Robin Brooks is the principal of Robin Brooks Design, the New England web design
and print design firm. Robin has a broad background in advertising, corporate,
and editorial design. Comfortable in both print and web design, she can execute
a comprehensive package that is governed throughout by her own impeccable
design standards. Her sense of aesthetics, along with her integrity and warm,
genuine personality make her a pleasure to work with.
Robin received her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College. She was formally trained in
graphic design and illustration at The School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Robin went on to receive her Masters in Fine Arts at The School of the Museum
of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.
I was born in Japan. I left when I was three. When I returned there in 1989, I
was surprised to feel myself coming home. I discovered, especially in the old
city of Kyoto, a sensitivity to beauty in every aspect of life. Instead of
gutters, a string of brass bells guided the water down off the roof. Instead of
being severed, the tiring limbs of ancient trees were supported by crutches. I
found a reverence for grace and beauty that I had not previously encountered.
It felt familiar to me.
Earlier in my life I studied life drawing. I learned to draw the weight and
balance of a figure, not just its outline. I learned to see the center of
gravity in how someone sat or stood or leaned.
When I create a design, the first thing I do is ask my clients to talk. I ask
them to talk and talk about what they do, what they make. I listen. I ask
questions. In the process I hear how this idea was conceived, what makes what
they are doing vital and important to them and to their market. In this
way I gather the essence of a company’s mission. Pictures form in my mind of how to paint the image of what they have described. Then, whether a logo or simply pictures and text on a page, I look for the weight and balance. I look for the unique flavor to captivate this particular audience. I look for the strength in simplicity and clarity. I stay with the design until it gains that sense of grace and beauty that I recognized in Kyoto, until it feels absolutely right. Then it is ready to do its work in the marketplace.
way I gather the essence of a company’s mission. Pictures form in my mind of how to paint the image of what they have described. Then, whether a logo or simply pictures and text on a page, I look for the weight and balance. I look for the unique flavor to captivate this particular audience. I look for the strength in simplicity and clarity. I stay with the design until it gains that sense of grace and beauty that I recognized in Kyoto, until it feels absolutely right. Then it is ready to do its work in the marketplace.
— Robin