The many faces of Max Erdenberger

Max Erdenberger works at the intersection of art and technology, whether creating a celebrated yet controversial music video for Gnarls Barkley, promoting environmental responsibility through design, or lending his visual talents to many of the world’s largest brands at Wieden+Kennedy. The Portland-based artist founded Viewers Like You, an international blog dedicated to visual culture and music, and showcases his personal work at Central-Office.

Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by ideas that help people solve major problems and improve the quality of life for everyone. Recommended reading: Cradle to Cradle & Shop Class as Soul Craft, both brilliant.

Erdenberger art-directed the dizzying Gnarls Barkley “Run” music video for Happy

How does graphic design influence your filmmaking?
I studied design at CalArts where there is also a really small but good film program. Thom Anderson taught a class called Film Today where he showed some of the most amazing films spanning all genres and countries. I probably should have spent more time learning proper typography or design ethics than hanging out in the film library watching Oskar Fischinger animations on laser disc. That exposure to amazing work still influences my work today. Having great design teachers too, didn’t hurt.

Design created for the Barack On! t-shirt fundraiser in October 2008.

Recent event that made you laugh?
I learned that Yahoo is the most googled word and Google is the most searched word on Yahoo. Then I found out that it isn’t true. I hate it when people google, Google.

You recently relocated to Portland after many years in LA, how does the creative scene differ there?
In the short period I have been in Portland I have noticed no shortage of creativity. There is a huge indie art scene with heavy hitters like Chris Johanson taking up residence here and up-and-comers like Mark Warren Jacques and David Neevel putting up great shows. Commercially there are companies like Nike, W+K, Adidas, Downstream, Second Story, Mutt and Laika supporting some of the most talented folks I have ever encountered.

Do you like to listen to music while you work?
Music is a great way to keep one part of your brain entertained while the other part works on a project.

Your worst habit?
Working late. But that’s when the good stuff comes out.

Erdenberger-directed open for the Flux Screening Series at the Hammer Museum

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what profession would you pursue?
At first I’d say Architecture but that’s still too close. So, ceramics because it has a definite beginning middle and end. Plus then you have something tangible to show for it and its completely sustainable business-wise and environmentally.

What (new projects) are you working on now?
I’m working with Aaron Rose on the identity and some of the “shows” of our new original entertainment channel WKE on the new wk.com. Our goal is that this part of wk.com will help establish Wieden+Kennedy as not just a great creative ad agency but also as a burgeoning provider of high quality web entertainment.

See Max Erdenberger’s installation International Waters at the Flux Super 8 exhibition, August 15 - September 5, 2009 at Scion Installation L.A. Space; 3521 Helms Ave. (at National); Culver City, CA; +1-310-815-8840