23 questions!

The fireplace was roaring in the corner. Drinks were flowing. Conversation was ripe. The guys from Fatfish were throwing a shingdig and it was going just grand. In the corner, A-List met the lovely Anne who told us about how she had relocated from interstate and set herself up in Melbourne a little while back. She made such a strong impression that a year later, when the opportunity presented itself, we welcomed her into the Artisan clan with open arms. 23 questions coming your way, Miss Anne.

What sparked your passion for design?
As a child my family did a lot of entertaining, dinner parties with a lot of free expression. I remember one night when I was about 8 or so – my Aunty was singing Wild Thing while dancing and playing the guitar in the living room, everyone was so free and happy. This moment always reminds me to be true to myself and always express my creative talents.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I was a very curious creative child. I loved to draw, paint and make all kinds of things. I always wanted to be something creative from fashion designer to architect. It is awesome that I can be a big kid every day, coming up with crazy ideas having loads of fun and get paid to do this.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
My mum was a Nurse and my dad a Bank Manager. However they are both quite creative and extremely supportive. My Aunty was an interior designer and I looked up to her a lot. One of the best things she told me was to never loose your hand skills. My uncle did a lot of photography in his spare time and had his own dark room. I share his addiction for capturing candid moments beautifully. Mum always said to me, you can do whatever you want as long as you are happy.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I studied Graphic Design at Griffith University, Queensland College of Art. I have a Bachelor of Design Studies, Majoring in Graphic Design. I also did AWARD School (The Australian Writers and Art Directors School) which trains you to focus on coming up with great ideas. I always remind myself "you can't polish a turd", if it's a bad idea no matter how much polishing you do to make it look good it will always be a turd.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I really wanted to be an Art Director when I started. After completing AWARD School I got the job I wanted at Clemenger BBDO Brisbane, as a Junior Art Director/Graphic Designer. I have always aimed high and really go after what I want with passion.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My First freelance job while studying was with Mini Magazine, designing ads for various clients. I remember one of the ads was for an adult shop. I was horrified and even more so when I found out that I had to go into the shop to get the brief. In the end the ad was to have a glamours classy feel, I was very relieved. I think this really helped me learn how to deal with clients by throwing me in the deep end.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? My Preferred software is Adobe CS3 in particular illustrator, I love vector. The greatest advancement would have to be how compact our computers are, with super flat screens and small portable laptops that look super sexy. For instance i am sitting on my lounge with my laptop and a glass of port its fantastic.

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? I am predominantly a print designer. I have specialised in branding and strong layouts. With a strong passion for photography, I love taking photos as well as art directing.

I have been getting into textile design of late and aim to see my designs come to life for my company YUMINI. The beauty of freelancing is that it gives me an exposure to a wide industry base and allows me to work on a variety of interesting projects.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I believe print will always be about, people love the tangible. Nothing beats the smell of a job hot of the press or touching a fabric or stock with your design on it.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I really love Florence Broadhursts work, she is a wallpaper designer that inspires me across so many mediums. She has a beautiful style that is very prominent in the Australian design scene. I love that her work appears on items form hotel suites, wallpaper to hight end couture.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I would have to say Tony Gooley form Designfront in Brisbane. I worked with him beginning as a Junior Designer through to Senior Designer. He really taught me the art of creating a strong minimal layout without the distraction of decoration. A true minimalist.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Having the courage to set up my own company YUMINI, design consultancy, greeting cards, wrapping paper and all pattern making fun. Passions are great but you really need to see them through to be truly happy.

How would you describe your work?
Clean minimal and elegant. I have a strong sense of typography with beautiful layouts often incorporating my illustration skills.

What are your plans for the future?
I am in the midst of setting up my own company YUMINI. I aim to get my products in various gallery stores and online. In the future I would love to have my own retail space with a gallery exhibiting local artists work.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
Fashion related would be great. From layout to branding. I would love to be a designer for Marimekko a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Australian design is very strong and diverse, we tend to adapt very well to briefs without a national design style governing our work.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Best – We don't have a set style that is stereotypical like the Swiss or Japanese. We are continually changing.
Worst – We are so far away from the rest of the world. However traveling is great ;)

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? To be recognised as world leaders, in style and eco-friendly design.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I love to cook and style my meals to be beautiful to look at and eat. I also love to play tennis and release a lot of my energy. Yoga is my way to somehow become balanced.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
mmm… tough question how about I go try them all then tell you, hehe. I do love New Gold Mountain in the city, I love the tulip room.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
http://www.yumini.com.au/
http://www.marimekko.fi/eng
http://www.antoineetmanuel.com/
http://www.ourtype.be/
http://www.thefwa.com/

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Fink, Biscuits for breakfast. He is amazing, beautiful voice and strong acoustic guitar.

If I was a font, I’d be...? A strong sans serif that has been hand crafted to perfection.


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