In the past three years since John Taylor first launched his solo career after leaving Duran Duran, he has been able to establish a link with his old and new fans. The link came closer together after his web site, trusttheprocess.com, was created by graphic designer Patty Palazzo. Her position evolved by becoming John Taylor's assistant at TTP. Recently, I was able to get the scoop about her exciting role in John's career and where it is going.

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Q/A:

What is your background?
I was born February 28, 1971 in Akron, Ohio . I entered the graphic design program at Kent State University, graduated with a BFA in '93. After that I started a design company with a friend. We started by designing graphics on t-shirts. We had our own line of tees that we sold in college towns and small boutiques. Eventually, we took on outside design projects as well. At the end of 1995 I moved to Los Angeles to pursue the world of freelance graphic design. I was interested in the music industry and that was when I was able to do a few things for John.

How did you get started in the web design business?
By accident actually! My education and training was in print design, not web design. When I started working with John he was beginning to develop a web site. He had someone else doing it at the time, but as it progressed, I had certain ideas graphically that I thought it could aspire to. John said, "Well, why don't you do it then?," and then one thing led to another, and I ended up taking it over and have been pretty much manning the thing since late '97.

Can you tell me how your working relationship with John came about?
I hooked up with him through Beverly, his assistant in '95. I heard he was doing a solo album and starting a record\label studio. I saw it as an opportunity and wanted to get involved. I ended up first doing the logo for B5 records, then did some logos and t-shirts for Neurotic Outsiders. In '97 his assistant moved on and I was there, so I just filled in the gap! All the while I started doing more design work here and there for John (stuff for B5, Autodidact, and Roxy tribute covers). Then came the web site, we started a merchandising company called TTP , and started touring...and here we are today!

Did you know anything about John Taylor before you accepted the job?
How could I not! I grew up in the 80's hooked on all of the Brit pop of that time. I read "Star Hits!" I actually got turned onto John through the Power Station though (my first concert!), but got into DD after that. I always admired him and when I saw that opportunity to possibly do some work for him, I jumped at it.

What is your typical day like?
Typical day...there isn't one! It depends on what John is involved in at the time, i.e.: in the studio, playing shows, filming, etc. Our office is also my apartment, so the first thing that usually gets done is checking the e-mail. From there it depends...there could be meetings to attend, a day of working on the web site or art work (like presently, I'm finishing up the art work on John's second Japan album), a day of John and I just goofing off and\or conceiving art projects for no particular reason! At it's most hectic, a day can involve all of the above!

What are the good and bad points of your job?
Good points: First and foremost, working with a great person, someone I like, respect and get along well with. Working in such a creative environment covering so many aspects (music, art, and film), being around other creative people and ideas. The creative freedom I have is fantastic and leaves lots of room to experiment and grow. In terms of the site, it's great to put something together that has meaning to many individuals out there (on many levels). That's pretty cool!

Bad points: I could say e-mail from hell, but that's part of it isn't it?! That's going to happen. We're going to get sh*t thrown at us too (everyone does)!. The good far outweighs the bad, so I can't complain.

Any upcoming plans?
There's always something in the pipeline (though, I can't really talk about all of yet...don't wanna jinx anything!). More JT releases, hopefully some live dates in some capacity, more down loads on the site, further development on Meltdown Radio (possibly a "phone in" live streaming chat through it!). We have a lot of goodies floating around the office that will always keep the site interesting.

Where would you like to see the web site and John's career go in the future?
Onward and upward...bigger, better, and more!

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