avatar

Bruce Willen: Embracing the Intersection of Art, Design, and Music

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Nov 14, 2022 • 33m

It's time to explore creativity on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee takes the lead on this meaningful conversation with  Bruce Willen, a versatile multidisciplinary designer, artist, and founder of Public Mechanics, a dynamic design and art studio focused on public and cultural spaces. Alongside his co-founding role in the esteemed design agency Post Typography, Bruce has left a significant imprint on Baltimore's visual language through high-profile projects featured in prominent publications like Time Magazine, The New York Times, and ESPN. His artistic influence extends to music, composing new scores for silent films, international performances, and multiple releases with musical groups Peals and Double Dagger, the latter of which was spotlighted in the documentary film "If We Shout Loud Enough."


About Public Mechanics

Public Mechanics Experiential design / Placemaking / Public art / Creative strategy / Community branding A design studio led by Bruce Willen, collaborating on projects for public and cultural spaces.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Exploring the Art of Emotion: How Typography Crafts a World of Feeling Through Letter Arrangement
  • Unveiling Baltimore's Visual Soul: The Unique DIY Aesthetic That Defines the City's Identity
  • Creative Worth Beyond Artistry: Navigating the Economics of Creativity to Avoid Underestimating Your Value
  • Cultivating Creativity: The Power of Community Support in Fostering Growth and Collaboration among Artists


Bruce shares his journey from being a musician in a punk band to co-founding the design studio Post Typography. He talks about his love for typography and how it allows him to create endless emotions and feelings through the arrangement of letters. Bruce also discusses the inspiration he finds in the city environment and the unique and idiosyncratic elements that make Baltimore's visual language so eclectic. He emphasizes the importance of valuing and understanding the financial side of creative work and offers advice to young designers and creatives on setting fair prices for their services. Bruce concludes by highlighting the significance of supporting and collaborating with fellow creatives in the community.


Mentioned in this episode:

Public Mechanics


🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

Support the podcast

★ Support this podcast ★