SND 45 Q&A: Print Individual Portfolio winner: Richard Boudet

With SND 45 in the books, board member Martina Ibáñez-Baldor set out to ask this year's winners about their portfolios and tips for the rest of us. Richard Boudet, Art Director for the Sunday Sports Editor at The Seattle Times, won a Silver print award for individual portfolio in the SND 45 digital competition.

What is your current job title, and how long have you been in that role?
I'm the Sunday Sports Editor at The Seattle Times. That traditionally has been the title for the lead sports designer. I've been at the Times since 2006.

What do you love about designing for print?
There's something rewarding about making a real thing that people hold every day. I had a boss once tell me, "If it's great or bad, it'll probably be in the recycling bin soon." So you can't be too precious about your projects or daily duties. Consistency wins out. That said, in sports, we get to cover some major memorable events and I always want those days to stand the test of time. If someone picks up a Super Bowl cover from a decade ago, I want that local fan to think, "yeah I remember that moment, that's exactly how I felt."

Which of these projects was the most challenging?
I've done three Super Bowls, a couple of college football playoffs, baseball playoffs, Olympics - I can't remember everything. They all take a lot of work - teamwork especially. The 2014 Super Bowl was pretty crazy, not only did I design the print stuff, but we did a ton of marketing ideas, from banners to paper dolls to pennants, and a book, too. Nothing turned out perfect, to be honest, but you're just riding the wave. When you know the entire city is looking at your staff's work and maybe even saving it, that gets you excited.

What do you feel is the most important part of your design process?
I talk with the writers and editors but often I need my own concepts to arise from the discussion. Or I might have one already before we even begin (sports has a lot of projects that come up every year, team previews and playoff previews and anniversaries, etc.) Getting to work with the illustrators and photographers is the best, honing an idea and a visual hook. I have to know where I'm going, I don't wing it and I don't rely on inspiration at the end.

What is your favorite piece in your portfolio from this year?
My favorite project from last year was about baseball's All-Star Game, which Seattle hosted for only the third time in five decades. I solicited images of favorite All-Star memorabilia from local fans and made a huge spread of really interesting objects. I wrote it all, designed it all, did it all. That's pretty rare for a project. We even had old nameplates from the player lockers at the 1979 All-Star Game, including Johnny Bench etc. It was like a visual yard sale of cool items.

What advice would you give to designers who are looking to improve their portfolios?
I'll just give some design advice in general. I had an early career training session and the leader said, "the hardest thing for a designer is knowing when to stop." This has always been my bug, I can easily overdo it. Too many frills, too many layers, too many design ideas that just are there to get attention. In the process, I look at my designs or illustrations or type and think, what can I take out? You have to constantly edit. Have your own voice, don't be afraid to be bold, but if it's smartly styled, it succeeds.

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