Andrew Lichtenhan is a Graphics Coordinator and Technical Writer at Wix Filters. An AIGA member since 2012, he also takes on freelance work via Tall Oaks Design.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I dislike the use of a Mac for my design and computing devices. I build my own PC Desktops, use an Android phone, and my tablet of choice (should I ever own one) would be a Nexus 7 or 10. It’s not that I dislike Apple products, but they do not for the money make technical sense for my experience, skills, preferences, and uses. I also do not use a Wacom tablet at all. My justification: play Counterstrike for a good number of years and see just how accurate and controlling you become with a mouse. While on that note, I loathe the Magic Mouse. I have to have real buttons.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would say either film-making or video game design. I have a lengthy background in music (both writing and playing many instruments), photography, art, writing, technology, and storytelling. Those two fields I see many of my skills coming together for large collective projects. Those two media outlets also are the largest sector of entertainment now in our culture. I am amazed how much they borrow from and bridge one another.

What’s one goal (professional or personal) you have for the future?
I feel a position such as an art or creative director would be fantastic. I always felt that my very expansive and diverse learning habits, along with my multi-levels of creativity along many fields, are in ways cultivating me into such roles. I feel in many situations in working on teams (when I have the privilege) that I had a gift of bringing out the best of ambition and skill in my teammates. Outside of work for my personal life, I would love to have the woodworking and carpenter skills that my father and great-grandfather have shown. Time will tell for all, but many dreams exist far and in between.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When you critique, never use the words “like” or “love.” When I was in school I had some great faculty personally instruct this concept. Their point was that when you use such wording or thought processes you are letting a personal bias cloud your viewing and critiquing of the work. This goes not just for design, but artwork and contextual creativity as a whole among many other fields. I realize that I will always have some bias, but that instructed concept helps me step back further than I might not have before and see a work’s effectiveness—even if my personal dislikes are prevalent. When applied to my design, and tastes beyond that for that matter, that piece of advice helps me pinpoint a more effective viewing and appreciation for what a work stands for in and of itself.

What sound or noise do you love?
I have a few that always come to heart and mind. A loud rain or storm echoing through a chambered room; the ocean roar and blowing breeze; those are a few that might sound a bit more cliché. More to my own tastes I’d say I love the rumbling idle-purr and redline roaring of a classic American muscle V8. On a sillier note, the landing noise of a Type 40 Tardis whose pilot leaves the brakes on makes me smile every time.


About AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight
Each month AIGA Charlotte interviews a selected AIGA Charlotte Member. It is a great opportunity for the Charlotte design community to see who AIGA Charlotte is along with all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight, please contact Patrick Saleeby, Membership Director.