23 Questions!

With her new exhibition 'A Night In Eden' currently open, it felt like time to expose one of Artisan's favourite freelancers who spends half her time in Australia and the other half in Bali; our beautiful Melati!

What sparked your passion for design?
At school I started graphic design as a subject and I loved that I could use my creativity to communicate. The challenge was how to communicate clearly and for the design to look good. I was hooked.

How creative were you as a youngster?
Very. Always drawing, colouring, building, basically anything creative I tried - I loved and felt was a natural thing for me to do.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I come from a very creative family who have used their creativity as hobbies only. So my field of the design industry was initially misunderstood, but now they are all very supportive, and maybe even a little jealous.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I started graphic design in year 10 at school, then went on to study a BA in Graphic Design for 3 years at La Trobe University in Bendigo. Since then I have done mainly on-site training. I worked in Ireland for 2 years on a weekly magazine which was great training in attention to detail and speed. I have worked in all parts of the industry, starting in publishing then corporate design, creative design, catalogues, magazines, packaging and advertising.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
David Lancashire and Emery Vincent.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project for money was for a café in Bendigo. I painted a naïve painting of the café then created the menu by hand!!! All in gouche. I then gave the owner my painting …all for the price of $100. I think my rate was $2 p/h back then. I learn many things, like valuing my work and time. But really I was just so excited to be doing something I loved.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
I love working on a mac and in the Adobe CS suite. My favourite would be inDesign as it brings together illustrator and photoshop for great layouts. Macs are just getting better and better. I love the imac, it’s a sexy machine and takes up little space as well as being a great tool. I was very sad about Quark changing to inDesign initially but now love the change, I don’t think I could go back.

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
Print, I love bringing illustration or great photographs into my design. And then applying the design to various mediums eg. Posters, CDs, brochures, flyers, business cards, clothes …whatever I can.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I don’t think so. To read a book, a magazine, newspaper, or a brochure to someone’s business is direct contact with the person through words, communication and feel. The feel of the paper, the colour, it’s smell … it’s easier to experience than on screen. I feel that the two work together really well. Hopefully digital technology will help lower the amount we print for environmental reasons. But we are still human so it is nice to have something we can hold.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I love all the mac promotions. They are clear, clean, bold, fun and groovy. Great advertising which works so well with so many people.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Joe Torre, one of my creative directors, even when faced with challenging situations and people he kept his humour and treated others with kindness. He also always treats every job with a new eye of creativity. He’s never lazy with his work. He has inspired me move forward with my design in all situations.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Working for Artisan is up there. Seeing so much of the industry and still being able to keep working is a good thing. Still having my dreams is a great achievement.

How would you describe your work?
Adaptable, simple, clear, quick.

What are your plans for the future?
To become a famous international artist who travels the world. :)

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
Anywhere creative and easy going. Diverse in work with interesting and fun people.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
There are many talented people in Australia. I see a lot of amazing design and ideas around the studios I visit.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Australia is young but has the fortune to be influenced by many cultures, which gives us a lot to work with. On a negative, it is so far from other countries, like Europe which has a history of great design and style.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
All the technology changes which happen so quickly. Probably adapting with all the environmental changes. Who knows what Adobe are up to!

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Painting and dance.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I am terrible when it comes to bars …I forget the names. But like the one at the top of Bourke street!

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.melati.com.au
www.pandji.org
www.evers.com.au
www.google.com
www.apple.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Diana Krall - When I Look In Your Eyes

If I was a font, I’d be...? Voluta Script, flowing…

Do you need an A-List Artisan like Melati in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Jenna NOW.