Scratching the Surface 192. Tobias Revell
Jul 7, 2021
Tobias Revell, a designer, artist, and educator, dives into the fascinating intersection of art and design. He discusses embracing hybrid roles, balancing critical skills with industry demands, and the importance of speculative design in shaping future narratives. Revell shares insights on how education can foster experimental practices and critiques the standardization of design through modern tools. His exploration of magic and mysticism in technology adds a unique layer, while his journey from RCA to teaching highlights the value of broad creative experiences.
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The 'Sort Of' Self-Description
- Tobias uses the word "sort of" on his bio to signal both genre-blurring practice and self-deprecation about his skill level.
- He jokes he's a "B-plus designer" who delivers quickly but defers high-fidelity craft to others.
Method Defines Art vs Design
- Tobias distinguishes artists and designers by intent and method rather than venue or label.
- Designers foreground audience and communication; some artists foreground reflexivity and internal process.
Education Rooted In Play
- Tobias studied Interaction and Moving Image, an experimental course rooted in play and narrative.
- He made non-technical, playful projects like a giant clock that 'captured a second forever.'
