a-list / aniko :: graphic designer :: bne
I can’t remember exactly, but I’m sure photography and interior design played a big part in it.
How creative were you as a youngster?
Quite good at drawing and arts in general… I used to keep diary type “journals” - featuring cut-outs of my favourite bands/tv shows of the minute. If I think about it now, I was creating (celebrity) magazine layouts before I even realised it, ha-ha! I wish I still had those notebooks now!
Do you come from a creative family?
Yes, I think so. Dad is a carpenter/cabinet maker/boatbuilder – he has created great things from a block of wood over the years, including furniture, and toys for us kids. I remember he made prams for our dolls and a rocking horse for Christmas. Mum is a cook, so she’s been creative with her cooking and baking. (Hungarian food – say no more!) Also she used to sew clothes for us from fashion pattern books. My sisters were always good at art/hair/make-up/sawing, so yes, I come from a creative family.
Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I gave up a secure (boring) job with a career to start fresh in a brand new profession – so they were hoping that I have done the right thing. They agree now that it was the best decision I’ve ever made and I never looked back!
What sort of education and training have you had?
I went to Natcoll Design Technology in Auckland. It was a great practical, hands-on course with real focus on design applications used in the industry in real life. I also studied interior decorating and have valuable life experience - having been in the workforce for years before I studied design.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
As I mentioned before, I gave up a good job, so: anyone who would pay me… he-he… But seriously though, I got snapped up by a publishing company, pretty much straight out of school, I was really lucky. Also I was just happy to learn more and more, that’s what I wanted.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first job as a junior magazine designer I was doing all the little tasks that don’t make it to the front page. Like scanning, doing corrections, creating little illustrations, graphs – oh those graphs!! (I forgot about you, graphs - grrr!). So much I have learned there! So I feel that I have experienced magazine design from the ground up, which gave me excellent knowledge of how this specialised branch of the industry works. I love layout work.
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
InDesign – I love it, and it’s changed a lot since its early years. For example, now it is integrated with web design – which is amazing!
Digital technology has seen the greatest advancement in my opinion, and not just in our industry. Phones – TVs – cameras, etc… I’m trying to keep up!
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Never. I believe that the printing industry itself is undergoing huge technical advancements and changes. Maybe newspapers will be phased out eventually – because the news is on the net as soon as it happens, - but I don’t think that a screen will ever replace the need for magazines and books. Call me old-fashioned, but there is just something very comforting about taking a book to read in bed…!
Whose work do you really admire and why?
At the moment I love David Downton’s fashion illustrations. He is an iconic figure in his industry, his work is classy, colourful and classic.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
I have learnt something different from everyone I have worked with and the lessons are all-beneficial, both the do’s and don’ts.
How would you describe your work?
Simple, elegant, colourful, tidy, effective, creative and unique.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future I would like to use my skills working for a laid-back creative agency where I can work with excellent senior creatives and peers and push the boundaries of graphic design. In the far future I would like to run my own agency.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
My attitude is that anything is possible. I’m a hard worker and never missed a deadline. I would like to work in an up-to-date, inspiring modern office environment. I’ve always wanted to work in a creative agency where new ideas are always welcome and my work is valued.
What is your opinion of Australian design?
I think it’s free-spirited and cutting edge across all mediums. Although our industry needs to educate the clients (and everyone) on the importance of using the services of a graphic designer. (e.g.: There are still so many “home-made” logos are out there! It takes more than Microsoft word loaded on a PC! )
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The worst: there is a lot of competition for work. Which is also the good thing too: we are not going to run out of inspired creative minds!!!
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Recognising and nurturing real talent. (Nowadays everyone seems to be a designer.)
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I love gardening. I am working on transforming our patch of grass into a tropical paradise, plant by plant. Also I love interior design – and photography – which reminds me: I need a new camera!
What is the best designed bar in Brisbane?
I live outside of Brisbane, so I would love to be educated on the subject. Perhaps go on a guided tour…?
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Best of the Foo Fighters – their Riverstage gig was awesome.
If I were a font, I’d be...?
At the moment I’d rather be a paragraph, with a subhead of Fairfield LT Std – 45 Light – pt 14 on 11 – 1mm space after (All Caps). My body text is of TheMix Veolia – W2 ExtraLight – pt 6.5 on 9. A complementary mix of old with new, as I like an eclectic mix of things, especially a beautiful, well proportioned serif font. And no, I’m not aligned to the baseline grid at present. Just floating freely… J
