Faculty Stories: Cameron Tiede

While there's no doubt that FIDM Graphic Design Instructor Cameron Tiede actually works for a living, one could also say he plays for a living as well. As a freelance Graphic Designer and Illustrator for a long list of kid-friendly entertainment companies such as Mattel, Warner Bros., Disney, and Nickelodeon, toys are his business.

"I've done a lot of work for Mattel on their Hot Wheels site, from conceptual to actual design and illustration," explains Cameron. "I've created editorial illustrations for Disney's magazines and an animated TV spot for Nickelodeon. I've even designed the graphics for Warner Bros.' Scooby Doo cell phone!"

Cameron started out creating simple logos and stencils for small businesses and now he designs online video games, graphics, and custom-made pieces of art. Disguised as toys and with names like Acid Rain Monster, these one-of-a-kind items cost upwards of two thousand dollars and are sold in galleries and shops all along the west coast--like Chinatown's hip Munky King in Los Angeles. He's also designed a new collection of vinyl toys and a line of snowboards that will be available this winter.

Cameron's inspirations range from childhood obsessions, including sugary cereal, 80s music, and Peanuts comics, to African art. "I've lived in Africa and been back to visit a few times. It's my primary inspiration. Getting out and seeing things that aren't related to art in any way is also important."

"A magical quirkiness resonates through Cameron's work and he brings that into the classroom. As you can imagine, it really inspires his students," reveals FIDM's Director of Graphic Design, Stephen Reaves. Cameron says, "Because I work all day in my studio, teaching is a good way to get out and interact with students. It's my favorite part of the job. I care about getting to know the students, finding out what they're about and what their interests are. It's important to me." Bringing real-world experience into the classroom is also important: "It makes a big difference that I can explain how the project they're doing applies to the real world."

To see Cameron's portfolio visit his website at www.camerontiede.com.