Barry Simon is a graphic designer, Art Director, musician and box-making enthusiast.

 

He began his career at "National Lampoon" magazine, following the release of the classic comedy, "Animal House". He was art director of "Games" magazine, "Computer Shopper", a magazine covering the tech industry; "Smoke" magazine and "Relix", a magazine covering live music.

 

He has won awards from The Society of Publication Designers, The Society of Illustrators, Folio Magazine and Graphics USA. He recently won a Boli Award for his work with Canon U.S.A.

 

He also plays guitar and drums in the surf/rock band "Strange But Surf".
In 2016 they opened for The B52s and Los Lonely Boys.

The Beginning of My Box Obsession

 

In 1972 I wanted to create artwork that was decorative and functional.
I started to make boxes to organize my belongings.

 

I began by making them out of balsa wood and plaster. Using acrylics I painted on top of the wet plaster and finished the insides with felt. Each one was signed and dated and given away to friends. The plaster was an interesting surface - but over time the boxes weren't very durable and cracked often.

 

Forty five years later while reconnecting with friends on Facebook - I was shocked to discover that many of my friends saved their boxes and still used them to store personal items! The box above has lasted 45 years!

 

I began to re-think the process and see if I could come up with a new method. Using the computer and decoupage I was able to create infinite possibilites and modifications.

 

 

Custom "Secret" Box Construction Revealed!

 

The process may look fast, but its actually a time consuming and labor intensive process.