23 Questions!

In recent times, Artisan has been very lucky to meet a swag of very talented copywriters. One of the newer to join the Artisan clan is Branka. What better way to welcome someone to the family than to do a bit of a profile on them? Read and find out more.

What sparked your passion for writing?
Getting hit by lightning... just kidding... I guess I’ve always wanted to be a writer. When I was younger I discovered that writing let me reveal how I was feeling in an indirect way and I could ‘say things’ without actually saying them. Creative story writing used to be my favourite past time, until I started playing the guitar and got into song writing. So being a copywriter is fantastic because it allows me to combine what I love doing with my career

How creative were you as a youngster?
Put it this way, I never had any dolls when I was young (insert violin music here). But it never bothered me, pencils and paper were all I needed and drawing, writing, scribbling, was more than enough.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a writer?
Both my parents are mechanical engineers, but that’s just their day job. My dad is a fantastic drawer and musician (it was on his guitar that I first learned how to play) and my mum has been known to come up with some very imaginative stories.

What sort of education and training have you had?
In terms of ‘formal writing education’ I can’t really say that I’ve had all that much, but it never stopped me from being a good writer. You know how some people say that formal education ‘kills your natural talent’? Well I never wanted to take the risk and find out whether that’s true or not ;)

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Fufff... that’s a difficult question. My story is a bit complicated (and a little too long for this questionnaire) but I will say that it was very important for me to work with people I could learn something from, people who were great at what they do and wanted to pass on the knowledge.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
A slogan for a new brand of drinking water that had just come out at the time. Honestly, the memory of that project has long ago been washed away...

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I love Photoshop! If it was a person I’d marry it and have a new, creative and colourfully manipulated marriage every day... And it’s come a long way since I was first introduced to it (when it was only ver.7). On a more serious note, even though I’m a writer, I prefer to think visually, which is why I do graphic design on the side.

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? I’ve worked with almost everything except film, but I’m sure there’s plenty of time for new experiences.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Never!!!! We’re all human and therefore have a need for touching and feeling with all of our senses, not just sight. Some say that technology will kill print, but I can hardly imagine curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and my laptop, reading a magazine or a book on the computer screen. Yuck! Give me print any day!

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I like to believe that you should give credit when credit is due and therefore I admire work that is creative, interesting, imaginative, clever, catchy, engaging and most importantly inspiring. I love when I see a great piece of work that makes me want to do something great too... it really doesn’t matter who it’s by.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? There isn’t enough space to put everyone, so it’s hard to single just one person out. But if there was a gun pointed to my head and I really, really had to, I would say that it was Natasa Radicevic from Orange Studio. She is an inspiration and I have learnt a lot from her, not just about work, but also about friendship and life... and the power of a smile...

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Doing what I love as a career. I’m still young and I have a long way to go, but one day when I’m a creative director, ask me this question again ;)

How would you describe your work?
I let it speak for itself.

What are your plans for the future?
To inspire and be inspired...

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
One with a fresh, creative and innovative perspective.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Depends on which part of Australia we’re talking about. In general I think it’s fantastic and it’s only going to get better, but there are some parts of Australia that are, in my opinion, lacking a bit (let’s just say my stay in Perth wasn’t very inspiring in terms of design).

What is the best/worst thing about being a writer in Australia?
It’s not a niche profession...

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian writing industry has to face in the near future? Whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll get through it just fine.

What is your creative outlet outside of writing?
Graphic design, photography, my band...

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I love the Forum. I think it’s awesome how when you’re in there at 2am in the morning you feel like you’re in some coastal town at dusk.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.deviantart.com
www.behance.net
www.thedieline.com
http://portfoliobase.com
http://abduzeedo.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Rob Thomas – Cradle Song
Nah, it’s no good, that’s why I’m listening to it... hahaha... just kidding, I love it, he’s my lyrical idol!

If I was a font, I’d be...?
Beyond Wonderland... imagine all the wonderful things I’d find there...


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