Robert Harkness, Assistant Art Director

What does your role mean to the daily operations of PB?
"My daily responsibilities revolve around the layout, artwork, and photography in the magazine. I work with the editors, and commission illustrators and photographers to find the most articulate way to present the content of the magazine."

How long have you had your gig, and how did you score it?
"I started work here seven months ago, two days after I graduated from college (which, for an art student doesn't happen often). During my final semester at USC, I was contacted by the Art Director here who was putting together the team in L.A. as the company transitioned from Chicago. Let's just say I was pretty shocked. I interviewed, got the job, and haven't looked back since."

Who's your favorite cover model of all-time, and why?
"My favorite photo is of Olga Schoberova on the March 1964 issue. That photo is so classic, and photographers today are still shooting in that style."

What article do you feel has held the most weight in the company's lengthy history?
"The Playboy Philosophy is hands down the most influential group of articles in the company's history. It's been modern since 1962. For me personally, I'd say the MLK interview from 1965 is very powerful. It's so much more penetrating than what we read in history books growing up. I draw a lot of parallels between the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for equal rights that we find ourselves in today."

In five words or less, tell us what Playboy means to you.
"Bold, insightful, aspirational, sexy, enduring."

What's your favorite aspect of the new Civic Center space?
"'Thirsty Thursdays' at the Playboy Bar."

Give us scoop on something you don't think anyone knows about the company, its history, or vibe.
"Everyone has a strong opinion of Playboy. I know I did, but I've been pleasantly surprised. This company is so much more than a mansion full of beautiful girls, it's a benchmark of American freedom. People my age weren't alive to experience Playboy's activism during the early decades, and I think we tend to take for granted all the freedoms that the brand fought for back then. But, while it is important to know where Playboy has been, today it's a youthful, relevant, and really fun place to work … Really fun."