Introducing Mercer Suppiger

In the time he’s been with us, Mercer Suppiger (our new designer) has imagineered a baking sheet of historic holiday gingerbread people for our friends at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, developed a social’s worth of foodie graphics for the good folks at Clancy’s Inc. (owners and operators of five deliciously popular restaurant concepts throughout Central Indiana), and immersed himself in the Lodge culture like the candy coating of a chocolate bar in the #lodgetober2020 challenge (you can see some of Mercer’s illustrations for the Lodge October Design Challenge in the Q & A below!). Keep your eyes peeled for more great Mercerisms to come. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some of Mercer’s recent work samples and lobbed him a few (and fun) getting-to-know-you questions so you can learn a little more about our newest Lodger!

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A DESIGNER?

Not until my freshman year of college did I realize that I might be able to “make it” as a graphic designer. Up until that point I basically wanted to be Quentin Tarantino, writing, directing, and producing my own movies. When I realized I had been doing design and illustration work my whole life as a hobby, and that people were willing to pay me to do that kind of work, I realized I could make a career out of it.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE DESIGN PROCRESS?

I love the excitement of a design challenge, especially when it involves creating something new from scratch. I’m motivated by my inner desire to improve my skills, find my own style, and create something that someone will love.

DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING AND SOLVING DESIGN CHALLENGES.

Before I begin I have to know the purpose of the design, and what needs to be communicated by the design. I talk with the client until I feel like we both have a mutual understanding of what needs to be done.

WHAT’S THE THING YOU MOST LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2021?

Being able to go to movies and restaurants with friends without any COVID related paranoia lurking in the air.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND THE DAY OFF?

Nothing beats having a whole day to myself to do whatever I want without making any plans. Playing video games, playing piano, jamming with friends, board game night, date night, movie night, or doing anything I can outdoors (weather permitting).

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN CANDY AND WHY?

My favorite Halloween treat is candy corn, especially when it’s mixed with roasted peanuts. That’s been a classic Halloween staple ever since childhood and I’ve never stopped loving it.