It's all about people: Jean Jacques Schaffner
Want to know Jean Jacques' fun fact, hobbies, and favorite colour combo?
Jean Jacques served as President of EPDA from 2001 to 2004 and has remained an active member ever since. We are truly grateful for everything he has contributed to help the association thrive and are delighted to have him still on board!
1. Share a highlight of your EPDA experience
As a founding member of EPDA I was there, when it came to life. Back then, there was a real need for cross-cultural exchange in this highly specialized field of packaging design, and EPDA was the answer. It was always a real joy to witness all of us learning from each other, not only concerning design but also the management of our agencies.
2. Who is your biggest design reference or inspiration
As packaging and brand designers our inspiration should not only come from within our own field. For us it was always important to reach across professional boarders, and get inspired by art, fashion, architecture or furniture design. Cultural curiosity is an unending well of creativity.
3. What is your favorite tool or software for your creative projects?
My favorite tool is my Mont-Blanc fountain pen. The computer is great for realizing designs, but I still love to create and draft on paper. Many of my best ideas over the years were originally drawn up on a cafeteria napkin.
4. Tell a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
When I was still a student at the Basel School of Design, a teacher once told me I should become a trumpet player, rather than designer. In reality, I played the saxophone at the time, not the trumpet. And either way, I’m glad I never took his advice. Now, instead of performing at Jazz festivals, I get to design their brand identity. I enjoy that more.
5. What are some of your favorite hobbies or interests outside of design?
I am a designer through and through, which means that I want my surroundings to reflect that. I view every single plant in my garden as a design object, and spend hours finessing the shapes of trees and bushes. And after a hard day of gardening, I get to enjoy the beauty all the more.
6. What is your favorite color combination and why?
Red and white, just like the Swiss flag. The color we use for our designs always depends on the task ahead, but red and white, that’s my identity.
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