Makers In Action: Meet Intern Jered Carlin

September 7, 2011

Our most recent marketing/graphics intern Jered needs a few more slashes in his title. Not only did he help develop and steer concepts for promoting our Fabrication Fest, but he also lent a hand on all sorts of fabrication and design projects taking place both for ADX at large and for various clients.

Name: Jered Carlin

Occupation: Recent graduate of the PSU Graphic Design Program, Freelance Designer/Illustrator

What’s your expertise and how many years of experience are under your belt?

I’ve been illustrating and drawing my whole life. Thats what I went to college for originally — drawing/painting/printmaking. I have 4 years experience via school in graphic design.

What led to your passion for creating? Have you always been a maker in some fashion?

I’ve always been using fabrication as a creative outlet. Since I was a kid, I’ve always be drawing, playing with tools, and making stuff.

What led you to ADX and why are you involved there?
The first time I heard of ADX was through the PSU graphic design senior portfolio show. I hadn’t been before but was here to show my work. Once I checked it out was stoked. My internship class offered this as an opportunity and I gave it a shot. Why am I involved here? I like to think I’m a maker (laughs).

Do you have any specific projects in the works?
My truck is a work in progress.
I have a 1978 Chevy C-10 that I’d like to rebuild or swap out the engine in. I’m also currently consulting with e black design (ADX Director Eric’s automotive design company) on developing commemorative design concepts for a large trucking company.

What significance does collaboration have in your creative process?

Everything! When you work with people and collaborate you can always bounce ideas off of everybody and it gives you a fresh view on things. It brings new talents, perspectives, and different expertise to the table. It creates a more elaborate and cohesive piece of work.

Tell us about your work in the ADX shops
Most of my work here has been design-based. I’ve never really had projects where I have had to work within the parameters of keeping within an established brand. It’s a challenge to generate new and fresh ideas while keeping it cohesive and within the ADX aesthetic. I also took the beginning MIG welding class and it kind of opened the door for me as far as that goes…I’ve never had the time or resources to learn metal skills on my own.
I also worked on the Step Van conversion project. It introduced me to doing more hands-on automotive body work and restoration work — I’ve always wanted to get into that and it coincides with my own project to restore my Chevy truck.

What’s your dream project you’d fabricate/design/build if you had the skills and materials at your fingertips?
When Eric approached me with the automotive design opportunity, I told him “I’m not just telling you this because this project is in front of my face right now, but I’ve wanted to get into auto design forever.” I’ve always had the interest and passion for wanting to learn more about cars. I wouldn’t say building cars is my dream, but I’m more interested taking what I have an creating my own project car. There’s so many that I couldn’t even pick a specific car but would love to make a go out of it.

Learn more about Jered and his work at his website.