This month’s AIGA Maine Member Spotlight features Partnerships/Sponsorships Board Member, Chris Laryea. We talked to him about work, his life in Maine, and his experience with AIGA.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Chris Laryea is a designer at VIA, an advertising agency in Portland, Maine. He was born and raised in Queens, NYC, but moved to Maine in 2014 after meeting his wife on a dating app. Prior to working at VIA, he worked as a Graphic Designer for Madame Paulette; a high-end dry cleaner in NYC, where he worked on all their branding, print, and digital. He worked for them shortly after receiving his Associate’s Degree in Digital Media from the Katharine Gibbs School in Manhattan, NYC.
He draws on inspiration from his love of comics, music, and Black culture. He now resides in Sanford with his wife and three children.
Why do you choose to live in Maine?
I moved to Maine when I met my wife. I’m originally from Queens, NYC. We met on a dating app and she happened to live in Maine, so I moved here.
Why did you join AIGA Maine?
It all started with my visit to the Abyssinian Meeting House a few years back. After my visit, I realized that there was a lack of attention being given to the BIPOC arts community in Southern Maine. I think serving on the board will be a great way to connect with more people in the arts community and lend a diverse perspective.
What are a few of your favorite spots in Maine?
– Food: Empire, Bayside American Cafe, Micucci’s
– Places: Coast City Comics, Ogunquit
Favorite design Instagram(s)?
Mat Voyce; An Improbable Future
Three words that inspire/motivate you as a designer:
Vision, Instinct, Action.
Recommended readings, podcasts, etc?
Herb Lubalin: Typographer (if you can get your hands on it!)
What aspects, trends, or inspirations in design are you currently inspired by?
Doughy is a font that I’ve been into and used in a couple of my recent explorations for some logo work.
AIGA Maine Member Spotlight is a regular series highlighting one of our members. If you would like to make a suggestion for an upcoming spotlight, please email us at communications@maine.aiga.org.
