Meet Magnus Champlin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Magnus Champlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Magnus, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I believe that my work ethic evolved from a varied list of people and places over the course of my lifetime. I grew up on a family farm, which we all worked on, and my mother also had her own business. This had me living in a household that never once really heard about issues with managers or bosses. They themselves were their own boss and employee. If things went well or went wrong, it was all something that they had set into motion. The long days of working on the farm definitely helped with the notion that you just had to keep going. Stacking a steady stream of hay bales all summer had a way of helping you realize you need to be persistent.

When I first moved to Rochester, it was because of a wonderful design studio where the boss wasn’t very boss-like. A great little studio that taught me that you don’t have to be 9-5 to get stuff done; rather, there is an ebb and flow to how you work and each project. If you figure yours out, you can know what times you are most productive, what times you need to be doing nothing, and sometimes where you want to just be in the studio every day, long into the night, working relentlessly.

There were a few other agency jobs and design departments I worked in that showed me what the world of managers and committees can do. The inefficiencies of those worlds really pushed me to work specifically for myself. However, having those managers and committees offered me an internal voice that I use in my work, either with design or simply if enough work had been put in for the week. There is that remnant of a manager in the back of my head, giving a slight commentary track.

All this to say that part of my work ethic spawns from the necessity to pay the bills in the chaos of what is being called late-stage capitalism. The looming bills and the fact that banks don’t take high-fives… yet.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I like to say that I need a very tall building for my elevator pitch, but it’s rather honest. A design studio with the goal of being a creative problem solver for people/businesses/organizations. Helping bring ideas to light, connect, and solve problems, and when fortunate, make artwork and other creative projects. But, the world is filled with rather diverse people and projects, meaning that I am constantly working on projects that I might have never imagined. Helping create a mini-fusion reactor diorama for MIT to working on boards and projects to help reforest Madagascar were just two things I did in one year. Next year, working on giant bronze sculptures to put around the city and painting 100ft long murals. And that’s the thing… that’s the thing I’m most excited about: Creating. Creating something new that has never been made. Creating a solution to a problem. Creating connections with wonderful people. The spark of creativity and ideation fuels me and my studio. Each project is unique with all new problems and solutions. Working with others and at the same time making my own art and creations.

Around year five, I realized that my own creations and the experiences I had been creating for people with my art were quickly becoming much more enjoyable. So, as I move forward, I’m looking forward to creating large and experience-driven art installments and merchandise.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Certainly! Here’s an improved version:

Three Qualities/Skills/Knowledge that have had a profound impact on my journey:

Curiosity: The innate curiosity of my brain has been a driving force, propelling me on exciting adventures and proving to be one of my greatest assets in life.

Networking and Collaboration: I believe in the power of connection with contemporaries and groups. Creativity thrives in collaboration, and I’ve found that working alongside others in creative endeavors is essential. The bonus lies in the meaningful connections forged along the way.

Skill Acquisition and Versatility: A key principle for me is the constant pursuit of new skills and techniques. The fusion of curiosity and collaboration leads to the third aspect — the relentless pursuit of learning from diverse, talented individuals. The goal is clear: gain knowledge from various sources and wield these capabilities for positive impact, perhaps even world domination.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m actively seeking collaboration with creative individuals across a spectrum of projects and ideas. The ideal collaborator is someone who tackles challenges from unique perspectives, unburdened by functional fixedness. I value creatives who bring a lighthearted approach to their work, not taking themselves too seriously. The perfect match would be someone as enthusiastic and excitable about a project as I am. In this collaborative space, the emphasis is on the project itself, transcending individual egos, and ensuring that the audience enjoys a fantastic experience. If you share this vision and passion, feel free to reach out to me on social media, where you can find me under @MagnusApollo on most platforms.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Quajay Donnell for Wall Therapy mural photo

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