I later wrote an essay entitled "Torchbearers of the 21st century soul club" about Fabios influence and the importance to branching out within the design community to discover hidden truths. Get in touch if you want a copy. It's a bit too long to post here.
Plastique Pop: First off, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Fabio Conti. I'm 37 years old and have been married for 2 years. Originally I come from a small town called Mola di Bari that is situated on the Apulian coast of Italy. However, I moved to the north at the age of 6 and spent my school years in Varese and took graphic design courses in Milan. I also lived in Massa Carrara for a number of years. I moved back to the starting point of my departure, Mola di Bari, 6 years ago and, for sure, am destined to move again sometime in the near future. I've been working as a freelance graphic designer for the past 9 years.
Plastique Pop: How would you define Neopop and it's importance on the design world?
I have no idea as to what extent my work has made an impact on the world of design; however, I am sure that many graphic studios, specialized art magazines and interior design agencies have taken a look at Neopop. it at some point or other. From the moment it was 'born', Neopop was truly innovative. Combining an intimate relationship with retro style, it immediately became protagonist on the Italian Cocktail-Lounge scene and more recently on the International Soul-Funk scene. I've noticed that many people recognize my work and style, and my designs have been duplicated on myspace and on flyers. Although Neopop hasn't been lucky enough to work on projects of a corporate scale, it has, on the other hand, brought inspiration or ideas to return to a cool 60s design, etc. My graphic prints have been published in various design magazines such as Elle Decor, Casamica and Art Lab as well as used for the Zanotta catalogue. I have also provided artwork as a backdrop for dj sets for artists such as Gilles Peterson, Eddie Piller, Nicola Conte, Rosalia De Souza and, Kruder and Dorfmeister.
Plastique Pop: What influences or movements inspire you the most? I know the mod scene plays heavily in your work. Are their any particular parts of it that you find more relevant?
When I first started out, towards the end of the 90s, there were but a handful of graphic designers that were reworking 60s and 70s styles. Graphic designers working for Irma Records, Shado Records, Easy e Right Tempo or Fez gave me a huge boost to work on my own projects. The UK Acid Jazz scene gave me some excellent ideas but in contrast to the music, I personally believe that it never left a lasting mark in terms of graphic design. Two modern videos that have inspired my work are 1999 by Cassius and Sexy Boy by AIR as well as graphic design classics such as Blue Note covers by Reid Miles. Other influences include Italian B-movies, that Tarantino derives much of his work from, for example, or vintage American, British and Italian magazines. The Mod/Swinging London era is unbeatable; but I have to say that Italy in the 60s with Lambrettas and Vespas, and the sharp cut suits is certainly just as cool. For the last few years I've been taking part in the Italian Mod scene to be part of the 'in crowd'. Although I am increasingly becoming more involved with the Soulies scene that is distanced from the more 'in' modernists.
Plastique Pop: What bands in the mod movement do you like the most? Do you dig the 60's beat stuff or the 70's revival stuff?
I much prefer Mod '64 rather than the 70s revival. The Mod period of '79 doesn't give me a wow factor like the 60s does-sorry! I hope I haven't made some peeps angry there but this is a personal opinion. In all honesty, I can't name a band but I do dig Mod Jazz, Blue Eyed Soul as well as some Freakbeat.
Plastique Pop: What about the Soul stuff? Any favorites?
I love Northern Soul. It's my most favourite music ever! You just can't beat it! Followed by R&B and Funk. I also like a bit of Modern too. Very Soulful! 80s Soul can also send tingles down my spine! I adore the more soft, sweet and dreamy type of soul music that has a great vibe to it...how can I explain it? It's so vast...just 2 names, for example, Deon Jackson and Lezli Valentine...and that's just off the top of my head!
Plastique Pop: Can you give us a little background on who you got into graphic design? Where did you go to school and what did you major in?
I have always had a passion for design. My father introduced me to comics and it's here that I became addicted to art. I didn't go to art school but instead studied the classics such as Latin and Ancient Greek. However, when I left high school, I was determined to re-enter the art world and took a course in Graphic Design in Milan. When I studied back in 1991-1993, computers were limited and so I had to learn everything by hand! Since then, things have progressed and I am now the proud owner of a G5 Mac! Obviously it's difficult to keep up to date with all the programs but I do my best. It's going to be more difficult in comparison with the younger generation who have been born in the internet era. Furthermore, Graphic Design in Italy has only been recognized as a degree in the last couple of years and the amount of Universities that offer it are far and few between. So really, what I've learnt, I've learnt on my own: self-taught you could say!
Plastique Pop: Tell us about the Record Kicks RK45 series and your involvement in it.
You could practically call me Record Kicks's right hand man! I have worked on all the 45" and 12" labels except for Soulful Torino Rec., a RK sub-label. I have been working with RK since its launch, maintaining around 97% of the graphic input. It's a great label to work for and I've seen it grow over the last few years. It now has TRIO VALORE; DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND, THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS; BABY CHARLES, THE LINK QUARTET, KOKOLO as part of its catalogue, not bad!
Plastique Pop: Do you freelance full-time or do you have a professional side gig?
The music market, particularly the independent market, is really suffering and consequently doesn't pay. I can't support myself and my family with freelance work, so I'm forced to work full-time. At present, I work in a senior role as a visual merchandiser in retail.
Plastique Pop: What advice would you give an up and coming designer?
To find their own style. To take inspiration from someone or something that gives them a sublime feeling and to adapt it, with style and personal taste.
Plastique Pop: Are there any artists that you like or take cues from? How have they shaped your thinking as far as design goes.
As I previously said, I really like Reid Miles's work. However, there are also another two young graphic artists whose work I am in awe of: Andrio Abero, who lives and works in New York and Scott Hansen of San Francisco. Even though they are very young, their work is amazing and their knowledge and use of colour is second to none.
Plastique Pop: I really dig your product identity work for the movie 'Young Birds Fly'. How did that come about? Did you see the movie yet?
I think I may have been one of the first to see the film as the producer, Leonardo Flores, wanted me to get a feel for the artwork. I wanted the graphics to mirror the three female protagonists of the film but I also wanted to place the main role of teenage Jill, as the centre-piece of much of the artwork. A cool font together with the insertion of the target logo, completed the whole look of the promo material of a post-60s film.
Plastique Pop: What other clients have you worked for? What work have you done that your proud of the most?
I have worked for the following companies: NOKIA, TURISANDA, NATUZZI DIVANI & DIVANI, SAICAF, VITAMINIC ITALIA, CASTORAMA ITALIA and MISS ROBERTA SHOES. For music companies: RECORD KICKS, SUGAR RECORDS, PSYCH OUT RECORDS, KIVER, SCENARIO MUSIC, AFRO-KATS RECORDS (CA), NUN ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC HOUSE (UK), RAMBLING RECORDS (JP) and SOUNDAY. I am particularly pleased with the work I did for a small soul night in Southport, Uk called Beat Surrender!
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