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In Memory of Mark Coleran

The indellible impact made by a legendary designer, futurist, and innovator.

Johnny here—

Like many in the creative community, I’m saddened by the loss of Mark Coleran.

John LePore and Jayse Hansen navigate Mark's body work and discuss his impact on them personally and professionally.

Mark is best known for popularizing the concept of being a designer dedicated to creating future-vision interfaces. He coined the term FUI (Fantasy/Fictional/Futuristic User Interface), and developed an amazing range of work. Mark also made the ambitious leap from fiction interface design to creating real-world digital products for major brands, and at the time of his passing was working on top-secret projects within Volvo.

If you know me, this journey may sound familiar. I have zero hesitation in stating that my career path was dramatically inspired by Mark. I feel fortunate and proud to have had contributed to beloved films, experiences, and products that I love. These experiences expand well beyond my career and are a part of every aspect of my life. And I can say with absolute certainty that I never would have found this path without seeing Mark’s first reel in 2006.

In the last decade, the trail that Mark blazed spread like wildfire: today there is a cottage-industry full of talented and innovative minds all burning bright. Each of these minds are glowing with an amazing gift— the satisfaction they receive from this work. These glowing torches will keep burning, keep lighting other torches, and keep expanding Mark’s many visions for the future.

Mark— thank you so much for your inspiration, your insight, and your friendship.

And thank you for the first spark, and all that followed.