23 questions!

Dancer Sarah chose to study design, and learned how to make her magic translate from her feet, to her head, to her fingertips, to the page.

1. What sparked your passion for design?
My passion for design has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I think the spark has always been there, and it intensified as my creative awareness grew.

2. How creative were you as a youngster?
Creativity through dance has been an important part of my life since I was 5 years old. I involved myself in this, and studied dance to a high level of achievement. I have always felt an urge to be creative, and a great deal of my childhood was spent being involved in creative activities.

3. Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Yes, I come from a highly creative family. We have family members who are interior designers, architects, graphic designers, artists, and photographers. We are all creative in a variety of ways.

My family was extremely supportive of my desire to be a Designer. We all encourage each other to do our best at all times, and to always pursue our dreams and goals. Encouragement and support for each other is paramount.

4. What sort of education and training have you had?
For my last two years of secondary schooling, I attended the Queensland Dance School of Excellence. For some time I thought I might pursue a career in the dance industry, but on completion of the course, decided to change career paths. My choice was to attend the Queensland College of Arts (Griffith University) to do a Bachelor of Design majoring in Communication/Graphic Design.

5. Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
A Design firm who loved challenges, and who listed the aspect of growth as important. A company who had an immense passion for Design and one that loved to push the boundaries.

6. Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project was doing some design work for a grass roots charity organization. It involved brochures and a book layout. I felt satisfied when the task was completed, and I am still happy with the job I completed.

7. 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 the MAC OS software and Adobe Creative Suite. I really love working with either Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator .The greatest advancement in technology would have to be the Apple Macs. They really have perfected the design of computers with their sleek, modern and innovative lines.

8. What are the various mediums that you've worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
The mediums I have worked with specifically are paint, collage, photography (I don't think there is anything more emotive than a great black and white image), illustration, and the variance in computer creativity. I would like to explore other mediums as the opportunity arises.

9. Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I think digital technology will really boom in the years to come, but I don't think it will ever eliminate print. I think the public will always love the idea of the natural qualities that are associated with print. But yes, I think it is the way of the future because of the way computer and technology advancements are influencing our lives.

10. Whose work do you really admire and why?
The work that I really admire would have to be the work of Sagmeister. He really pushes the boundaries of design; and his style is immensely influential within the Graphic Design industry. He has a really quirky way of making his mark.

11. Who has been the greatest person that you've ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
The people at Inovoke Creative. They are a wonderful group of people, and have been responsible for my growth and development in Design up to date. I have learnt pretty much everything I know from them.

12. What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I feel it is hard to isolate one achievement. But, if I had to nominate just one, I would say that it is my awareness of wanting to be part of the Design industry. I feel it is important to realise that you are working in an industry that means an incredible lot to you

13. How would you describe your work?
I think my work is very clean with elements of both the creative and the corporate. I think my work is very fluid.

14. What are your plans for the future?
To experience, and be part of all that the Melbourne design industry has to offer me. To gain further experience and a broader knowledge which will enable me, through advancement, to eventually work in leadership roles within the industry. I would one day like to work as a Creative Director, directing a Design firm. I would like to travel, and experience other cultures.

15. What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company that welcomes a challenge. One that embraces all the ideas and characteristics that sets it apart from other Design firms. One whose work environment is conducive to good design, and excellent client outcomes. Working with a team that is driven & and eager to learn from each other. A company that is pushing the boundaries in the creative industry.

16. What is your opinion of Australian design?
I think the Australian design industry is definitely leaving its mark and becoming a reputable force within the world of design. We are a young country and it will take time. But I believe we are making great gains in this field.

17. What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing about being a Designer in Australia is that we are part of the growth seen within the industry. We can share in the immergence of new and innovative ideas.

The worst thing is the geographical (physical) distance between us and the Design capitals of the world. The advancement in technology lessons the distance to some extent, but the distances have to be traveled.

18. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
I think the greatest challenge the Australian Design industry has to face is keeping its own design identity, and uniqueness.

19. What is your creative outlet outside of design?
My creative outlet outside of design is listening to music, visiting art galleries, and my involvement in a charity which supports impoverished people in Cambodia.

20. What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I have only been in Melbourne a short time, and am therefore not very familiar with the bars here yet. I have been to a couple like Cookie, St Jerome's, Double happiness, and Madam Brussels and loved each one of them. All very unique and quirky in their own ways.

21. What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.fffound.com
www.designisinky.com
www.thecoolhunter.com.au
www.lonelyplanet.com
www.runawaynow.com

22. What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
There are a couple of CD's I am loving at the moment. Angus and Julia Stone - A Book Like This, Xavier Rudd - Dark Shades of Blue, Kings of Leon - Only By Night.

23. If I was a font, I'd be...?
I would be Helvetiva Neue, it's versatile, clean, and modern.

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