23 questions!

You don't need A-List to tell you how difficult it can be to find excellent Flash and New Media creatives out there. Yet, we've come across an absolute gem with our Danielle. Another recent addition to the Artisan team, Danielle has already won our hearts along with our web browsers. We took a moment to steer her away from the code to give us an insight into what makes her virtual world tick.

What sparked your passion for design?
Not sure, ive always been creative, since I was young. One days I just decided to get into design.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I always liked to draw, though not very well, so then I got into photography in high school

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Well, my family cant draw to save themselves, but I was always encouraged creatively, I guess my parents thought I was headed that way too.

What sort of education and training have you had?
When I finished high school, I flounded a bit, not sure of what I really wanted to, after a few crappy jobs I Suddenly decided on design,I know its a cliché, but it was like a light bulb going off in my head, so then I went back to study, and got a Diploma and then Honours Degree in Design.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
When I first entered the industry I wanted to get into the big agencies, and then it happened, even when I was still studying. Very lucky.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
First big project was with a big client with a crazy deadline, I was thrown into the deep end, but I survived and learned a lot.

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 Photoshop, Illustrator, most of the Adobe suite really. Biggest advancement, the whole internet thing I guess, what you can do now is a amazing. I think the the industry is also completely overlooking Microsoft Silverlight as an alternative to flash, did I say that!........

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? I have worked with multimedia mainly but I would love to explore print, and on a personal level I would love to try painting and screen printing.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
There will always be a need for physical information you can hold in your hand. I know I can get all my news from the web, but I still prefer to read the paper, magazines. It keeps you connected with the real world.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Well, I could right a list 100 names long, but at the moment, I love illustrators like Catalina Estrada, Sanna annukka, Si Scott, Tado, 123 Klan, Rinzen, jeremyville, and the old style wallpapers of Florence Broadhurst.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
All of my creative directors so far have been great people with a lot of knowledge to give.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Being able to break into the industry with large agencies.

How would you describe your work?
My Professional style, well I will work with whatvever style in needed. However my personal style is Colorful, playfull, childlike. All my personal work focuses on nature.

What are your plans for the future?
My ultimate aim is to become a fulltime illustrator, until then I will use my design and digital skills to work.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would love to work with any Agency that has the passion to be creative and innovative.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
It's improving, there a lot of motivated people out there that really want to put Oz on the Map for design.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Best thing, Australian design is getting exciting, were starting to seriously compete with the rest of the world. Worst thing, junior designers often don't get the respect they deserve with their hard work, and still get paid very poorly.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Keeping up with the rest of the world. Keeping quality designers over here, rather then being snatched up overseas.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Keeping fit, music, going out, the usual stuff....

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Never really thought about it.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.etsy.com.au - awesome craft/design store
www.newwebpick.com
www.Delicious.com, completely irreplacable for all your resources
www.psdtutes.com
www.bloglines.com - I get all my design news from there.

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
ColdPlays latest. It awesome.

If I was a font, I’d be...? avenir......

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