Above the Fold: Mat Bogust, Cardboard Engineer
Enter a caption (optional)In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!
It's not every day you encounter a Cardboard Engineer. This position seems to occupy a niche in the design world, yet it is one that is not only necessary but often highly creative. That is especially true in the case of New Zealand Cardboard Engineer Mat Bogust. In 2010, Mat launched think packaging, a structural packaging design company with a primary focus on cardboard engineering. Since then he has used his artistic and technical skills on projects for Jose Cuervo, Adidas, Mountain Dew, and Stolen Rum. He even founded his own company called Rest In Pets, which specializes in designing biodegradable caskets for the unfortunate passing of your furry friend. Mat may have one of the more interesting jobs in the design world, and if you look at his work and social media posts, it's clear he is always injecting fun and humor into every project.
Was there a specific moment in life where you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?
Leaving school, I wanted to be a graphic designer - or a furniture maker. I had zero experience nor qualifications for either so I didn't get very far. I answered an ad in the paper (yes, the paper - 17 years ago) for a 'structural packaging designer/sample maker'. I went for an interview and to understand and grasp what that actually meant, and, hey presto, I knew from those first moments that this was me.
Who are your design heroes?
To be honest, I gather heroes quickly. Any piece of design that makes me stop, look, and think 'far out, that's amazing' I look up to, follow, and gain inspiration from. Oh, and my dad - he didn't have any real qualifications, he just built stuff. Somehow he just knew how to do it, and it always worked. That puts him to hero status for me now more than ever.
Can you share some details about your most recent project?
The True Honey Co. This is my most recent, and one of the most satisfying. With the three prototypes that I pitched in, the client and agency Marx Design that I was collaborating with picked the toughest, most complicated one. Even with me raising flags [about] production costs and possible issues, they believed in it so much that we broke down every barrier, perfected the design, and produced it. It's an amazing project, something I'm really proud to be a part of.
Enter a caption (optional)Do you have any projects coming up that you are particularly excited about?
Yep. I have a new beer launch that I'm creating a special pack for. It contains some origami - pretty rad.
Walk us through some of your process for creating.
Brainstorming, rapid sketching, research. Never the easy option. Anyone can do that. I like to think different, yet still simple. Make it work, but really well. CAD draw, hand sample - test, test, test. Hand sampling is the best way to understand the form and the project fully, I think. You make fewer mistakes when designing because you tend to think things through a lot more. Well, I do anyway. Plus, it demonstrates craft, and that's what my clients really appreciate - the care, the effort, the perfection.
What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?
Both professionally and personally - you made the cut - my self-promotion. It was by far one of the hardest projects that I've designed and produced. Starting from an idea over a few beers, this had to be made. It's me, on a plate - a representation of what I do, and shamelessly...I love it. Something I'm most proud of about this is actually turning the idea into reality. It took me three times as long as I imagined, and 4 times the cost. Though, to be honest, the best projects do.
Enter a caption (optional)What tools do you find yourself using repeatedly?
iMac, my Tajima LC-302 craft knife, creasing rule, worn out biro pen, masking tape, metal ruler, calculator, and calipers.
Is there any work out there that you've come across recently that you've really loved?
Yep. Benham Vodka, Stranger & Stranger.
Do you have a ritual for getting in work mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat) aka a productivity tip?
Music. Usually pretty mellow when I'm thinking…then loud, fuzzing riffs whilst I sample/make. I hate silence, I find it really awkward. If I get brain jam, I go for a walk and reset.
Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?
My family (wife and 2 kids), snowboarding, downhill bike riding, partying when I can, and wannabe drumming.
Enter a caption (optional)If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three (design) tools, what are they?
Knife, tape, and rulers…so I can set traps etc. I'd starve though, I'm crap at stuff like that.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?
Keep publishing - demonstrate your skill.
To see more of Mat's work, check out his Coroflot portfolio!
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