the skattered brain: October 2010

Tom Slazinski

Who are you and What do you do?

Tom Slazinski- I create tailored environments. I'm a Senior Display Coordinator for Anthropologie while also working as a freelance event design/installation artist. This largely involves creating the displays for Anthropologie stores by designing the store environment. I like to think of it as an unusual combination of set design, interior design and art installation. On the side I've also executed the design of numerous retail, event, wedding, and residential spaces.

Where are you from?
I'm a Midwesterner. Was born outside of Detroit.

How has that influenced your aesthetic or approach to the work?

Well mostly that I come from a hard working set of parents who embraced my creativity when I was young and provided me with countless opportunities to develop that aspect of myself. I grew up talking full advantage of the artistic wealth around me which included Cranbrook, Interlochen and a number of other institutions. We also traveled extensively and I always have been fortunate to have a broad perspective to draw upon.

Was the path to what you do now a linear one? Or did you stumble upon your calling?

I've always been involved in the arts. My entire youth I trained in the fine arts. By high school the National Foundation for the Advancement of Arts ranked me among the most talented young artists in the nation. I went on to study architecture at the Univ. of Michigan. Traditional architecture practice wasn't the best fit for my more visceral temperament so I steered my design sensibilities towards more hands-on projects with a quicker turn over rate. This led me to interior design, and later to a greater focus in prop sourcing and creation. I worked at the largest prop house in New York, created props for theater, freelanced at a production design group and eventually found my way to my current position with

Anthropologie.

What do you love about your work?

I love tactile work. I'm hands on every day painting, drawing, sawing, climbing ladders... I get to have a direct connection with my creation and leave a personal touch. Back when I used to work in the architecture profession this is what I missed the most. I also love having involvement in a project from start to finish in a relatively short timeline. The variety of tasks with in the process always keeps the work fresh and exciting - from planning, (especially) supply research and gathering, production and assessment. In the end what I love the most is using creativity to transform a space into something I find beautiful and special that I can share with others. Really there's not much I don't like about my work.

What keeps you motivated and excited to continue?
The challenges each new unique project brings.