The Graduates 2011: Bruce Usher

The Graphics and Communication course at the University of Leeds presented Bruce Usher with an opportunity to create an all-things-considered portfolio of good looking design and conceptually strong works. A tour about the website he built to house his endeavours both in and out of uni proved him to have presentation skills beyond the norm, with special mention going to the excellent looking site for his small publishing press…

Yoke Books, is one such external project that facilitates his need to “surround myself with people who are doing interesting things” and an “extension of this childish need to be constantly excited by what’s around me.” Just like building a website gave Bruce some new skills to play with, it’s the putting of things together, be it people or print, that makes “making the most important and most fun part of what I do.”

If your portfolio was on fire, and you could only save one piece/project, which would you choose, and why?

I’d go in after the Hunter Gatherer poster. It was done over one night and put through the Risograph machine the next day. It was amazing to being asked to do something for Rhiannon Gilmore too, whose blog, Intelligent Clashing, has been one of my favourites for ages.

If you could collaborate with another artist/designer (or a number of artists/designers) to make a piece of work, who would you work with and what would you make?

I’ve always liked the idea of putting together a super-magazine with a “Generation Game” worthy conveyer belt of contributors. The Nous Vous boys, Daniel Eatock, Karl Pilkington, Olle Eksell, Urs Lehni, and T-Pain would all have to be involved.

What was your finest moment at art school?

The moment I realised that my grade probably wouldn’t matter all too much and that I should try and get involved in a broader way. The people I met and the things I learnt doing just that have contributed to my work and practice a great deal more than my course did.

We believe it was the Jonas brothers who once said “we’re the kids of the future.” How, if at all, do you relate to that?

Who am I to argue with the Jonas brothers?

Can you give us ONE prediction about you and your work for the next year?

I’d really like to keep on learning and get a bit more time to bust out some fresh stuff. A good balance of Yoke Books, some commercial and personal projects along with a nice trip away would make for a super year!