23 questions!

Give the man a cardboard box, sticky tape and a red texta and he'll make you the fastest creative you've seen in some time. Cryptic? You bet. Have a read and discover more about our new A-List, Tony!

What sparked your passion for design?
I began my career as an airbrush (no not the photoshop kind) illustrator. I didn't really discover my passion for design until my mid-twenties. The grunge scene may have contributed -- Carson, Oliver, Venezky etc.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I loved drawing. I drew from comic books and traced Walt Disney Golden Books. I once tried to make my dad a 1:4 scale cardboard box replica of Peter Brock's Bathurst winning 1979 Torana A9X. All went well until I ran out of sticky tape and red texta. The project stalled after that.

Do you come from a creative family?
No, I think my parents were a little concerned with my childhood obsession with Derwent coloured pencils.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Once my tech school art teacher informed them that my years of Derwent obsession could actually pan out into a legitimate career, they were fine. I still don't think they understand entirely what I do -- "He draws pictures on some sort of computer and someone uses them for something..." They're always happy that I'm happy!

What sort of education and training have you had?
I received my bachelor of arts degree in 1990 from Ballarat University. I did a split major of graphic design and drawing.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
All my friends I grew up with had been working for three years and had cars and fancy stereos. I was just happy to get a job to be honest.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
I had to do some finished art for a one colour business card. It was my first job at a local agency. Their only designer had left so they employed me a month before I'd completed my degree. This was pre-computers so I had to mark-up and order my typesetting, paste-up the elements on art board and create the final bromides. I took it to the printer we were using and he said "Where's the trim marks?" "Trim marks, what are they?" I replied. I didn't know anything.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? Don't have a preference for software. The basic Adobe suite is great. My (designer) friends often joke about how outdated my computer and software are. I use the basic tools without fuss. I still love sketching my ideas before thinking digital. The great advancements that have impacted me are streamlined print technology. Creating seamless colour managed high resolution pdf's certainly changed my world. No more collecting of files and fonts before output. Its pretty foolproof nowadays.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Oh I hope not. I love print. I love the smell, the texture, and the thought required to make amazing print work. There's nothing quite like being at the printers for press checks and tweeking every last adjustment to get that perfect outcome. Yes some press operators have found me unreasonably challenging.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I said to Debbie, you may need a whole other website just to answer this question. In truth I believe we're all inherently creative beings. I watch my three nephews (all under seven) sit at the table drawing. The ideas and the places it takes them. I remember feeling just like that at their age. What an escape! So I admire anyone who is prepared to express themselves creatively and make a mark.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I've been very fortunate over eighteen years to work with some gifted and inspiring individuals. I've enjoyed each person and company I've worked with and have always gained more knowledge than I thought possible. I guess I owe major kudos to the printer that taught me something that three years and thousands of dollars worth of design degree couldn't teach me -- 'trim marks!'

How would you describe your work?
Dedicated.

What are your plans for the future?
Keep doing honest work. Remain inspired. Hopefully inspire others. I'd love to pass on my knowledge and experience to younger creatives. I also have a number of personal projects on the go that I'd love to continue.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
One that encourages growth through mutual experience. I love collaboration and strategic work. A company that recognizes the value of passion, ideas and dedication.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Brilliant!

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
We're slowly embracing the importance of our creative collective.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Profit and greed before integrity.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Painting, music, food, wine and beer -- not necessarily in that order...

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
The ones that don't let me in!

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
Can't choose between the myriad of art and design websites I frequent.
Alternate truth:
http://serendipity.li
www.redicecreations.com
http://wideeyecinema.com
and many others...
oh and of course www.getartisan.com.au

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Kansas -- Two for the show. Is it any good? 1978 live prog rock -- Oh Yeah!

If I was a font, I’d be...? Changes daily, though consistently for eighteen years -- FUTURA. And like Mike said, extremely well kerned!

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