life is more important to you than your design ideals then I guess you would totally disagree. How do you know that your ideals are worth the hardship of poverty if you have no industry experience? Perhaps you have to be an idealist to make a independent and successful designer.

It is evident that Brody is slightly egotistical. When asked "What inspired you to set up on your own and pursue your own ideas?" He replies " When I started out I had a feeling I could change things." This self belief and confidence is quite remarkable!