João Machado - The Futures Interview - all that we are (fka the future is beautiful)

artwork by Kiran Patel/Illustrating Rain

João Machado

João Machado is a young graphic designer with a particular interest in book design. His academic and professional paths have seen him living in cities like Barcelona (Spain), Denver (U.S.) and London (U.K.) where he graduated with distinction from the MA Graphic Design Communication course at Chelsea College of Art & Design. Currently João resides in Lisbon, his hometown, where he works independently. Machado has had exhibitions at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Royal College of Arts (London), Tecla Sala (Barcelona) and Experimenta Design (Lisbon).

?!X: What’s the Future You Choose?

JM: My utopia is of a world of unity, democracy, love and peace (and a good soundtrack to go along with it). Just like John Lennon imagined. The future I choose is a consequent one, built on the theory that the future is actually now, so living the moment with balance and devotion is a recurrent mantra. No 3rd or 1st world. No 2nd or 1st class.

?!X: What’s a ‘think’ to create this future?

JM: Buckminster Fuller and Lawrence Weiner on a think tank. vimeo.com/5051923.

?!X: What’s an ‘act’ to create the future you choose

JM: Stay in the moment and just get stuff done. Straight through. Stay positive. Be honest to yourself. Love your lover, your family and your friends.

?!X: What’s a ‘vote’ to create the future you choose?

JM: I would rather suggest that we simply look after those around us. I tend to believe that if we all do something on a micro sphere, then the macro effects will disseminate in a manner that is way more embedded into culture. The result of that will also feel more rewarding as it will be visible to your eyes, whatever it is. The idea of choosing a cause can be too loaded. Before doing that – d.i.y.

?!X: Future Soundtrack – What song would you take with you into the future?

NH: The Beatles- Good Day Sunshine (Steromasters 2009)