2016-05-07
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
"Office Hours" by Edward P. Jones explores themes of isolation, identity, and human connection in the lives of its characters through subtle, understated storytelling. By focusing on the everyday experiences and relationships of ordinary people, Jones masterfully conveys the complexities of human emotion and experience.
Unconventional Inspiration: How One Design Studio Found Its Way
Office Hours' practice is all about trying to capture a little bit of “undesigned” charm. Specialising in branding and packaging, it was a Pearl Jam record that first sparked founder Roy Fleeman’s desire to become a designer.. Roy Fleeman, founder of the Atlanta-based Office Hours studio, was introduced to the world of creativity in the basement of his childhood home. His father, who owned a sign-painting business, would work on designs for local businesses and bands, exposing Roy to the art of visual storytelling from an early age.
As Roy grew older, his fascination with design only deepened. He began to appreciate the way that a well-crafted logo or packaging design could elevate a product and leave a lasting impression on customers. After completing his education in graphic design, Roy set out to make a name for himself in the industry. However, it wasn't until he started working on branding projects for local bands and musicians that he truly found his passion.
One of these musicians was Pearl Jam, whose 1991 album "Ten" would go on to become one of Roy's earliest and most influential design projects. The record's distinctive packaging, which featured a bold and colorful design that perfectly captured the band's energetic live performances, left a lasting impression on Roy. He realized that sometimes, it's not the elaborate or over-the-top designs that make the biggest impact – but rather those that are simple, yet effective.
This realization would shape Roy's approach to design at Office Hours. The studio's practice is all about creating unique and memorable branding solutions that capture the essence of each client's business. Whether it's a small startup looking for a bold new identity or an established company seeking to refresh its packaging, Office Hours is dedicated to delivering designs that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing. With a focus on creativity and attention to detail, the studio has built a reputation as one of Atlanta's top design studios – and Roy Fleeman's journey from childhood curiosity to successful entrepreneur serves as a testament to the power of following your passions.
From Basement to Boardroom
Growing up, Roy spent countless hours in his father's basement workshop, watching as he worked on designs for local businesses and bands. The smell of paint and ink filled the air, and the sound of music and laughter echoed through the space. It was here that Roy first developed an appreciation for the art of design – and a sense of what made it tick.
As Roy entered adulthood, his interest in design only deepened. He began to study graphic design in earnest, learning about typography, color theory, and composition. After completing his education, he set out to make a name for himself in the industry – but found that working on branding projects for local musicians was where he truly felt at home.
Pearl Jam's "Ten" would prove to be one of Roy's earliest and most influential design projects. The record's packaging featured a bold and colorful design that perfectly captured the band's energetic live performances – a feeling that Roy sought to translate into his own designs. By working on branding projects for musicians, Roy was able to hone his skills as a designer while also staying true to his passions.
A Focus on Creativity
At Office Hours, creativity is at the forefront of everything the studio does. From the initial consultation with potential clients to the final product, every aspect of the design process is approached with a focus on innovation and experimentation. Whether it's exploring new typography styles or experimenting with unconventional materials, the team at Office Hours is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in branding and packaging.
This approach has allowed Office Hours to build a reputation as one of Atlanta's top design studios – and to attract clients from all over the city who are seeking creative solutions to their visual identity needs. Whether it's a small startup looking for a bold new logo or an established company seeking to refresh its packaging, Office Hours is dedicated to delivering designs that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
A Community of Creatives
For Roy Fleeman, design has always been about more than just creating beautiful images – it's about telling a story. Whether it's through the use of color, typography, or composition, a well-crafted design can evoke emotions, convey meaning, and create connections between people. This is why Office Hours is dedicated to building a community of creatives who share this passion for storytelling.
The studio's office is filled with artwork from local artists, as well as books on design and creativity. It's here that Roy and his team meet with clients, brainstorm ideas, and bring designs to life. Whether it's a meeting about branding strategies or a session of one-on-one feedback, every aspect of the design process at Office Hours is approached with a focus on collaboration and community.
The Future of Design
As design continues to evolve in an ever-changing world, Roy Fleeman and his team at Office Hours are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Whether it's through new technologies, innovative materials, or fresh perspectives, the studio is dedicated to exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in branding and packaging.
For Roy, design will always be about more than just creating beautiful images – it's about telling a story. It's about capturing the essence of a brand, conveying its values and personality, and connecting with customers on a deeper level. As he looks to the future, Roy is excited to see where his passion for design will take him next – and how Office Hours will continue to inspire and empower creatives across Atlanta.
