Our latest A-List has only just returned from the UK. Now back in Australia, she walked into the Artisan offices and had us saying "Wow!" before we knew it. Meet Georgia...

What sparked your passion for design?
Nothing ever ‘sparked’ my passion for design, it just always been something I knew I wanted to be involved in.

How creative were you as a youngster?
Very. I used to design dresses out of old bed sheets, using my poor, long suffering little brother as a mannequin. I moved from dresses to turban-style headwear when he refused to be draped in sheets. When he wasn’t around I’d spend hours sketching on the living room floor – I think I kept Reflex Paper in business.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
My family has always been supportive of me. While they’re not creative in the sense that I am, both my dad and brother are incredibly funny which I think is creativity in it’s own right. And my mum’s always had a passion for, and been involved with music and drama.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Monash University and have worked at a variety of companies both in Australia and London. I’ve also spent a lot of time traveling. ‘Life’ education is as important as anything you can get out of a textbook.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Anyone who was willing to pay me!

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
It was an invitation to a benefit night on behalf of an AFL club. I think my creative director gave me three days to work on it. If only deadlines were that generous nowadays!

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I love Illustrator. I’m not sure why – it has always just made sense to me. Greatest advancement – the industry is the move to InDesign. Seamless integration. Very pleasing!

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? I’ve always worked in print-based design and incorporate Illustration when appropriate. I’ve recently worked on the development of a couple of content managed websites which I thought was really interesting – I’d love to know more about designing for web.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
No, I don’t think so. I think print will always have its place. There’s something quite lovely about having something produced that is tactile and has a ‘physical’ presence.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Studios like Frost are really putting Australia on the design map.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? In my very first job I worked with a Senior Artworker who had the patience of a saint. He taught me everything he knew about artworking and print processes – I’ve always really valued having this in-depth knowledge.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Living and working in London. While sometimes being so far away was tough, it was also the most exciting, enjoyable and rewarding thing I’ve done so far.

How would you describe your work?
I’d like to think (hope!) that my work is well thought out and intelligent. I’m not into design for design’s sake.

What are your plans for the future?
I’ve only just returned to Melbourne having lived in London for almost five years. I’m keen to properly settle in here and really ‘get stuck in’ (as an old flatmate used to say). There’s a great design culture here, as well as loads to explore. I’m excited to be back.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
It is important to me that I work with a company that strives to produce intelligent, well thought out design solutions for their clients regardless of job size or budget. Considering how much time you spend at work, I think it’s really important that companies promote and foster good working environments… A couple of post work beers on a Friday never hurt.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Australian design is great – we’re really beginning to stand up and be noticed.

What is the worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Being so far away from Europe and all it has to offer.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Crunchy credit and the world’s gloomy economic situation. Whether the industry flourishes as businesses really push to promote their product or continues to slow right down as companies begin to tighten ship remains to be seen.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I’ve become somewhat renowned for hand-making birthday presents for my friends. A rather time consuming habit, but good fun. I’m a keen illustrator and when I have time am often found mucking about with acrylic paint. I’ve also recently discovered a fondness for playing lead guitar on Guitar hero – we’re currently taking the band on tour.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Certainly one of the most interesting is the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. An eclectic mix of randomness!

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm. Love it.

If I was a font, I’d be...? Boton. Classic with a modern twist.

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