23 Questions!

Our latest A-Lister has climbed mountains, love mountains and apparently didn't know the meaning of 'subtle header' when it came to handing in her assignments at high school. She's a bundle of creativity and that's why we're presenting Rachel to you today. Read on...

What sparked your passion for design?
I think it was just in me, it was always the obvious career choice for me.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I was always drawing and I loved art at school. My best friend from Primary School and I spent hours together on the weekends drawing. In High School I always took the time to make my work books colourful and interesting. I had a great set of coloured pens so I went nuts on headings. No plain old red, blue or black for me.

Do you come from a creative family and were they supportive of your desire to be a designer? My Dad is pretty good with a pencil and paper and my Uncle makes sculptures. My other family members are creative in their own ways. They have always been supportive of what I wanted to do. Mum made me change schools for years 10-12 to a school that offered a greater selection of creative subjects. I wasn't happy at the time leaving my friends but it was definitely a good move. Thanks Mum!

What sort of education and training have you had?
I completed a Bachelor of Design at RMIT and also did fourth year Bachelor of Design Honours.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I wasn't really sure. It was a big wide world to explore. I just wanted to get a good fit and be happy.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first real design project was a brochure for CSIRO. I was really happy with it and I love a good bit of type to deal with. I only just took it out of my folio.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I love InDesign and Photoshop, the Adobe products integrate really well. Illustrator is great too but there are a few things that could be improved. Technology is going nuts all the time, where would we be without the internet. I remember having to do an assignment at Uni about the internet and I didn't even know what it was .... that was a long time ago!

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? From school age to Uni I experimented with pencils, paint, pastels, charcoal, photography, lino printing ... anything and everything really. I loved drawing the most then but now I would love to explore painting, nothing too detailed just free flowing and colourful. A bit of print making would be great too. I am on a MAC most days so it would be good to get my hands dirty.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Digital technology is progressing rapidly but I believe there will always be a place for print. I love print and I love paper!

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Helen Kontouris is a good friend of mine and an awesome furniture designer. I admire her ambition, strength and creativity. She is always onto something new and is very passionate about what she does - www.helenkontouris.com

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I have worked with a lot of fabulous people who have taught me a lot. Whether it be a Manager or a Junior there is so much to gain from listening, respecting and taking on board what everyone has to say.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Climbing Mt Kinabalu, Borneo. It was extremely windy, freezing cold and very tough. A mental and physical challenge.

How would you describe your work?
Clean, a bit corporate, good use of colour.

What are your plans for the future?
I would love to work in a small to medium company that loves creativity with a team of people that I can learn from and bounce ideas off. There is always something to learn, things to see and do. More travel is definitely a must.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A small to medium friendly company who values work/life/balance.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
It's great, so much talent, so many styles ... there is always something different.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
I think there is a lot of opportunity in Australia. We are surrounded by so many amazing things, great landscapes, fabulous cities and a great mix of cultures.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Surviving the economic downturn and not being overtaken by American influences so that Australian design can keep it's own identity.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Just being out and about, sights, sounds, colour. Taking in the world, meeting people and experiencing great food.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I love Spice Market, the layout and decor is amazing. I love moroccan/asian influences.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.dafont.com
www.lovelypackage.com
www.facebook.com
www.lonelyplanet.com.au
www.abc.net.au/triplej

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Ladyhawk, self titled album - it's great. I sing to it in the car when nobody can hear me.

If I was a font, I’d be...? Din. It's a favourite of mine.


Do you need an A-List Artisan like Rachel in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Elke NOW!