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The perfect creative storm has developed within the Portland design community in the form of Designer/Illustrator Lloyd Eugene Winter IV. Art, design, music, and technology converge for Lloyd into a balanced, lush life. His imaginative style first developed in the rugged forests of Idaho, evolved during his years as a Fine Arts Major, and thrives with each creative collaboration that passes through his hands.

Graphic Designer by day, illustrator/poster artist by night – Lloyd is happy making art for a living.

Here is an interview for AIGA Portland that Lloyd gave while escorting his two-year old daughter on a walk through their neighborhood.

Q: How did you get involved in design?

A: I was creative for as far back as I can remember. My early years were dominated by a fascination with graffiti, and I only recently realized that it was my first foray into typography. I loved collaborating with other painters and writers, and although I was in college as a fine artist, I was drawn to typography and a flat, hard-edged graphic style. I was also playing in bands and I began creating music posters, flyers, t-shirts, and album packaging for both bands that I played in, and for friends' bands. My connection and immersion in music has intrigued me on many different creative levels. The visual patterns of sound waves, and also the patterns found in nature have become an integral part of how I work today. Both nature and science have many aspects that I find to be over-the-top, and I feel them channeling through me. I love to accentuate them in my work.

Q: How do you find inspiration?

A: Lately I've been inspired online by the creative work that I see at ffffound.com, fecalface.com, and posted by the people who I follow on Twitter. I also get inspiration from antique shops, nature and nature television shows like NOVA, music, and working with other artists. Locally, I admire the work of Nick at seizurepalace.com, Aaron at Draplin Design Co., and also Eric Hillerns and Adam McIsaac at Pinch.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Portland?

A: When I first moved here, it was the abundant and supportive music/art community. It's still that way but I would also add Portland's resources for parenting, sustainable living, and overall quality of life. Living in Portland has allowed us to be car-free for over a year now. We purchased a cargo bike and I cycle my daughter to a neighborhood source of locally grown fruits and vegetables — she sees how vegetables really look when they are freshly picked.

Q: What is your secret to having a work / life balance?

A: I strive to have a healthy lifestyle, but there ARE some late-night and ungodly early morning sessions. I have a very supportive wife, who is also an artist, and we are able to share the printing of the silkscreen posters together. I never create boundaries in my life — I don't leave work and become a different person because I believe that work and life are extensions of each other.

Q: What do you get out of AIGA?

A: I guess it helps me feel more like a professional through the networking, freelance resources, articles and benefits. I use the AIGA online resources to keep up on design ideas and best practices.

Q: Sum up who you are as a creative?

A: I create, draw, paint, develop, build, construct, free-associate, critique, play discuss, learn and grow — blending my roles as a family man, artist and musician.