The team here at Column Five is made up of some very special people. They come from all walks of life, they’re creative, and they work very hard. They’re also very interesting. One staff member a week will be profiled on our blog, from our oldest project manager to our newest designer, to introduce the people behind the infographics.
Andrew Effendy
Hometown: Soerabaja, East Java and Bali
Graphic Designer
Started September 7th, 2010
In 144characterswords or less, tell us about yourself.
I’m a graphic designer who graduated from one of the best graphic design programs in the U.S. I love film cameras, and I’ve been taking pictures using film since 2000. Tor Hovind, a California State University, Long Beach design professor, gave me the nickname “Billy the Kid” because I wore Billabong t-shirts all the time. Brian Doan, a photographer and a teacher, said that I was a loyal person—a man who only wanted one woman. He was the only one who could see my loyalty. I am Catholic, and I love Jesus Christ.
What are some bands that are currently on your work playlist?
The Black Ryder, The Kills, Warpaint, and Black Prairie.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Column Five?
They give me a lot of freedom to be very creative.
What movie could you watch for the rest of your life?
Every day is like the movie Training Day. A poem I wrote:
From dawn to midnight,
Los Angeles to Orange County,
every day,
I see the reality of life.
It is good versus bad
and I have to choose between them.
It can break me,
or make me a stronger person.
I’m visual,
and I learn by seeing things.
I love to do it over and over again,
because it makes me stronger
everyday.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen, done, or experienced?
I have invited homeless and poor people to eat dinner with me at a nice restaurant. We spent about half an hour eating on the same table and talking about life. I want to do it more often and in a bigger way.
We asked Andrew to feature some of his favorite projects that he’s worked on:
Column Five – In Caffeine We Trust 
Column Five – The Importance of Data Visualization
Think Quarterly by Google – Happy Planet Index
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I love the art at Column Five, I subscribe to the emailing just for the pleasure of seeing it. I love art. I think after reading this that I love the people that create the art even more….the coolest thing you’ve ever experienced Andrew…way cool.
Thanks Karen!
I enjoyed reading the individual within the artist. Mr. Effendy demonstrates both passion and exuberance-in his work and life-to make a beautiful composition. Much success, Andrew.