23 questions!

Ron came into Artisan back in January this year with his English accent, wacky sense of humour, and a burning desire to make the world a better place through design. With that sort of enthusiasm, how could we not send him forth into Melbourne?

What sparked your passion for design?
I think it would have to be the cover artwork for The Stone Roses first album, the one with half cut lemons, sat on a background aerial shot of some streets, with 'The Stone Roses' in big gold type and the 'o' in 'Roses' replaced with a half cut lemon, brilliant! The background kind of looks like the infamous starting credits of Eastenders. It was the first time I really admired a design and wished I had done it!

How creative were you as a youngster?
As a kid I'd draw all the time. Transformers, airplanes, type in the shape of dragons tails, all sorts of stuff.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
After all this time, my parents still have no idea what I do! They think I draw things for half an hour then spend the rest of the day hanging out in cafes and reading books, saying that they have been very supportive in everything I do.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I grew up & went to Uni in England, studying Graphical Communication, then once over here I did a Post Grad Dip in Graphic Design at RMIT.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I didn't really want to work with anyone particular, I was more interested in working for cool clients, mostly bands or TV personalities.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project was designing a folder with a pocket, for a local medical practice. I had no idea how the pocket worked. It turned out fine, but looked awful, blurry watermarks should be banned. Looking back I still feel, embarrassed, ashamed, used, scared and a little bit hungry!

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
The CS suite is my best friend, like a parent I don't really have favourites. The greatest advancement in technology would have to be Daft Punk, definitely. They're no longer human, they've evolved into a bunch of neon lights, electricity and repetitive bleeps!

Networking sites like Facebook and the like are impressive, PDF proofs are all right as well.

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
I've worked with the usual suspects - print, web, pencils and crayons, I'd love to have a crack at film sometime.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I don't think so, for me digital technology like the tinterweb is just another way to access/create information. There's something special about the tactile quality printed items posses, plus digital and printed items tend to work well together and create a more accessible experience.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I really like Stefan Sagmeister’s whole approach to graphic design and Adrian Shaughnessy’s critique and design writings. At the moment I love the stuff Wolff Olins is doing, then again who doesn't?

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Recently I've been working with TANK in Port Melbourne, that was a real pleasure, I admire their collective enthusiasm and interest in anything remotely related to design. They've inspired me to work towards creating fresh, meaningful work.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Eloping with my lovely wife Jasmin last year, that was, and probably will be the best thing I've ever done. (Awwww, puke!)

How would you describe your work?
Creative, simple, cheap & clean!

What are your plans for the future?
I'd like to learn as much as possible from the many talented graphic design personalities out there, just trying to soak it up at the moment!

The big picture goal would be to create a varied and interesting body of work, that is culturally aware and is socially beneficial/resonates with people, something to be proud of when I'm 65!

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I love design studios that have a strong belief system, take pride in crafting and laboring over the minutest of details, just to create something beautiful, however large or small it might be. There's plenty of places out there doing amazing stuff, init.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
I do have difficulty defining an actual Australian style, but there's loads of fantastic, creative designers in Australia. For example I really like what Is Not Magazine has done, it's fun, cheeky and different, Frost Design are always creating excellent work, and many others, it's all inspiring.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Best thing: Strong, healthy creative community, in all aspects of design, especially in Melbourne.
Worst thing: I wish we could move the whole Northern Hemisphere and put it next to New Zealand.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
I think there needs to be more critical writing on design, like Open Manifesto and the forums organised by Stephen Banham, I think they're both excellent and pushing the industry forward, AGDA is also great, (although I'd like to see their members fees come down!).

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Playing drums, photography, football and eating ice-cream.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
At the moment I really like The Markov in Carlton, it's got brilliant Spanish posters all around sand a Mojitto that takes you straight to summer.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.ffffound.com
www.formfiftyfive.com
www.itsnicethat.com
www.threethousand.com.au
www.guardian.co.uk

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
The Dodos. Ayeeeeeaaaaahhhhhsssss.

If I was a font, I’d be...? Clarendon, bold - set in gold foil on uncoated black card.

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