Robert Bisi began life at Brand New School back in 2005 where he started as a freelancer. Cut to almost ten years later where he finds himself in the Director/Creative Director chair of the integrated creative agency, which has offices in both Los Angeles and New York City. Over the years, he’s lent his talents to Toyota, Target, Bausch & Lomb, Old Navy, and TiVo, along with the Cannes shortlisted eBay “Toys For Tots” installation. Check out Bisi’s eclectic mix of inspiration in this week’s Friday Five.
1. J.C. Leyendecker
A brilliant artist. He had a beautiful interpretation of the human form, uniquely stylized, while masterfully portraying the quirk and personality of his subject. But what is even more impressive is his process. His dedication to perfection is evident in his studies. The amount of planning, and sketching convey the decisions that led to each brush stroke being expertly placed and perfectly designed.
2. Apples
Fruit in general, but apples specifically. Jazz, Divine, Pink Lady are some of my favorites. All perfect by themselves, but also incredible with peanut butter, with honey, or with lemon and chili. Growing up Mexican, I’ve got a lot of love for this last one.
3. Claes Oldenburg
The wit in his sculptures, their bold scale. His work is both playfully absurd and intelligent, the simplicity of it inspires me to no end.
4. Animation
The ability to bring any story to life visually. It can be a poetic form of expression, or a means to tell a butt joke. My love for animation started early, and was the impetus for my career as a director.
Top left: Photo by NASA/JSC/ASU; Top right: Photo © InstinctImages; Bottom left: Photo source; Bottom right: Photo © So Cal Metro
5. Imperial Valley, CA
My hometown. To the north lies the Salton Sea, to the South – Mexico, and the East and West hold large stretches of beautiful barren desert. With the heat reaching into the 120s during the summer, it’s a miracle that a community exists here. For me, the quiet stillness of the open landscapes are synonymous with comfort. The sunsets are ridiculously beautiful, and feeling the seasons change from summer to fall here is indescribable. If there was an experience I could bottle and share, it would be the feeling of a late September night in the Imperial Valley.
