Geoff is a self-described “graphic designer with a camera” who runs LookatLao Studio, a small design and photography outfit in Seattle. He tends to work with people who like food, wine, and cocktails. He studied graphic design in San Francisco at a fancypants art school during the late eighties shortly before computers started to matter. He is a bit long in the tooth.

Home Town

Arcata, California

First Restaurant Job

McDonald’s fry cook at age 16.

Last Restaurant Job

Waiter at Monsoon (O.G. Staff in 1999).

Longest Restaurant Job

Waiter at Trattoria Mitchelli from 1990 to 1995.

REASON TO QUIT LONGEST RESTAURANT JOB

To become a high school English teacher in Thailand.

Alternate Universe Career

Radio DJ

Favorite Late Night Snack

Tacos or Ramen.

Can't Live Without

ไก่ทอดกระเทียมไข่ดาว

After Work Hangout

Sun Liquor on Summit

Favorite Seattle Restaurants

Anchovies & Olives (natch), Harvest Vine, Sitka & Spruce, Monsoon, Ma‘ono, Aoki, Marjorie, Bar del Corso

Favorite Place In The World

Ong's Bar in Ayutthaya, Thailand or The Upper Enchantment Lakes in the North Cascades, Washington.

Design Philosophy

Design is a job. God is in the details. Design drunk, refine sober.

Favorite Movie Quote

“I have to return some videotapes.”

Last Job Ever

Senior Interactive Designer at Phinney Bischoff Design House

Best Reason To Quit Agency Job And Go Solo

Advance from Ten Speed Press to shoot the photos for Ethan Stowell's New Italian Kitchen cook book.

What's On The Nightstand?

An Appetite for Wonder by Richard Dawkins, The 2013 Print Regional Design Annual, Hawkeye Comics from Fraction/Aja

What's on the DVR?

Luther, The Killing, PBS Mind Of A Chef, Family Guy, Miami Vice, Mad Men, Always Sunny

What's on The iPod?

Currently listening to: Little Dragon, El Rego, Elvis Costello, Hiatus Kaiyote, Die Antword, Nick Cave, Chet Faker, Frank Ocean, King Krule, Kendrick Lamar, Steely Dan, Mount Kimbe, Rhye, Sun Kil Moon

What I've Learned

The world doesn’t change when you see it differently.